Fence Builders in Houston

If you have an existing fence on your property that is constructed with simple concrete or concrete blocks, you can give it a makeover with flagstone! Why not have an alluring focal point as well as a fence that serves it’s structural purpose.

First,  clean the wall by scraping any powdery build-up with a wire brush when the wall or fence is dry. If the wall or fence has any oil stains or peeling paint, apply a commercial concrete cleaner and scrub the spots with a stiff brush.  Once that is complete,  clean the entire wall with either a concrete cleaner or strong detergent. Before moving on to the steps below, make sure the wall is completely dry.

Measure the wall to get an idea of the amount of flagstones you will need. Choose flagstone that are  light, thin and predominantly flat on one side. Stones that are more squared off will lend a more geometric appearance, and irregularly shaped stones will give a more natural look.

Follow these steps to complete the project.

1. Lay down plywood that is equal in width to the height of the wall. If it is a tall wall the plywood will represent a portion of the wall. Lay the flagstones on the plywood, flattest side down, and arrange them in an integrated design where they will best fit together, and require minimal trimming and cutting.
2. Paint a coat of latex bonding agent on the wall. Then mix a batch of mortar following the instructions on the bag. Apply a 3/8 inch thick layer of mortar to the wall using a straight trowel. If the back of the stones are not that flat, apply a slightly thicker amount.
3. Starting at the bottom of the wall, press the flagstones into the mortar. At least three-quarters of the flagstone should be embedded in the mortar. Use wood shims to hold the flagstones in place and to provide consistent spacing. Continue on up to the top of the wall. Make any adjustments before the mortar starts to harden.
4. After placing the flagstones and the mortar has almost hardened, remove the wood shims. When the mortar has completely hardened, then mortar the joints (the spaces between the flagstones).  With either a pointed trowel or a mortar bag (where you squeeze the mortar out), apply the mortar into the joints. Wipe the edges of the flagstones with a damp towel. When the mortar begins to harden, use the tip of the pointed trowel, a jointing tool, or even a spoon, to scrape out the excess mortar between the joints as well as indenting the mortar into the joints. This is also known as smoothing the mortar and “striking and brushing” the joints. When this is finished wipe and clean the edges of the flagstone again.
5. On the top of the wall install stones large enough to overhang both edges by about an inch. Mortar the top as you did the wall, lay the stones, and mortar and smooth the joints.
6. When all the mortar has 90 percent hardened, wash the wall with water, scrub it with a brush to expel any mortar crumbs, and wipe it with a wet towel. You will know have a picturesque wall to be proud of.

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