[Stonehenge]

There've got to be hardscapers our there who've done the parthenon style seat walls - you know the kind, using 4"x8"x12" tumbled block, set vertically with 2-3" gaps between each one, then capped. Unilock has had at least one in every brochure since about '03.

I've been hesitant to work this design into a seatwall, because it seems the design is asking an awful lot of the adhesives we use, and any freeze-thaw action would really screw these seatwalls up (I would think).

So if you've done some more than two years ago - how have they held up? No false bravado here, if they haven't performed as you expected, come clean. It'll help the rest of us.

[NCSULandscaper]

you talking about ones like this?


these were on another site, i can ask the guy about it

[NCSULandscaper]

oops forgot the pictures

[NCSULandscaper]

.....................

[cutntrim]

I've thought about those before but can't see how it'd be comfortable sitting on them seeing the seat depth would be to shallow for the average North American derriere.

That particular pic looks like an invitation for an old person or child to take a tumble.

[mrusk]

I think its cheesey. The only point of it is to try to mimic the look of large balstraudes. I do not see them lasting the test of time. When i install a project, i want to know it will last 25+ years or more. I do not see adhesive holding those blocks for long.

[dsamuelson]

Also the ht is only 16" a bit low for sitting wall

[PSUscaper]

" i want to know it will last 25+ years or more."

I had a notion on this topic just the other day.

I walked up a set of steps I did at my parents house about 8-10 years ago. Structurally, they have held up pretty well......as for the block itself....well, that is another question.

A lot of the block is starting to show a lot of aggregate on the surface, looking very worn and weathered....and not 'weathered' in the sense that it looks good as most of the new products are. The block used is now one of the worst manufuacturers out there, but that was what was available and used back then.

I'm starting to think sealers may be the way of the future for long lasting SRW projects to make it to 25 years and still look good.

Anyone else have projects hitting the 10-20 year range where the concrete itself is falling apart, not necessarily the structure?

As for that project pictured, It's not my style. I've yet to use those type of blocks on 1 project. They do stack quick though, and make it possible to do a intrique job quickly. I just think of home depot when I see them and a homeowner loading them into the truck of their car. But, this is not my place to speak, the project looks nice, is done well, and paid the bills. That's all that can be asked for.

[HRLand]

I question the longevity of a product when I see a piece of wood embeded in a paver. What else will be showing 10 years from now?

[Stonehenge]

Matt T - That's exactly what I'm talking about. And that one you showed has gaps between the block that are bigger than what I usually see. Seems like it's a lot to ask of those vertical blocks and the adhesive.

Mrusk, I hear you - that's why you should read here in copious amounts - as soon as your first 50 projects have their warranties expire, you'll know the value of high quality installs.

@ PSU - I've seen decade-old paver projects crumbling at the edges. Really was a disappointment. And yeah, in time the pigment washes away from the top layer of anything concrete - block or pavers.

[PSUscaper]

Maybe you need to include some thompson water seal with that concrete sealer application from now on! I love seeing that stuff too!

[mrusk]

Originally posted by Stonehenge

Mrusk, I hear you - that's why you should read here in copious amounts -

I do.

I know some of you think i am FOS, others think i ask insane questions, and others think i am just out of my mind. But regardless of all that, i come here for one reason: To learn.

[James Mugrage]

PSUSCAPER

I'm with you on the sealer idea ! Some thought should be given to making this a scheduled maintenance item every year or two. The only patio I ever sealed was done 4 years ago, peeked at it about a month ago and it still has a light sheen to it and a majority of its color. More valid reasons to seal : Additional revenue stream, face time with the client, competiton seperation.

[4seasons]

So do you think attaching wrought iron to the top won't stand the test of time? I'm bidding that right now. Should I maybe drill down through? Or pour a slab then lay up the wall?

[Stonehenge]

I think it was Dan Deutekom that discussed the disposability of much of the construction work done these days (all industries, not just landscaping), and that in 10-15 years your work may well be replaced to update to more current styles.

Would it stand up to the test of 10 years? If built well, probably.

I guess as I get up in years I'd like to know that some of the work we do will outlive me; some kind of mark left on the earth to prove I was here. And 10 years doesn't seem like enough to me.