I think I’m into something dumb or impossible, and would appreciate some guidance out of this fix….
I’ve put in a mortarless brick walkway from my front porch to the sidewalk. That part is fine…but there is a single, short (about 4″) step just outside the gate. I sunk some bricks on end to form the riser, and ran bricks across the top to serve as the step.
The problem is that the top bricks keep shifting, emptying the sand between them, getting even looser, and finally sliding off the riser bricks. No one’s been hurt so far, but I think I’m pushing my luck.
Is there any way, short of building a concrete step, to hold those blasted bricks in place?
Replies
PL premium & mortar works whenever i have to do one
I googled PL premium--this sounds great. Could I conceivably glue all the bricks together into one long step that's too heavy to shift?
I was also wondering if there was any kind of not-very noticable stake or anchor I could place on the sides to hold things steady...all I'm finding are things that hold the edges secure.
Thanks for your help--
we use a plastic edging that comes in about a 8' length and is held in place with long spikes , about 10"
the first time i came upon glued interlocks they were used to build a step about 2' high and man did they hold together
have on a number of occasions built steps on interlocks using bricks @ pl spacing joints the same as on a wall ,then filling joints with mortar looks neat and customers love it
i like to use a soldier course to edge the walksMike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
Replace the last 12" or so with a one piece granite (or local sone) step.
It'll look good and won't move.
Rod
Thanks for the ideas--I do like the look of granite...but what's PL premium? I'd like to understand all my options.
you either have to set the bricks in mortar , or make your tread out of something else.. like bluestone
mason supply houses sell stone treads
Yeah, PL Premium or Gorilla Glue.
Another approach is to drill them and run rods through.I don't know where you are, but in freezing climates you don't want to use conventional mortar construction -- freezing water will split things apart/
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