Made another mess...

[mrusk]

We broke ground a new job tuesday. It took us about 2 hours to make a big mess. Its a really good design that will be execute in 2 phases.

We have alot of different elements. We have cultured stone pillars with wing walls. Techo bloc walk with irregular wet laid mixed in.

It is the flattest lot in the subdivison. Yet the customer requested a design with STEPS! Wait till you see what we are doing. I think this will be one of my top jobs.

[chardscapes]

Looks like a bunch of foxholes.

[-EGLC-]

Sounds like its going to be a pretty cool job Matt!!

[mrusk]

Looks like a bunch of foxholes.

They are!!! We are preparing for obamanation!


That was day 1. We dug pillar footing, electrical trench and ran out the down spouts.

[cgland]

Keep us posted Matt! Looks interesting

[Mbella]

Did you dig that with that big azz excavator?

[MuirView Design]

Damn Matt....them some big holes. How wide is your bucket?

[mrusk]

You guys crack me up with your comments. No I did not did them with the big excavator. The excavator is sitting in the storage yard all by itself not making me money. LOL.


My sub dug it with his 8500lbs mini excavator. I am his only customer so it works out good. I'll call him for a load of stone then after he dumps it he'll dig for a hour or two and just bill me 60 a hour.

The pillars are big. 36" square pillars. Two sets of them with a 11 ft long wall in between.

[mrusk]

I'll get good pictures tommorrow. We got block out of the ground today and will finsh the block work tommorrow.

[musclecarboy]

I'll get good pictures tommorrow. We got block out of the ground today and will finsh the block work tommorrow.

Keep us posted dude! Looks like a good one!

[chardscapes]

60.00/hr wow. He is cheap. I get 95.00/hr just for bobcat work.

[SCgreenscapes]

The germans are coming, the germans are coming...

[mrusk]

We sure have upped our production levels...

And yes, we built pillars and walls in the middle of the front lawn

[MuirView Design]

Nice Job Matt. You guys ready for the rain?

[CaptainsLS]

And yes, we built pillars and walls in the middle of the front lawn

So are they really surrounded by turf? Looks like a fun design. Nice sell Matt.

[mrusk]

I am not worried about the rain. I acctually dug out part of the walkway yesterday and did not put base down yet!!! The ground is so rocky here, that I am not worried. If its really muddy next week I will just stick 2 guys on stoning the pillars, and 2 guys on the wet lay.

All is good.


Right now the pillars are in the middle of the lawn, but they really wont be when it is all done.

[Mbella]

Matt, are you rerouting the driveway?

[kootoomootoo]

your guys never look happy....

[mrusk]

Matt, are you rerouting the driveway?

No I wish we were.


Koo My guys just don't photograph well! And btw no subs on this job for the masonry!

[Mbella]

What leads to the pillars/walkway? From where does that path originate?

[mrusk]

What leads to the pillars/walkway? From where does that path originate?

Where does it originate from?? Man i did not think that far a head.

[Mbella]

Where does it originate from?? Man i did not think that far a head.

???Are you trying to make a funny Matt?

[mrusk]

Next year we will add an additional walkway that leads from between the pillars to the driveway.


Mike I can't spill all the details about the design! Then my thread will get bad ratings over the next few days. I got to keep the suspence going!

[Mbella]

Don't want to bust your groove, but I'll be waiting in breathless anticipation Matt.:)

[mrusk]

Don't want to bust your groove, but I'll be waiting in breathless anticipation Matt.:)

LOL Whats funny is that it took me a year to sign this job. After I first met with the client I heard through the grape vine that she thought I was the cockiest person she ever met and that she couldnt belive anyone would want to work with me.


But my reputation for quality and excellent customer service prevailed.

[Mbella]

Hey, I can't imagine anybody would want to work with you either, but obviously, they do.:)

Seriously Matt, I don't know the inner workings of Rusk Enterprises, but on the surface, it appears as though you are doing very well. You are creating the opportunity to bid on and taking on projects with a greater scope than most guys that have been in business for many more years than you.

Regardless of how you are presented with the opportunity to provide pricing for these jobs and are ultimately awarded, you are getting these jobs and it seems you are doing quality work.

Keep it up, keep it a secret and congratulations.

[Mark]

Matt,
Things are looking good. Do you do your designs For jobs like these in house or does someone else do them? An LA or other? Looks like a real tight curve coming into those pillars??? Hard to tell from the pics.

[mrusk]

Matt,
Things are looking good. Do you do your designs For jobs like these in house or does someone else do them? An LA or other? Looks like a real tight curve coming into those pillars??? Hard to tell from the pics.

I more or less callorborate with a LA. None of the plans are 100% his ideas. I often ad or change several parts.

Some jobs are my ideas and he just does the grading. Seems like every 1 out of 5 plans is horrible! He emailed me a plan last night and I called him up and asked if it was a joke!!!!!


We are starting a big job soon with all poured concrete retaining walls. I am excited to do that job since its all my design.

[GroundScapes]

Whats going to be the finished width of those columns (pillars)?

[mrusk]

The pillar block work is 36" x 36". So once we do the stone it will be near 40" square.

[mpickel]

Matt, are the columns centered off the front door?

[mrusk]

Pillars are centered off the front door. Although they do look off in the pictures! Once my piles of aggergate are used up I can get some better shots.

[GroundScapes]

The pillar block work is 36" x 36". So once we do the stone it will be near 40" square.

Thats some big columns.
I hope it turns out well when your done.
Columns that big are hard to make look good (usually to bulky) but when its pulled off they are very attractive. So they either simply look good or they dont.
I really like big columns in the right application though. I give you credit for goin for it.

[mrusk]

Ground- I was alittle apprehensive about the pillar size. The LA normally leaves things like this to me. I think overall it will come out great.


These are 40"x52" pillars that we did accross the street last fall.

[ClearValley]

Did the LA design the plantings?

[mrusk]

Larry if you are talking about the picture I just posted yes. I'll snap a pic of that house tommorrow. The plantings there really came out nice.

[Mbella]

Matt, does the pillar veneer in the last pic you posted match the veneer on the house?

[mrusk]

Matt, does the pillar veneer in the last pic you posted match the veneer on the house?

It was close. The company that made the stone on the house was bought out. The stone was discountinued.

We ended up mixing 2 different manufactures stone on those pillars. And neither stone was from the first company or the company that bought them out.


Its close. With the plantings you can't tell. And with that damn efflorences I need to clean off...

[Mbella]

It was close. The company that made the stone on the house was bought out. The stone was discountinued.

We ended up mixing 2 different manufactures stone on those pillars. And neither stone was from the first company or the company that bought them out.


Its close. With the plantings you can't tell. And with that damn efflorences I need to clean off...

That's why I asked...it looks close, but not the same. However, you never know from pics on a website.

[mrusk]

Things are starting to come together.

[CaptainsLS]

Are you using a veneer on the landing?

[mrusk]

Yes we certainly are.

[Mbella]

Moving right along Matt.

That's some thick stone for a wet lay. Not much of a step coming out of the house. Is that variety available at a thinner cut?

BTW, A-holes and elbows....gotta love that.LOL

[mrusk]

Moving right along Matt.

That's some thick stone for a wet lay. Not much of a step coming out of the house. Is that variety available at a thinner cut?

BTW, A-holes and elbows....gotta love that.LOL

Don't get me started on that stone! Its a high dollar stone. Was suppose to be 3/4"-3" thick on the pallet. Majority of the stone is 3".

Pain in the butt to work with. To many small peices on pallet also. Hard to make things fit together well when its all small peices.

[GreenMonster]

Matt, on this one, you should have changed your "are you willing to rip out your driveway?" to "are you willing to rip out your front door?"

it's all gonna be lipstick on a pig with that thing.

looking forward to seeing the pillars. I wasn't a fan of those others you have posted.

edit: i'm talking about the door by the flatwork... actually the backdoor?

[mrusk]

Green mountain its the side front door.

[CaptainsLS]

Don't get me started on that stone! Its a high dollar stone. Was suppose to be 3/4"-3" thick on the pallet. Majority of the stone is 3".

Pain in the butt to work with. To many small peices on pallet also. Hard to make things fit together well when its all small peices.

A flagging would have been much easier for you guys to work with. If your veneer has been 3" consistently than you are lucky. Why would you want a stone 3/4" - 3" thick for a horizontal wet lay? Most available veneers are accompanied by a flagstone (in my area) if you are trying to match the pillars. You using that same dimensional stone for the pillars?

[Mbella]

Don't get me started on that stone! Its a high dollar stone. Was suppose to be 3/4"-3" thick on the pallet. Majority of the stone is 3".

Pain in the butt to work with. To many small peices on pallet also. Hard to make things fit together well when its all small peices.


That's a heck of a range. Typically, we see .75"-1.5" and 1.5"-3".

[mrusk]

A flagging would have been much easier for you guys to work with. If your veneer has been 3" consistently than you are lucky. Why would you want a stone 3/4" - 3" thick for a horizontal wet lay? Most available veneers are accompanied by a flagstone (in my area) if you are trying to match the pillars. You using that same dimensional stone for the pillars?



Its suppose to be flagging! This is 'american granite flagging' from champlain stone out of upstate NJ. At 700 bucks a pallet I am not happy. The customer likes it, and I now know not to use this supplier for flagging again! If it was not special order, and I saw a pallet of it before it, I would not of bought it. Now I am stuck with 3k worth of unreturnable stone, so I need to deal with it.

Pillars are getting cultured stone.

[Mbella]

Green mountain its the side front door.

Dude, I know you're not the best speller, but Green Mountain? It's obvious you pay attention to detail, at least get another respected members screen name correct.:)

[CaptainsLS]

That's a heck of a range. Typically, we see .75"-1.5" and 1.5"-3".

Mbella, thats on your flagging I assume? My veneer runs 3-6" standard

[CaptainsLS]

Its suppose to be flagging! This is 'american granite flagging' from champlain stone out of upstate NJ. At 700 bucks a pallet I am not happy. The customer likes it, and I now know not to use this supplier for flagging again! If it was not special order, and I saw a pallet of it before it, I would not of bought it. Now I am stuck with 3k worth of unreturnable stone, so I need to deal with it.

Pillars are getting cultured stone.

I'm interested to see the final on the pillars. I really like your design how the wing walls swing to the back like that.

Man you got had. Thats not flag, that looks like random pieces of mismatch veneer! American granite looks nothing like that, but if it were, that price sounds ok ($335 per ton, 2 ton pallets).

[Mbella]

Mbella, thats on your flagging I assume? My veneer runs 3-6" standard

On building stone veneer we would see the same 3-6". However, on thin cut veneer we would see .75-1.5". Also, for Matt's stoop application, we could order flagstone at .75"- 1.5", or 1.5-3".

[CaptainsLS]

On building stone veneer we would see the same 3-6". However, on thin cut veneer we would see .75-1.5". Also, for Matt's stoop application, we could order flagstone at .75"- 1.5", or 1.5-3".

Yep, I think matts vender needs a whipping, lol. Matt, look at the veneer and flag specs on American Granite. This is where your vendor purchased your stone. He bought you veneer:

http://www.champlainstone.com/downloads/ag_specs_p24.pdf

[Mbella]

Yep, I think matts vender needs a whipping, lol. Matt, look at the veneer and flag specs on American Granite. This is where your vendor purchased your stone. He bought you veneer:

http://www.champlainstone.com/downloads/ag_specs_p24.pdf

Yep. Hey Captain, I hear Matt might be looking for office help (material ordering, spelling, etc.):) Sorry, Matt....couldn't resist. You must be getting used to taking the abuse of being on top.:)

[mrusk]

Yep, I think matts vender needs a whipping, lol. Matt, look at the veneer and flag specs on American Granite. This is where your vendor purchased your stone. He bought you veneer:

http://www.champlainstone.com/downloads/ag_specs_p24.pdf


How do you figure? Specs are in line with 'flagging stone'?

[CaptainsLS]

Matt do you typically pay $350 a ton for stone that sits at the top of the tolerance specs? That’s a really nice veneer you got there. Do you see any pieces that show 3 sqfaceft? I’m not busting your balls, I think your dealer either made an honest mistake or just sold you what had the highest markup.

[mrusk]

Matt do you typically pay $350 a ton for stone that sits at the top of the tolerance specs? That’s a really nice veneer you got there. Do you see any pieces that show 3 sqfaceft? I’m not busting your balls, I think your dealer either made an honest mistake or just sold you what had the highest markup.

If anything its more of a stone used for a dry laid wall.


I dealt with a new supply yard for this one. They were most likely were just so excited over getting my business they made a error!

I just checked my bill its called flagging on the bill.


Capitain so should I just tell my guys to suck it up or what?

[CaptainsLS]

Yeah I would, I just hate to see you be forced to make chicken soup out of chicken sh*t. I saw how nice you last flag job went and second time around, it would have been even nicer. Some decent face feet pieces in that wetlay would make a world of difference aesthetically IMO.

[mrusk]

Yeah I would, I just hate to see you be forced to make chicken soup out of chicken sh*t. I saw how nice you last flag job went and second time around, it would have been even nicer. Some decent face feet pieces in that wetlay would make a world of difference aesthetically IMO.

Only thing I have on my side is that all 4 areas getting it on this project are small. Largest area is 150 sq ft. The other 3 spots are all around 60 sf.

[Mbella]

I agree with Captain Matt...at this point suck it up. However, in the future, be aware. That stone is way too thick for the application. You are paying too much for the sq.ft. coverge.

[CaptainsLS]

Well keep us posted, something saw cut, especially on the actual front stoop would look much nicer than that small stone IMO. I would have used a South Bay Quartzite with that house, even died the color of the joints to make it softer against all that white. I’ll be curious to see how it looks in the end.

[MuirView Design]

Matt, what's the process for building the wing walls? Do you let the block set up and then cut out the slope? I've never done something like that, but love the way it looks.

[mrusk]

Matt, what's the process for building the wing walls? Do you let the block set up and then cut out the slope? I've never done something like that, but love the way it looks.

This was my first time doing something like this but its pretty clear that it wasn't my guys first time.


They laid the block. Let it set up. Used a peice of electrical conduit to make the mark then cut with the demo saw.

[bigvictu]

Has anybody ever tried to buy directly from the quarry?

[GroundScapes]

Matt, I actually have a question geared more towards your other thread. About the limestone? Since you just finished a pretty good sized job with it, how do you like it? Alot more time invloved than regular caps? How do you get the curves so smooth with it?

We have job coming up with a 5000sf techo hera sandlewood drive and a bunch of Versa-lok in chestnut blend and that look would look really good on this particular job. Just wanting you thoughts?

[mrusk]

Matt, I actually have a question geared more towards your other thread. About the limestone? Since you just finished a pretty good sized job with it, how do you like it? Alot more time invloved than regular caps? How do you get the curves so smooth with it?

We have job coming up with a 5000sf techo hera sandlewood drive and a bunch of Versa-lok in chestnut blend and that look would look really good on this particular job. Just wanting you thoughts?

It takes more time with limestone. You need to first cut the peices into workable peices for the curves. On wide curves you might be able to use 2 ft peices. Where on tight curves you might need 10" peices.

Besides getting it into workable peices I guess it takes the same amount of time. Talk to your supplier. You might be able to get a good deal on broken peices that they can't sell for full price.


Here is limestone on shale grey quarry stone.

[MuirView Design]

Matt, I just read through your similar post over on Lawnsite. Man, I know I'm guilty of bustin balls from time to time, but Geeezus! Those guys are taking some real cheap shots that are border line cyber bullying. It's ashame, because there seems to be a general interest to learn what you are doing from one member, but it's like trying to be serious in a junior high locker room. My sympathies Matt, and I'm glad our membership here has a lot more respect and class.

[GroundScapes]

Matt, I just read through your similar post over on Lawnsite. Man, I know I'm guilty of bustin balls from time to time, but Geeezus! Those guys are taking some real cheap shots that are border line cyber bullying. It's ashame, because there seems to be a general interest to learn what you are doing from one member, but it's like trying to be serious in a junior high locker room. My sympathies Matt, and I'm glad our membership here has a lot more respect and class.

I just went over and read that as well. They dont even give Matt a chance. I was guilty to of givin Matt a hard time from time to time over there, but i always waited until he asked for it, since then, you have mellowed out and became a better buisness owner, Matt.

I think there is some ego problems over on the other forum.

[cgland]

I think there is some ego problems over on the other forum.

Ya think? LOL!

[mrusk]

Maybe if I spent more time posting pictures of my equipment over there and not my jobs i'd get more respect!

[Colonial]

I dont think the ego problem is just on that forum... and on a side note Matt i agree with GS on his points, my only addition to it is, if they always behave that way then why continue posting there? I think deep down inside you enjoy rattling the sabres a bit over there and seeing who gets fired up.

PS: Why would you want there respect? what matters is what you think.

[MuirView Design]

I agree with you Mike....Matt likes getting people fired up. The more drama he can stir up, the more content he can add to his future book - 'Ruskography'.

[Colonial]

lol,

I think you might be right i forgot about his book, that will make great content :)

[mrusk]

Back to work today after a rain day yesterday.

We did the best we could with the stone. There were very few peices over 1 sq ft.

I got the brillant idea to grout it with black mortar. Should look good! We will joint it tommorrow!

[MuirView Design]

Black mortar, huh? Should be interesting. I would thinking about testing a small area first. Sounds a little risky.....or should I say Rusky. We did a broken flagstone pad a few years ago that had no pieces over 1 SF....it was very frustrating. Especially pointing it in.

[mrusk]

Black mortar, huh? Should be interesting. I would thinking about testing a small area first. Sounds a little risky.....or should I say Rusky. We did a broken flagstone pad a few years ago that had no pieces over 1 SF....it was very frustrating. Especially pointing it in.

I am between black mortar or egg plant mortar.

I figure the dark color will really make it pop or be a uter failture.

[CaptainsLS]

The mortar dye will look good with that stone IMO. I sold a job last week and factored in the dye for the joints.

[mrusk]

I did not factor in the died mortar. But the factor that makes it is 2 miles down the road from my job and it cost 3 bucks more per 94lbs bag then regular mortar.

[CaptainsLS]

Matt, what are you buying? Are you looking at pre-dyed mortar? Just buy the powder additive so you can control the color yourself. Dry mix it real well and make it just slightly darker than you want it while its dry (it will lighten some once the mortar sets)

[mrusk]

What is wrong with pre dyed?

[CaptainsLS]

Nothing that I know of and I’ve never used it. But I would think its more advantageous to determine the color yourself. And it’s probably a bit cheaper.

[mrusk]

Nothing that I know of and I’ve never used it. But I would think its more advantageous to determine the color yourself. And it’s probably a bit cheaper.

I main fear is getting the same color in all 4 sections that have the irregular.

[musclecarboy]

I main fear is getting the same color in all 4 sections that have the irregular.

Ahh makes sense. But on the other hand, if you can't compare eachother side-by-side, how will anyone know?

[mrusk]

Ahh makes sense. But on the other hand, if you can't compare eachother side-by-side, how will anyone know?

The hardscape gods might be able to tell.

[CaptainsLS]

I main fear is getting the same color in all 4 sections that have the irregular.

I can see your concern. You would measure the additive just as you would adding any modifier and should yield identical results.

[mrusk]

We started to stone the pillars and walls today. We decided to install the stone before we back fileld because it allows for a much more comfortable working height.


Oh yea I had to let my foreman go today. Turns out 65k a year is not enough for a 28 year old single guy to live on.


Don't worry I still have 3 guys.

[Mark]

What's the dimension of the columns??? And the finished width of the connecting wall???
Do I see that correctly? Do you veneer from the top down???????

[mrusk]

What's the dimension of the columns??? And the finished width of the connecting wall???
Do I see that correctly? Do you veneer from the top down???????

pillars are 40x40 and wing walls are 16" wide.

I was taught to go from the top down.

[Mark]

I can see your concern. You would measure the additive just as you would adding any modifier and should yield identical results.

YES Captain! We add dye quite often......do a sample so you know you're happy with the dried color first. Then just measure the same amount everytime you mix. Use a cheap measuring cup to assure your quantities are always the same. As stated mix it dry and then add your agua. I've never used pre-dyed before but it is nice to control how much you tint by adding dye yourself.

[Mark]

pillars are 40x40 and wing walls are 16" wide.

I was taught to go from the top down.

Seems to me the connecting walls will seem weak next to a 40" column or vice versa. But that's just me.
I knew a guy once who worked top down....I just don't get the logic behind it. His logic was so that he didn't drip mortar on lower stones going from the bottom up. To each his own. How many square feet a day will your guys install of the culture stone in a column application?

[mrusk]

I think when its all done everything will look good and to scale.


Its hard to say about the sq per a day. This is the first time doing cultured stone in house. All the tiny peices and tight joints add alot of time. We are not flying through it.

[GroundScapes]

Seems to me the connecting walls will seem weak next to a 40" column or vice versa. But that's just me.
I knew a guy once who worked top down....I just don't get the logic behind it. His logic was so that he didn't drip mortar on lower stones going from the bottom up. To each his own. How many square feet a day will your guys install of the culture stone in a column application?

We dont do alot invloving mortar, but from the top down seems reasonable to me especially since you wont see the bottom (you can end how ever the stones work out).

[Mbella]

Seems to me the connecting walls will seem weak next to a 40" column or vice versa. But that's just me.
I knew a guy once who worked top down....I just don't get the logic behind it. His logic was so that he didn't drip mortar on lower stones going from the bottom up. To each his own. How many square feet a day will your guys install of the culture stone in a column application?

Mark, the little veneer we do, that's how we do it as well (for the same reason). Most guys around here do it the same.

[GroundScapes]

We started to stone the pillars and walls today. We decided to install the stone before we back fileld because it allows for a much more comfortable working height.


Oh yea I had to let my foreman go today. Turns out 65k a year is not enough for a 28 year old single guy to live on.


Don't worry I still have 3 guys.

Matt, you gotta quite just "letting your foreman go", before I would ever give an employee the title of foreman, theres a very good possiblity that I am almost certain that there wont be any reason for me to "let him go". Your either not hiring the right guys or your being to hard one em and letting them go for no real good reason. Just my two cents Matt, take it if you wish.

[mrusk]

I think its alittle cleaner starting from top. Also we set the top stones 1/2" higher then the block. So when we install the limestone caps you do not see a mortar joint between the caps and the top stone.

[Mbella]

Matt, that veneer is interesting....a mix of fieldstone and ledgestone. Maybe, you already said, but who is the manuf. and what do they call it?

[mrusk]

owens corning. its a 80/20 mix of 2 different stones.

[Mbella]

owens corning. its a 80/20 mix of 2 different stones.

Ok Matt....Let me try this again. Let's say I wanted to order that same mix...I got the Owens Corning part, but what else would I need to ask for? Do I ask for what Rusk used on his most recent job, or do I need to be more specific?:)

[mrusk]

Ok Matt....Let me try this again. Let's say I wanted to order that same mix...I got the Owens Corning part, but what else would I need to ask for? Do I ask for what Rusk used on his most recent job, or do I need to be more specific?:)

Its a custom rusk color!


Its southern aspen ledge and aspen dressing or dresser or something like that.

[Mark]

Mark, the little veneer we do, that's how we do it as well (for the same reason). Most guys around here do it the same.

Crazy stuff.....must be a PA thing!:) I guess with culture stone you could get away with it because it's somewhat lighter than natural stone. So do you guys just veneer down to a point and end it then backfill? You leave nothing to support the veneer from being pushed up on by frost??? We always build off a stone shelf.

[MuirView Design]

That's an interesting mix Matt. I like the look. Is there pointing involved, or do you just leave it as a dry stack look?

I also usually do lick and stick veneer from the top down too...probably because I'm tall and my back needs a break after laying block. I know most real masons lay from the bottom up because that's the only way to lay real (non thin cut) veneer. With lick and stick, it's irrelevant because it doesn't require a footer or shelf.

[Mbella]

Crazy stuff.....must be a PA thing!:) I guess with culture stone you could get away with it because it's somewhat lighter than natural stone. So do you guys just veneer down to a point and end it then backfill? You leave nothing to support the veneer from being pushed up on by frost??? We always build off a stone shelf.

Well this is Pennsylvaina Hardscaper.:)

Yeah, we veneer below grade and that's it.

Mark, do you guys ever use manufactured veneer, or is it always natural?

[Mark]

Well this is Pennsylvaina Hardscaper.:)

Yeah, we veneer below grade and that's it.

Mark, do you guys ever use manufactured veneer, or is it always natural?

99.9% natural........whne cost is a factor they'll go culture. In 4 years in NH we've done 1 large culture stone job and 1 very small culture stone job.

[mpickel]

What's the dimension of the columns??? And the finished width of the connecting wall???
Do I see that correctly? Do you veneer from the top down???????

I thought the same thing, never seen that before...

[mrusk]

Rainy Friday today. I have the guys out working under tents. I didn't even tell them to build the tent. It started to rain and they just erected it themselves.


None of these guys have installed cultured stone before.

[kootoomootoo]

tent city is back.

[mrusk]

koo thanks for the narration.

[Mark]

Rusk--
The best $100 you could spend for your guys would be at WalMart on the pop up tents they sell. They're 10x10 with a light weight frame that opens up and then you slip on and velcro the roof to the frame. Set up time....5 minutes MAX! Great to use in the rain, great to use on a smoldering hot day when the sun is pounding down on you and drying your mud too fast, and even on a real nasty day or winter they have sides that you can buy as an extra to keep wind out. With the sides on we've even heated them. Folds up small enough that you could tuck it into a corner of your trailer and never know it was there. I think I have a pic of one...let's see

[mckeeland]

Rusk--
The best $100 you could spend for your guys would be at WalMart on the pop up tents they sell. They're 10x10 with a light weight frame that opens up and then you slip on and velcro the roof to the frame. Set up time....5 minutes MAX! Great to use in the rain, great to use on a smoldering hot day when the sun is pounding down on you and drying your mud too fast, and even on a real nasty day or winter they have sides that you can buy as an extra to keep wind out. With the sides on we've even heated them. Folds up small enough that you could tuck it into a corner of your trailer and never know it was there. I think I have a pic of one...let's see


its standard equipment on our truck now.

[Mark]

its standard equipment on our truck now.

Jay
Anything unique you use them for??? We've even set up our mixer under one for weeks at a time. Kept bags of mud and all additives right inside where you never have to worry about the weather getting to them.

[mckeeland]

yeah, we where pouring a driveway apron and it started raining in clear blue skies after the driver already put way to much water in. guys had it set up in mins and saved the pour. best $100 i spent. i also want to get side panels to set up a cut station to reduce the amount of dust that travels every where when we dry cut.

[musclecarboy]

I put an industrial fan behind me, directed at me, with the wind... works like a charm:) That is, when I can get power for the fan.

[ClearValley]

I put an industrial fan behind me, directed at me, with the wind... works like a charm:) That is, when I can get power for the fan.
Doesn't that blow all your homework off the desk????:pound:

[Mark]

yeah, we where pouring a driveway apron and it started raining in clear blue skies after the driver already put way to much water in. guys had it set up in mins and saved the pour. best $100 i spent. i also want to get side panels to set up a cut station to reduce the amount of dust that travels every where when we dry cut.

Oooooh......that will be pretty nasty too. Your guys will have to have respirators and then you'll have to decide how they'll see inside with all the dust. Or will you cut wet?

[mckeeland]

well ur guys should always wear respirators, but a cutting tent is becoming required on sites that osha is on. a simple exhaust fan with filter on it should help with the dust.

[Mark]

well ur guys should always wear respirators, but a cutting tent is becoming required on sites that osha is on. a simple exhaust fan with filter on it should help with the dust.

Yes repirators are required by OSHA when cutting anything dry. When you're cutting wet you do not need respirators.
I'd never heard about cutting tents being required though...is that a newer law?

[musclecarboy]

Doesn't that blow all your homework off the desk????:pound:

Hehehe I don't start homework till after dark:yield:

[mrusk]

more pics...................

[-EGLC-]

Looks awesome Matt!!

[kootoomootoo]

the columns by the front door are gone...what ya doing there.

[mrusk]

the columns by the front door are gone...what ya doing there.


Poured a new stoop over the existing footing. We needed to create more elevation change for this design to work. We were trying to add as many steps as possible from the drive to the front door to add character to a flat lot.

So we removed the one step stoop. This morning we poured a new stoop that is a couple inches higher. It is also has a rounded front now with a extra step.

It will be veneered with the same american granite flagging as the other areas.

[custom patios]

Matt where is your expansion board agaianst the house.

[4seasons]

why such a narrow step down?
on the last pic

[GroundScapes]

why such a narrow step down?
on the last pic

there trying to "add as many steps as they can to a flat lot to add character"

[custom patios]

not trying to pick out faults but I cant help but notice how horribly off level the walls meet the pillars on the one end. Your men should be able to curve the walls ,slope them, and still have them meet level into the pillars. Truely amatuer masonry work all around. Sorry. And no,its not supposed to be that way. Please dont take offense, just some critisism. It looks like a very creative design however.

[mrusk]

not trying to pick out faults but I cant help but notice how horribly off level the walls meet the pillars on the one end. Your men should be able to curve the walls ,slope them, and still have them meet level into the pillars. Truely amatuer masonry work all around. Sorry. And no,its not supposed to be that way. Please dont take offense, just some critisism. It looks like a very creative design however.

Acctually its suppose to be any way I want since its my design and my job. The wing walls are not level where they mean the main pillar. HOWEVER, its exactly the same foward pitch on each side. It was not accident or mistake.

[Mark]

not trying to pick out faults but I cant help but notice how horribly off level the walls meet the pillars on the one end. Your men should be able to curve the walls ,slope them, and still have them meet level into the pillars. Truely amatuer masonry work all around. Sorry. And no,its not supposed to be that way. Please dont take offense, just some critisism. It looks like a very creative design however.

Custom Patios
I agree, I think a design flaw that made that very difficult to deal with is the angle the walls were brought into the columns. The walls should come into the pillars a bit more perpendicular than they do. Either way they could have come in level.
Here's a set from about 6 years ago...natural stone

[Mark]

Acctually its suppose to be any way I want since its my design and my job. The wing walls are not level where they mean the main pillar. HOWEVER, its exactly the same foward pitch on each side. It was not accident or mistake.

I thought you said earlier in the thread this was a joint effort with you and a LA?

[mrusk]

I thought you said earlier in the thread this was a joint effort with you and a LA?

Well it is. But the pillar lay out was me. The LA never comes out to the feild.

[mrusk]

Honestly I wanted the walls to come in level. I come back from visiting another job site and the foreman has the one side on already. I was screaming and swearing but made the executive decision to make the other side match vs. redoing the first side.

I did loose sleep over this one night. But then custom patios had to bring it up!!!!

[custom patios]

Acctually its suppose to be any way I want since its my design and my job. The wing walls are not level where they mean the main pillar. HOWEVER, its exactly the same foward pitch on each side. It was not accident or mistake.

correct me if I'm wrong but on page 4 you show a clear picture with the cmu's meeting the pillars level. Why the change? I'll tell you why... .the forward pitch is there because its a f-up.your guys realized that they arent able to make that transition with normal cap pieces.The capping doesnt bend. It could be done HOWEVER, if it was fabricated from a slab. You template and cut the inside and outside curves.

[Mark]

How many different masons did that culture stonework???

[custom patios]

Sorry Matt, just having a little fun. No real harm intended. I'm sure youll Suck it up

[mrusk]

AHHHH schit I better put my helmet on.

Mark I guess I had no masons doing the stone work:dance::dance: There were 3 Rusk employees putting the stone on the wall.


Its been a tuff week.

[custom patios]

lets move on to that precious flat work.:)

[mrusk]

lets move on to that precious flat work.:)

I think I am going to only give you myspace angles of my flat work!

[Mbella]

Hey Matt, I know you appreciate these guys being honest. I know I do.

Now, tell Labor Ready to send you the same masons for at least a week at a time.:)

[mrusk]

Hey Matt, I know you appreciate these guys being honest. I know I do.

Now, tell Labor Ready to send you the same masons for at least a week at a time.:)



I am not going to be able to sleep tonight at all. I just so worked up over the damn wing walls! I remember being in school and writing papers in english class. I'd write good papers but would also leave something out that would keep me from getting a perfect score. I think of my jobs almost the same way.

I keep striving for the perfect job. I think I am getting closer. Maybe a perfect job is just not possible? What do you think Mark? Do you ever feel that you could not of done any of those mega jobs any better?

[Mark]

I am not going to be able to sleep tonight at all. I just so worked up over the damn wing walls! I remember being in school and writing papers in english class. I'd write good papers but would also leave something out that would keep me from getting a perfect score. I think of my jobs almost the same way.

I keep striving for the perfect job. I think I am getting closer. Maybe a perfect job is just not possible? What do you think Mark? Do you ever feel that you could not of done any of those mega jobs any better?

There is always room for "better" on every job I have done.....the fun part of this industry is the fact that in the end you can always look back and say 'I could have done this a little different' or 'I could have tweaked that a little differently'. Some are more willing to admit this than others. In every pic I have posted on PH I can show you a detail that I would have liked adjusted or tweaked.

[mrusk]

As of thrusday..

[musclecarboy]

Looks killa! Very nice use of natural and interlock. Those pillars are SICK

[Mark]

Rusk
Work looks nice, I definitely like the incorporation of the natural flat work into the walkway. The contrast of the 2 materials compliment each other as well as you could ever ask for. Question.....is there a function of the shorter columns coming sooo close to the walkway? In my eyes it looks as if the flat work and the vertical work are crammed into the space.....but that's just from my point of view looking at a pic. Seems it would have been nice to pull the walkway from the pillars 2-3 ft to bring softscape through the hardscape. Was there a site restriction in this?
Again, your choice of materials on this job look great!

[mrusk]

Mark in hindsight I would of pulled the pillars furthur away from the house.

I am happy with the way the mix of the materials is coming out. The limestone is what makes everything pop. I am just wish I put my foot down and told the client to lay out the extra money to do real veneer on the pillars.

[bcwsport]

The veneer stone on the walls and in the circle is the same stuff I presume. What kind of limestone is that specifically? Looks, freggin awsome. Also, in the philosophy of "the perfect job".....you need to be able to reflect on each and imagine doing something differently once you are through. This keeps your passions for this stuff up....and you will always get just a little bit better. You and a series of others in this forum are really, really good. I am sure you are saught after in your region.

[custom patios]

I didnt care for the natural stone on the porch you showed earlier, but how you utilized it in the last few pics is really quite nice. its just the right amount. I like the fact that it breaks up the geometric pattern of the long walkway. very nice. smart design choice.

[mrusk]

BCW The pillars are veneered with cultured stone. The flat work is american granite flagging. The limestone is just regular 12" wide 2" thick limestone treads.


Custom- wait till you see the irregular with the black mortar joints! I think in the earlier pictures of the porch there was alot of dust on the stone. I went over this morning after it rained all night to snap these pics.



I think I need to start buying limestone wholesale or something. I used something like 1300 feet of it so far this year.

I am glad everyone likes this.

[custom patios]

Black? sounds interesting. what will prevent it from fading though? are you mixing this yourself or are you purchasing a colored mortar that is black. I am familiar with keystone but not aware of a black.

[kootoomootoo]

i c a mini x in the background.

[mrusk]

i c a mini x in the background.

Koo that belongs to my sub. You know that a 150 size excavator is a little to big for a small front landscape job.


But don't worry, the 150 will be back to making $ in 2 weeks.

[Mark]

The veneer stone on the walls and in the circle is the same stuff I presume. What kind of limestone is that specifically? Looks, freggin awsome. Also, in the philosophy of "the perfect job".....you need to be able to reflect on each and imagine doing something differently once you are through. This keeps your passions for this stuff up....and you will always get just a little bit better. You and a series of others in this forum are really, really good. I am sure you are saught after in your region.

VERY WELL STATED BCW!!! - I'm never 110% satisfied with a job....although I'm always very proud of the work. Like you say....part of the passion is looking back and finding the little details that will let you do your job better and better each and every time. Is there such a thing as the "perfect" job? I hope not.

Outside of that....brother Rusk:)....did you wet lay the natural flagging work in the circles or is that all dry laid? Do you solely install hardscapes? Or softscapes too?

[mrusk]

Outside of that....brother Rusk:)....did you wet lay the natural flagging work in the circles or is that all dry laid? Do you solely install hardscapes? Or softscapes too?


All the flagging is wet laid on this job.

We do softscapes also. This house is not getting planted until the spring. Heck we didn't even do the planting plan yet. Besides the big job from he11 at the being of the year we havn't done any major plantings this year. I should have a bunch of good ones to start the spring off through.

[Mark]

ever use that limestone in areas of vehicular traffic?

[mrusk]

ever use that limestone in areas of vehicular traffic?

No man I am not that ballsy!

[Mark]

Have you ever heard of it? I'm assuming it can be a brittle material???

[mrusk]

Have you ever heard of it? I'm assuming it can be a brittle material???

I would not trust it on a driveway. My main supplier won't even deliver me limestone unless I take full bundles of it. The stuff breaks easily.

[CaptainsLS]

Matt, what type of saw are you using to cut your limestone capping? I cant tell from the pictures if there are joints or if they have no joint?

[mrusk]

Matt, what type of saw are you using to cut your limestone capping? I cant tell from the pictures if there are joints or if they have no joint?

We cut everything with our stihl demo saws. Both of them just got new cylinders for a cost of $1000 total. They have a small joint between them that will get jointed. Its like 3/8ths.

[mrusk]

I do not know if I am even happy with this irregular. I really don't know if I don't like it or if I have ill feelings for it since I have been in a BAD mood all week.

Damn joints are to big for one. It was very hard working with small stones. In hindsight I should not of used this stone. Even if I could not return the 3k in material and had to buy new out of pocket.

I think it could of been alot better and am really beating myself up over it.

[bcwsport]

The joints are big, but I think it will look nice once dried. I have seen similiar installations and think it looks good. The similiar stuff I had seen was sealed with a satin finish.

[CaptainsLS]

In some applications that (over-grouted joints) is a desired look. The mortar still looks soft in your picts, seeing it dry will show if the look works on that stoop.

[sancraig]

I think the joint color really makes the wide joints stand out. It looked great before it was jointed, Not to say the workmanship isnt awesome, just the color doesnt have me feeling it anymore.

[mrusk]

Its that fuggin black mortar that brings the joints out.. eerrrrr

[CaptainsLS]

did you buy the pre-mixed mortar.....?:)

[mrusk]

did you buy the pre-mixed mortar.....?:)

Yea that has nothing to do with it. I did a small sample and it looked fine. A 2x2 area jointed does not give you the same feeling as a entire 100 sq ft area does.


SHould of went with a brown color.

[sancraig]

Its that fuggin black mortar that brings the joints out.. eerrrrr

Lol really I didnt notice the color.......

[GreenMonster]

Matt, I agree with you. looks bad. I almost puked in my mouth when I saw the stoop. sorry, dude. Not a fan of wide joints. we just veneered a spa and customer desired wide joints. I don't like it at all. In your case, I think the black mortar is making it worse.

[NCSULandscaper]

im not diggin that combination either

but the most important thing, does the customer like it?

[mrusk]

im not diggin that combination either

but the most important thing, does the customer like it?

She did when we had it part of it done. I did not speak to her since that point.

[CaptainsLS]

If I were you, I would still be bent out of shape that I received veneer when I ordered flagstone. Did you ever mention that to the distributor?

[mrusk]

If I were you, I would still be bent out of shape that I received veneer when I ordered flagstone. Did you ever mention that to the distributor?

The thing is, what I got is considered irregular flag from champlain. I even traveled to other dealers to compare their pallets of it in stock to what what I took delivery of.

Champlain sells American granite in 11 different forms. http://champlainstone.com/downloads/ag_pack_p25.pdf What I got looks exactly what they list as irr flag on the website.

[MuirView Design]

Matt, how big are your joints overall? Like I said initially, the black joints were going to be a risky move....you win some you lose some, it's up to the customer to decide.

Did you use the same limestone rockface for the border around the circle in the walk? If it were me, I'd have liked to see a better radius as what's there is a bit choppy and has a flat spot in the lower right corner. (Might be the angle of the pic) I did something similar the other day and ended up taking my grinder and rounding out the jagged edges. I understand this would be impossible with the rockface edges though.

As far as the joints, I think once you acid wash the whole thing the color in the stones will help to distract ones eye from the dark wide joints. With some satin finish sealer, you should be good. Worst case, you grind out the joints and repoint.

[MuirView Design]

The thing is, what I got is considered irregular flag from champlain. I even traveled to other dealers to compare their pallets of it in stock to what what I took delivery of.

Champlain sells American granite in 11 different forms. http://champlainstone.com/downloads/ag_pack_p25.pdf What I got looks exactly what they list as irr flag on the website.


Looks like you would've been better off with the thin wall stone.

[mrusk]

If I keep going at this rate I will have a heart attack by age 25! I let my jobs get to me way to much.

I guess things will look different when the entire front lawn does not look like a bomb went off. Grass, plantings and mulch will add alot.

I learned alot on this job. I will never again order a natural material without seeing a pallet of it first.

[CaptainsLS]

I will never again order a natural material without seeing a pallet of it first.

If the supplier permits, I like to hand pick flagging material and make my own pallets. After all, you pay per ton not per square.

[custom patios]

looks like somebody held a gun to a grease monkey and said you are now a mason.

[Mbella]

Not to pile on Matt, but I'm not digging the joints. They looked wide without mortar and look even wider with the mortar. Your guys could have taken a little more time laying and fitting the stones and made that look much better.... more like pieces of a puzzle than free floating stones.

If your customer likes it then I guess you don't have a problem, but it really doesn't look good.

[mrusk]

Man I just lost alot of prohardscaper credibility. Took me months to gain it and 1 hour to loose it!

I regret not hammering on my guys harder when we layed the stone. Its 100% my fault since I am the boss. I should have laid out better expectations about joint size and should not of listened to them complaining about the stone quality.

[custom patios]

on a serious note Mike is right. joints should be a maximum of 1 inch. it takes time and patience to fit stones. not to mention an artistic eye. the circle area could fly, but the black joints at the house are atrocious. the joints should not flow continuously from stone to stone... rather should follow the two over one rule as if laying a wall. but enough said, lesson learned.

[Mbella]

Man I just lost alot of prohardscaper credibility. Took me months to gain it and 1 hour to loose it!

I regret not hammering on my guys harder when we layed the stone. Its 100% my fault since I am the boss. I should have laid out better expectations about joint size and should not of listened to them complaining about the stone quality.

That's a great attitude Matt. You didn't lose any "credibility" with anybody that matters. I think it speaks volumes that you posted the pics even though you knew the work wasn't very good.

That tells me improving quality is a higher priority than caring what other contractors on a message board think about the perceived abilities of the great Ruskeroni.

[CaptainsLS]

I agree Mike, well said. I think we all know Matt is the type of contractor that will rip it out should his client have any objections to the look of the stonework.

Matt, in the event those areas require you to remove and re-do, I think a pattern thermal sandstone would make a world of difference.

[mrusk]

Regardless of the outcome of this project, this is the last project I will do Masonry work in house on. The pillars came out good. Other projects came out good in the past. I just do not feel that I can offer the best masonry work in my area by doing it in house. I have already met with a couple of different masons over the last week.

And yes if I have to rip this job out I will. Replace with pattern for sure! Irregular is f'n difficult.

[Mbella]

Matt, if you have a steady flow of masonry work, it will be cheaper to hire a good mason. However, if not, utilize a sub. From what I've seen, you would be better off hiring a sub.

[mpickel]

1) Put Chisel or Grinder to work
2) Insert Dirt
3) Plant Moss

[mrusk]

Well guys here is the verdit. I told the customer this morning that I was going to go rent some jack hammers and rip out all the stone because I did not like it. Turns out she likes it.

Even though the customer likes it I am still not please, but I will not be jack hammering it out yet.

[sancraig]

Wow I am impressed with your service. I have worked for companies that would not tear it out, and if they did it would be as an extra. Was this your design or your LA's?

[mrusk]

Wow I am impressed with your service. I have worked for companies that would not tear it out, and if they did it would be as an extra. Was this your design or your LA's?

LA does the design but has nothing to do with material choices.


The thing is I run my mouth alot. If I am going to run around town telling everyone I am the best in town, I acctually need to be the best. Or just keep my mouth shut !:pound::pound:


I really just want to do the best work.

[bcwsport]

Still like to check out some pics of it after muriatic and maybe a bit of a satin, matted enhancer. Dupont makes an awsome natural stone enhaner. I think it's called stonetech professional (by Dupont) This stuff hold up for 3-4 yrs even in a high traffic area.

[Mark]

Matt
Where are you with this?

[mrusk]

Matt
Where are you with this?

About ready to call you and ask you to bring the troops down so I can wrap this job up!


This is a pic from the end of the day today. The little details are killing me on this.

[Mark]

How did you handle the joints?

[mrusk]

How did you handle the joints?

I am not pleased with them but I have been in a bad mood lately and I am not happy with anything!

They are staying. The stone has a much rougher finsh then bluestone so in person it does not look to bad. I do wish to improve upon my quality. If I can not hire a top notch stone guy I will sub to the best mason I can find.

[Mark]

From the pic you just posted it seems the mortar has since dried and lightened in color??? Or is it dust covered. From the pics it looks like things could have been worse. I've definitely seen worse. One positive is that the style is consistent throughout. If the homeowner is happy then don't sweat it....just learn from it as you proceed with further projects

[mrusk]

From the pic you just posted it seems the mortar has since dried and lightened in color??? Or is it dust covered. From the pics it looks like things could have been worse. I've definitely seen worse. One positive is that the style is consistent throughout. If the homeowner is happy then don't sweat it....just learn from it as you proceed with further projects

It has lightened up alot.

[MuirView Design]

Maybe you should avoid sealing it at this point....it may bring back the darkness of the mortar.

[Mark]

Maybe you should avoid sealing it at this point....it may bring back the darkness of the mortar.

Depends on the sealer you use

[mrusk]

Depends on the sealer you use

Or if I seal it before I blow all the paver dust off it!

[mckeeland]

hey Matt, where you standing on your skidsteer forks when u took that shot, LOL. i dont think it could have made a more perfect shadow if you tried?

[sancraig]

With the joints lightening up it looks much better.

[mrusk]

Yes I am standing on the forks 10 feet in the air. I figured it was a good time to let the new guy learn how to run the skid. I told him if he drops me he is fired.

[4seasons]

Matt how come you made a seperate walk by the small circle instead of branching it off the main walk? looks kinda awkward. everything else is pretty sweet.

[mrusk]

We put the small circle there to keep the intersection from looking odd. We did it that way on propose.

[custom patios]

wow man I remember when this thread was real active. lotta laughs. Matt you impress me. you took a HAMMERING from all of us and did not shoot yourself... or your mason (ahem). That was a ton of fun reading back through this. anyway, how did the landscape come together. I think it must look pretty good now.

[mrusk]

Welll welll well..

This job still is not planted. Don't ask me why. But we did do something with the horrible flagstone. The american granite began to rust really bad. It was staining the limestone. Client was not happy. I was completely diguised by the entire job. Lets just say last fall when I was slow I ate the cost and jack hammered the flag out and laid dimensional.

[MuirView Design]

Looks much better. Way too many "boxed in" pieces in the pattern though.

[mrusk]

Please explain what the heck you are talking about?

[MuirView Design]

Matt, I'm referring to having two pieces next to each other that are the exact same width, so that together they create a box or rectangle. You'll get a better looking pattern if you avoid this in the future. (It is hard to avoid on the edges and corners, but doable) Looks great otherwise. Joints look very consistent and I see no 4 corners. I'm sure the customer is happy that you made good. I'm just pointing out a minor detail.

[custom patios]

what a difference Matt! fantastic. even better is the fact that you are committed to your work so much that you spent your money to make the job right. A++

[joeymaze]

what a difference Matt! fantastic. even better is the fact that you are committed to your work so much that you spent your money to make the job right. A++

That is true, there aren't too many contractors that would of did that. It shows great integrity for sure. It makes up for some of your other posts. lol!

[mrusk]

Its kind of easy to take a 5k loss when you know the client will still spend atleast 100k more with you.