CountryPlans Forum

General => Owner-Builder Projects => Topic started by: ellbaker on May 15, 2011, 09:18:22 PM

Title: 20x34 1.5 Story in Alabama
Post by: ellbaker on May 15, 2011, 09:18:22 PM
Finally starting my build thread. I am moving at a fast pace and things are happening so fast I haven't had time to work on a thread. I am sitting at the airport waiting on a late flight so I might as well use the time constructively.

I have been looking for lake lots at Smith Lake in north central Alabama for a few years. I started looking about 7 years ago.  It was always "I should have bought last year!". Prices were rising faster than I could save. The economic downturn has crippled the price of lots and second homes on Smith Lake. I closed on a lot for less than 1/3 of it's original asking price back in January. The bank took over the subdivision and are trying to liquidate the lots. I bought a lot that has a few steps to the water which is somewhat rare at Smith Lake. The majority of the land around Smith Lake is very steep.  Several lots require an exstensive stair system or even a tram system to get to the water.  I had an excavator cut the road and basement back in March.

(https://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z392/Ericbaker0467/New%20Cabin/New%20Cabin%20Progress/IMG_20110302_084111.jpg)

(https://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z392/Ericbaker0467/New%20Cabin/New%20Cabin%20Progress/IMG_20110302_084310.jpg)

I really did not plan on having a basement but the slope of the land was conducive to a basement.  My small lake cabin doubled in size overnight!  I moved the bedroom to the basement and added a second bedroom.  I now have a floor plan that will easily sleep 10+ people.  I bet my number of friends will increase dramatically in a few months. d*

I decided to use Superior Walls for the basement.  The walls were set back in mid-April. I went to work by prepping the footings for the daylight wall.

(https://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z392/Ericbaker0467/New%20Cabin/New%20Cabin%20Progress/IMG_20110424_115129.jpg)

The rough plumbing was put in and the slab was poured on April 25.

(https://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z392/Ericbaker0467/New%20Cabin/New%20Cabin%20Progress/IMG_20110425_144712.jpg)
Title: Re: 20x34 1.5 Story in Alabama
Post by: ellbaker on May 15, 2011, 11:04:16 PM
I decided to hire a framer. I just don't have the time to do it all as much as I would like to. I worked with a couple of guys and ended up going with the higher quote. It turned out to be a great decision because Jeff is an excellent framer and has forgot more about building than I will ever know.  He works with his two sons and brother in law so he does not have the typical employee problems, just family problems  ;). He was supposed to start working on April 27. However the devastating tornados struck Alabama on the same day. My primary home is about a mile from the EF5 that struck North Alabama. At one point, 4:35, they were predicting it to hit my neighborhood at 4:40.  It went just north of us and destroyed Harvest Alabama. This is the third major tornado (2 F5s) that have hit the same exact area since 1974.  It was the first time in my 26 years in Alabama that I took cover. Scary times.  

I spent 6 days without power but spent some unforgettable time helping clean up from the storms.  I met several people that had lost everything but had a positive outlook on life.  I worked at one intersection were 4 people lost their lives. It puts life into perspective. My lake place was about to be put on major hold.

I checked on the property on May 2 with chainsaw in hand expecting to do some cleanup because one of the tornados that hit Cullman Al originated very close to my place.  I arrived to no damage but the majority of my lumber package sitting on the site.  The lumber company delivered the lumber the day of the storms.  I talked to my framer Jeff, tornado passed within a few hundred yards, and he told me he really needed to work. The storm repairs would be a few weeks away. It takes insurance companies weeks to process the claims. We decided to press on and get the place dried in.  It took Jeff's 4 man experienced crew 8 days to finish up.  I am now waiting on my roofer to get it dried in.  I take over from here and plan to do the rest myself.  I have 11 and 12 year old sons and hope to make a lot of memories of the next few months.

(https://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z392/Ericbaker0467/New%20Cabin/New%20Cabin%20Progress/IMG_20110502_143125.jpg)

(https://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z392/Ericbaker0467/New%20Cabin/New%20Cabin%20Progress/IMG_20110506_165056.jpg)

(https://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z392/Ericbaker0467/New%20Cabin/New%20Cabin%20Progress/IMG_20110506_153042.jpg)

(https://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z392/Ericbaker0467/New%20Cabin/New%20Cabin%20Progress/IMG_20110506_145247.jpg)

(https://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z392/Ericbaker0467/New%20Cabin/New%20Cabin%20Progress/IMG_20110512_130813.jpg)

Added a shed dormer like the 1.5 story in Michigan (cedar and green exterior).  That cabin has been my inspiration for the last 3 years.

(https://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z392/Ericbaker0467/New%20Cabin/New%20Cabin%20Progress/IMG_20110512_130806.jpg)

(https://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z392/Ericbaker0467/New%20Cabin/New%20Cabin%20Progress/IMG_20110512_131022.jpg)

10x34 porch on the lake side.

(https://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z392/Ericbaker0467/New%20Cabin/New%20Cabin%20Progress/IMG_20110512_130905.jpg)

Can not complain about the view!

(https://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z392/Ericbaker0467/New%20Cabin/New%20Cabin%20Progress/IMG_20110512_130859.jpg)

(https://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z392/Ericbaker0467/New%20Cabin/New%20Cabin%20Progress/IMG_20110512_130859.jpg)

(https://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z392/Ericbaker0467/New%20Cabin/New%20Cabin%20Progress/IMG_20110512_125945.jpg)

(https://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z392/Ericbaker0467/New%20Cabin/New%20Cabin%20Progress/IMG_20110512_130709.jpg)

(https://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z392/Ericbaker0467/New%20Cabin/New%20Cabin%20Progress/IMG_20110512_130728.jpg)




Title: Re: 20x34 1.5 Story in Alabama
Post by: ellbaker on May 16, 2011, 12:01:43 AM
A few photos of the tornado damage near my house.
 
(https://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z392/Ericbaker0467/Tornado%202011/IMG_20110430_135134.jpg)

On the roof helping a 79 year old man re-sheath his roof.

(https://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z392/Ericbaker0467/Tornado%202011/IMG_20110501_125706.jpg)

(https://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z392/Ericbaker0467/Tornado%202011/IMG_20110501_125655.jpg)

Intersection where lives were lost.

(https://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z392/Ericbaker0467/Tornado%202011/IMG_20110430_105854.jpg)
Title: Re: 20x34 1.5 Story in Alabama
Post by: Tickhill on May 16, 2011, 03:32:43 AM
Some of the coldest and deepest water around. I have a friend that jet ski's Smith Lake. I live over on Bay Springs Lake in Ms. Glad you could take advantage of the lower prices. Excellent looking cabin.
Title: Re: 20x34 1.5 Story in Alabama
Post by: ellbaker on May 16, 2011, 08:05:57 AM
Pre-construction photos.

(https://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z392/Ericbaker0467/New%20Cabin/New%20Cabin%20Progress/da4e8f59.png)

(https://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z392/Ericbaker0467/New%20Cabin/New%20Cabin%20Progress/01e6f090.png)
Title: Re: 20x34 1.5 Story in Alabama
Post by: Sassy on May 17, 2011, 10:21:31 PM
Beautiful views & neat looking cabin.  Looking forward to your progress.

Gee, I feel sorry for all the people who had their homes ruined or damaged.  Glad your place made it ok.
Title: Re: 20x34 1.5 Story in Alabama
Post by: duncanshannon on May 18, 2011, 07:59:37 PM
amazing contrast between the tornado damage pictures and the raw land! 

the damage is amazing.  yuk!
Title: Re: 20x34 1.5 Story in Alabama
Post by: texasgun on May 19, 2011, 09:45:12 AM
Love your cabin and view [cool] Question how are you going to seal your upper porch deck I noticed it is decked with osb right now or is that just temporary? I am looking at a similar design but 2 story instead of walk out but upper porch deck has always left me ???
Title: Re: 20x34 1.5 Story in Alabama
Post by: ellbaker on May 20, 2011, 06:10:33 PM
Quote from: texasgun on May 19, 2011, 09:45:12 AM
Question how are you going to seal your upper porch deck I noticed it is decked with osb right now or is that just temporary? I am looking at a similar design but 2 story instead of walk out but upper porch deck has always left me ???

OSB is just temporary.  I am going to deck it with 5/4 cedar or pressure treated pine.
Title: Re: 20x34 1.5 Story in Alabama
Post by: ellbaker on May 30, 2011, 08:13:46 PM
Got the roof on last weekend.

(https://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z392/Ericbaker0467/New%20Cabin/New%20Cabin%20Progress/IMG_20110527_140435.jpg)

I thought I could get the rough in electric and plumbing done over the long weekend but, like usual, everything takes longer than I think it will.  95% of the wiring is done. Waste pipe is 50% done.
Title: Re: 20x34 1.5 Story in Alabama
Post by: ellbaker on August 24, 2011, 06:23:12 PM
Inside is insulated and ready for pine.  I got started last weekend.  Only 2800 sq. ft. to go ::)

(https://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z392/Ericbaker0467/New%20Cabin/New%20Cabin%20Progress/IMG_20110817_101519.jpg)

(https://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z392/Ericbaker0467/New%20Cabin/New%20Cabin%20Progress/IMG_20110817_101447.jpg)

(https://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z392/Ericbaker0467/New%20Cabin/New%20Cabin%20Progress/IMG_20110817_101459.jpg)

(https://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z392/Ericbaker0467/New%20Cabin/New%20Cabin%20Progress/IMG_20110817_101436.jpg)

(https://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z392/Ericbaker0467/New%20Cabin/New%20Cabin%20Progress/IMG_20110821_101125.jpg)

(https://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z392/Ericbaker0467/New%20Cabin/New%20Cabin%20Progress/IMG_20110821_101058.jpg)
Title: Re: 20x34 1.5 Story in Alabama
Post by: Sassy on August 25, 2011, 04:27:14 PM
Tongue & groove looks nice.  You've got a lot done, but as always, lots more to do...  looking good!
Title: Re: 20x34 1.5 Story in Alabama
Post by: John Raabe on August 25, 2011, 07:59:06 PM
Nice work and a lovely site. Thanks for the dramatic photos of the tornado damage. Kind of like an asteroid hit. Pretty much total devastation when it hits full on.
Title: Re: 20x34 1.5 Story in Alabama
Post by: stricsm on August 26, 2011, 06:21:03 AM
Smith lake is great water.  I love the look of your cabin.  My in-laws had a place there and wanted us to keep it in the family.  I just couldn't handle the 1.5 hr drive to get there.  We ended up buying on the Elk.  You and I are practically neighbors.  I live at the very end of Capshaw Rd and our cabin is 21 miles west of us.

Mark
Title: Re: 20x34 1.5 Story in Alabama
Post by: ellbaker on August 26, 2011, 07:33:28 AM
Yes the 1.5 hour drive gets a little old, especially when building.  I really don't mind the drive though. It gives me a chance to unwind. The water quality of Smith is so good it is hard to pass up.  Do you have any pictures of your place on the Elk?
Title: Re: 20x34 1.5 Story in Alabama
Post by: NM_Shooter on August 26, 2011, 08:32:14 AM
Beautiful!  Add me to your friend list, as I want to visit.
Title: Re: 20x34 1.5 Story in Alabama
Post by: ellbaker on August 27, 2011, 09:27:49 PM
Friday and Saturday's progress. Got some tar paper on and 1.25 walls covered with pine.

(https://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z392/Ericbaker0467/IMG_20110826_164851.jpg)

(https://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z392/Ericbaker0467/IMG_20110826_164831.jpg)

(https://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z392/Ericbaker0467/IMG_20110827_175623.jpg)

(https://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z392/Ericbaker0467/IMG_20110827_175645.jpg)

Title: Re: 20x34 1.5 Story in Alabama
Post by: stricsm on August 28, 2011, 10:04:49 AM
Here's our place.  It is a work in progress.  Built in phases since the 1960's.  We purchased in 2005.  We added a sunroom to the back (John's design) and a deck.  We are adding rock to the front this fall.  Keeps us busy but it is fun.

(https://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d51/stricsm/StricklandHouse.jpg)
Title: Re: 20x34 1.5 Story in Alabama
Post by: ellbaker on October 04, 2011, 08:47:34 PM
Got the pump jacks up last weekend.  Trimmed 4 windows and got the felt up on the highest part of the wall. I have 5 days this weekend to start putting up the siding, 8.25" Certainteed fiber cement.

(https://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z392/Ericbaker0467/IMG_20111002_160053.jpg)

I finished all of the interior walls and put on 2 coats of Polycrylic.

(https://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z392/Ericbaker0467/IMG_20110911_135114.jpg)

(https://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z392/Ericbaker0467/IMG_20110911_135046.jpg)

The ceiling will be a good winter project.
Title: Re: 20x34 1.5 Story in Alabama
Post by: ellbaker on October 09, 2011, 09:01:49 PM
Took Thursday and Friday off.  Thought I could get 2 sides sided with Certainteed fiber cement.  Wrong!  d*
Finished one side (except one soffit).

(https://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z392/Ericbaker0467/IMG_20111009_161721.jpg)
Title: Re: 20x34 1.5 Story in Alabama
Post by: duncanshannon on October 09, 2011, 10:22:24 PM
Looking good. 2 questions:

1) how do you like the Certainteed?  Did you up choosing between Certainteed and Hardie? 

2) How do you like working on the jacks?

Title: Re: 20x34 1.5 Story in Alabama
Post by: ellbaker on October 11, 2011, 10:41:58 PM

Quote from: duncanshannon on October 09, 2011, 10:22:24 PM
Looking good. 2 questions:

1) how do you like the Certainteed?  Did you up choosing between Certainteed and Hardie?  

2) How do you like working on the jacks?



I have mixed feelings on the fiber cement. It is heavy and fragile. I had to buy special blades for my compound mitre saw and skill saw. Nailing it is touch and go. If you miss a stud, it will usually blow through. I would use roofing nails instead of siding nails if I could start over (bigger head). Small angles are very fragile. I broke a couple of them off while putting them on the porch overhang. The Certainteed primer is good for up to 24 months before it has to be painted. It is also less expensive than Hardie.  If I had to do it over again, I would probably go with LP Smartside.  It is easier to handle, lighter, cuts like wood and is not as fragile. I am sure it has it's negatives too.  

I highly recommend Solo Siders.  They set the reveal exactly in 1/16" increments.  They hold the siding in place until you nail it.  They are great for working alone.

The pump jacks are great when properly braced.  I never felt uncomfortable on then walk boards.  I tree stand hunt so the height does not bother me.



Title: Re: 20x34 1.5 Story in Alabama
Post by: ellbaker on October 11, 2011, 10:45:05 PM
Monday's progress.  It goes much quicker when you are not 20 ft in the air  ;)


(https://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z392/Ericbaker0467/IMG_20111010_160033.jpg)
Title: Re: 20x34 1.5 Story in Alabama
Post by: ellbaker on November 26, 2011, 09:23:03 PM
Still making progress.  :)

(https://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z392/Ericbaker0467/IMG_20111108_153657.jpg)

(https://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z392/Ericbaker0467/IMG_20111113_155231.jpg)
Both sides of the fireplace are now painted.  I still have to put siding on the back but it is under the covered porch and is only 8' high. Easy work! Approximately 60% of the siding was put up solo.

(https://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z392/Ericbaker0467/IMG_20111126_150112.jpg)

(https://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z392/Ericbaker0467/IMG_20111126_150147.jpg)
Pine is up on one side of the ceiling and up to the beams on the other side. I feel like spiderman working on the ceiling.  All of the ceiling work was solo so the progress was slow (4 days of work).

Title: Re: 20x34 1.5 Story in Alabama
Post by: OlJarhead on November 26, 2011, 09:57:59 PM
Wow!  Super fast!

Terrible damage by the tornadoes!  Yikes!  Are you putting in a storm shelter too?
Title: Re: 20x34 1.5 Story in Alabama
Post by: Sassy on November 27, 2011, 12:25:40 PM
Looks great!  It will be so nice to be able to sit out on your porch looking out on the lake & having the neat views from inside the house  :)
Title: Re: 20x34 1.5 Story in Alabama
Post by: ValleyJ on December 07, 2011, 10:28:01 PM
Found my new inspiration cabin...  Nice work ellbaker!

Do you have a sketch of the basement layout?
Title: Re: 20x34 1.5 Story in Alabama
Post by: ellbaker on January 10, 2012, 02:01:06 PM
All of my ceilings are complete except for trim pieces. I also tiled the bath and prepped the shower for tile. Decided to use a porcelain slate (Ragno Calabria BR).  Finally got a toilet installed!  Oh shovel I will miss thee.  Plan to get the shower tile in this weekend and start trimming out the windows.

(https://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z392/Ericbaker0467/IMG_20111204_151719.jpg)

(https://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z392/Ericbaker0467/IMG_20120108_135519.jpg)

(https://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z392/Ericbaker0467/IMG_20120108_135533.jpg)

(https://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z392/Ericbaker0467/IMG_20111228_161058.jpg)

(https://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z392/Ericbaker0467/IMG_20120108_135440.jpg)

(https://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z392/Ericbaker0467/IMG_20111217_124336.jpg)
Title: Re: 20x34 1.5 Story in Alabama
Post by: ellbaker on January 19, 2012, 11:49:40 PM
Got the tile installed in the shower.  Took 1.5 days but ended up looking pretty good for my 2nd tile job.  Just need to grout to finish it up.

(https://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z392/Ericbaker0467/IMG_20120114_190137.jpg)

(https://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z392/Ericbaker0467/IMG_20120116_125526.jpg)

Big winter storm raised the level of the lake by 3 feet in a couple of days.  It was a foot above full pool.  All of the trash and mud makes it look bad.  Good thing it hardly ever looks this bad.

(https://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z392/Ericbaker0467/IMG_20120114_113749.jpg)

(https://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z392/Ericbaker0467/IMG_20120114_114153.jpg)

My heating and A/C guy installed my outdoor unit on Monday.  Slightly embarrassed myself by covering the floor vent in the bath with tile.  Good thing I have left over tile to replace the 2 tiles I had to pull up.  It is also time to call the wife's bluff about staying the night with me.  I have a toilet and heat (her two demands).  I know she will love the cot!   Isn't there a country western song about sleeping double in a single bed?

If you look closely, you can see the outdoor unit on the right.

(https://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z392/Ericbaker0467/IMG_20120116_143954.jpg)

Title: Re: 20x34 1.5 Story in Alabama
Post by: Danfish on January 20, 2012, 09:47:35 AM
Great build and location.  How's the fishing in the lake?

Appears you used the Schluter-Kerdi water proof membrane in the showers.  I am planning on using this system and wonder if you had  any installation problems or suggestions.  Did you install over Hardi backerboard?  I understand some installers have had problems with cement backer sucking the water out of the thinset and the membrane doesn't adhere properly.
Title: Re: 20x34 1.5 Story in Alabama
Post by: MountainDon on January 20, 2012, 10:09:12 AM
Quote from: Danfish on January 20, 2012, 09:47:35 AM
I understand some installers have had problems with cement backer sucking the water out of the thinset and the membrane doesn't adhere properly.

This seems odd to me. I've installed more tile than I care to remember, or grout, using thinset over Hardie cement board and have not had any issues. Only one job was using the membrane, but all the tile work, floors and walls, are solid.  ???

Title: Re: 20x34 1.5 Story in Alabama
Post by: Sassy on January 20, 2012, 11:50:56 AM
Beautiful!  Love the tile  :)   and the nice porch overlooking the river...  I would love to be able to look over a creek/river/lake...  but we do have some beautiful views - if Glenn would stop trying to build things in front of them   d*
Title: Re: 20x34 1.5 Story in Alabama
Post by: glenn kangiser on January 20, 2012, 12:03:17 PM
We do overlook a nice year round spring.  :)

Title: Re: 20x34 1.5 Story in Alabama
Post by: Sassy on January 20, 2012, 12:04:30 PM
You can't see it  [waiting]
Title: Re: 20x34 1.5 Story in Alabama
Post by: ellbaker on January 20, 2012, 02:48:38 PM
I followed the Kerdi recommendation to use drywall.  It went against everything I have learned about tile in a wet area but lots of reading on John Bridge forums convinced me to take the leap. 
Title: Re: 20x34 1.5 Story in Alabama
Post by: Danfish on January 20, 2012, 09:07:10 PM
Installing over drywall is the approach most recommended, unfortunately I was unable to convince my local building offical.  Local inspectors will only accept a waterproof backer so I decided to go with Dens-Shield.
Title: Re: 20x34 1.5 Story in Alabama
Post by: ellbaker on March 12, 2012, 06:32:11 AM
Time flies when you spend every weekend working on a different project.  :)  It has been almost 2 months since my last update.  The inside (main floor) is coming along.  The basement is pretty much untouched.  It will be sheetrocked and painted.  I finished the tile shower, have all of the t&g pine up, decked the porch, put in the front door and have the fireplace 80% complete.  Here are a few pictures of my progress.

(https://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z392/Ericbaker0467/IMG_20120129_134441.jpg)
Shower niche.

(https://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z392/Ericbaker0467/IMG_20120129_134433.jpg)
shower floor

(https://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z392/Ericbaker0467/IMG_20120212_131519.jpg)
Completed shower.

(https://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z392/Ericbaker0467/IMG_20120219_111559.jpg)
Insert in place.

(https://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z392/Ericbaker0467/IMG_20120220_172734.jpg)
Sheathed and lathed.

(https://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z392/Ericbaker0467/IMG_20120226_155135.jpg)
Scratch coat.

(https://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z392/Ericbaker0467/IMG_20120304_161945.jpg)
Took a break on the fireplace to deck the porch.  2 days for 74 5/4 x 6 boards and one sore right elbow.

(https://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z392/Ericbaker0467/IMG_20120310_113752.jpg)
Real, thin stone veneer.

(https://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z392/Ericbaker0467/IMG_20120311_172009.jpg)
2 days of work.  Masonary work is tough work.  Especially when done solo.

(https://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z392/Ericbaker0467/IMG_20120226_155515.jpg)
New front door.
Title: Re: 20x34 1.5 Story in Alabama
Post by: oifmarine on March 18, 2012, 02:03:56 PM
Wow, you are do a FAST build! :)  looks great! [cool]
Title: Re: 20x34 1.5 Story in Alabama
Post by: ellbaker on March 18, 2012, 06:48:08 PM
2.5 more days of working on the fire place rock.  I am one tired puppy.   :-\. Started grouting today.  Pre mixed mortar in the bag wouldn't work. I could never get a mix that would flow well through the grout bag.  I almost gave up but tried mixing my own. I used type N mortar will a ratio of 1:1.75 mortar to sand. It flowed really well. I dropped the bag from about 10 ft and that was the end of the grouting. Bag split up the side. I have to take two weekends off for a family vacation. It will be tough to have fun knowing I could be working!

(https://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z392/Ericbaker0467/IMG_20120318_153312.jpg)
Not thrilled with my hearth.  I may swap it out with a thicker stone.

(https://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z392/Ericbaker0467/IMG_20120318_153325.jpg)
Grout progress above the walk board.  It will dry to a gray color.
Title: Re: 20x34 1.5 Story in Alabama
Post by: Danfish on March 20, 2012, 10:32:39 AM
Your work looks great! 

Sorry to hear the grout bag is giving you fits, all the "how to" articles make it sound so easy.  Since I am planning a similar fireplace with real thin rock veneer...have a few questions:

     1. What did you use for sheathing?
     2. Who made the stone veneer?  I have been looking at a company called Montana Rock.
     3. What type and mix did you use for scratch coat?
     4. Any other tips about working with this stuff?

Enjoy your vacation, you deserve a break!
Title: Re: 20x34 1.5 Story in Alabama
Post by: Redoverfarm on March 20, 2012, 12:18:06 PM
Ellbaker I find that working from the bottom to the top works better .  You can end on a verticle joint at the top of the horizontal stone (keep the next horizontal joint from sagging when bridging that joint) and it will set well enough in 15-20 minutes to tuck point.  After that time I tuck point.  Then repeat the process going up in manageable amounts ( 1-groute bag  2/3-3/4 full).  Then while that next layer sets (same time) you can brush the previous layer that you tuck pointed to give it a clean look. If you can find a "horsehair" brush is best.   I use a 2:1 mix of Type s mortar.  You mix it a little wet so that it will flow out of the bag better (Just increases the set time by 5 min or so) .  Less stress and hand cramping.  With the bag filled only 3/4 full I fold the top edge like you were making a paper airplane and then roll that top toward the tip to give me a good handle.  I think I wore out 2-3 bags in about 1400 sq ft.

Good Job on the stone.  Now if I can be just a little criticle.  Fireplace openings to look authentic need a "key stone" .  I had incorporated one into each of my fireplaces but had to do some modification to one and lost that authentic look more or less.
Title: Re: 20x34 1.5 Story in Alabama
Post by: ellbaker on March 20, 2012, 08:57:40 PM
Quote from: Danfish on March 20, 2012, 10:32:39 AM

     1. What did you use for sheathing?
     2. Who made the stone veneer?  I have been looking at a company called Montana Rock.
     3. What type and mix did you use for scratch coat?
     4. Any other tips about working with this stuff?

Grout bag is not nearly as easy as it looks. Getting your mixture just right is key.  Even then get ready for some sore forearms.

1.  7/16" OSB with 30# felt.  For the lath, I found conflicting guidance on which direction to put the rough side. Some said the lath should feel rough when you move your hand up vs down and others said rough when moving down. I placed it with the rough texture as you moved your hand down.  I thought that would provide better holding power against gravity.

2.  Real Rock Veneer in Oneonta, AL.  They are part of Lamb Stone.  I went with their cottage stack with about 20% mosaic for the shiners.  It is a little more expensive than average grade of manufactured stone but was actually less expensive than Cultured Stone which I believe is one of the better manufactured stone.  If you go with a manufactured stone on the exterior, make sure you incorporate a rain screen or drainage plane behind the scratch coat.  Several mold and moisture problems are being found behind manufactured stone over OSB. 

3.  I used Quickcrete Type S dry premix for the scratch coat.  It has an additive to keep it workable longer. I could not get the stone to stick well with it.  I swapped to Sakcrete Type S and it worked great.  I mxed my own for the grout.

4. I used a 4" grinder with a diamond blade to cut the stone part way through.  I then used a brick hammer to do the final shaping to keep a rough edge.  I then used a small tile wet saw to cut the final pieces that had to fit in specific spots. 

Have fun!
Title: Re: 20x34 1.5 Story in Alabama
Post by: ellbaker on March 20, 2012, 09:06:38 PM
Quote from: Redoverfarm on March 20, 2012, 12:18:06 PM
Fireplace openings to look authentic need a "key stone" .

Now you tell me!  d* I see what you mean. I looked at lots of pictures but now realize they were not trying to simulate a real fireplace.  A keystone would definetly make it look more realistic.  It doubt I try to change it now.  I will do it right on the next one  ;D

I started at the top to practice where it won't be so noticeable. I will likely do the remainder from the bottom up.  My joints are rough looking but that fits in with the rustic look.  I have a brush from Lowes but will look for a horsehair because it is not as smooth as I would like.

Thanks for the advice.  Others will benefit from our lessons learned.



Title: Re: 20x34 1.5 Story in Alabama
Post by: Redoverfarm on March 20, 2012, 09:24:05 PM
Quote from: ellbaker on March 20, 2012, 09:06:38 PM
Now you tell me!  d* I see what you mean. I looked at lots of pictures but now realize they were not trying to simulate a real fireplace.  A keystone would definetly make it look more realistic.  It doubt I try to change it now.  I will do it right on the next one  ;D

I started at the top to practice where it won't be so noticeable. I will likely do the remainder from the bottom up.  My joints are rough looking but that fits in with the rustic look.  I have a brush from Lowes but will look for a horsehair because it is not as smooth as I would like.

Thanks for the advice.  Others will benefit from our lessons learned.

That was sort of my intention.  Many may look later for guidance.   Good job never the less.
Title: Re: 20x34 1.5 Story in Alabama
Post by: Alan Gage on March 21, 2012, 02:23:17 PM
QuoteI have to take two weekends off for a family vacation. It will be tough to have fun knowing I could be working!

I hear you there! Who would have ever thought work could be so much fun and fun could be so much work.

Looking great!

Oh, and BTW, the county music lyrics you referenced above...you had them backwards. It's "sleeping single in a double bed.

Alan
Title: Re: 20x34 1.5 Story in Alabama
Post by: ellbaker on April 16, 2012, 09:06:56 PM
Finished grouting the fireplace last weekend and got the mantle up this weekend.  Also finished siding the rear of the house and the dormer on the back.  Waiting for my 8" pine for the floor.

(https://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z392/Ericbaker0467/IMG_20120415_154912.jpg)

(https://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z392/Ericbaker0467/IMG_20120415_154921.jpg)

(https://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z392/Ericbaker0467/IMG_20120415_155744.jpg)


Title: Re: 20x34 1.5 Story in Alabama
Post by: Redoverfarm on April 16, 2012, 09:12:35 PM
Nice job on the fireplace.   [cool]
Title: Re: 20x34 1.5 Story in Alabama
Post by: ellbaker on April 16, 2012, 09:16:47 PM
Quote from: Redoverfarm on April 16, 2012, 09:12:35 PM
Nice job on the fireplace.   [cool]

Thanks! It was a tough job but I am looking forward to doing it again.  I need an outdoor fireplace.  Thanks for the tips on grouting. If I only had the keystone  d*  ;)
Title: Re: 20x34 1.5 Story in Alabama
Post by: Redoverfarm on April 16, 2012, 09:20:09 PM
Quote from: ellbaker on April 16, 2012, 09:16:47 PM
Thanks! It was a tough job but I am looking forward to doing it again.  I need an outdoor fireplace.  Thanks for the tips on grouting. If I only had the keystone  d*  ;)

Don't lose any sleep over it.  It will soon take second place to something else.   ;)  I had a few " Oh S#$%" but it has long been forgotten.  I doubt that it will even be noticed.  Again good job.
Title: Re: 20x34 1.5 Story in Alabama
Post by: oifmarine on April 16, 2012, 09:32:45 PM
Looks great!  I love the look of the stone! :)
Title: Re: 20x34 1.5 Story in Alabama
Post by: mogie01 on April 17, 2012, 06:47:44 AM
The fireplace is beautiful, I hope ours turns out as nice as yours. [cool]