building a partial wall out of cinder block and then stuccoing it?

Question

I was hoping to create a spanish/ mediterranean courtyard at the next house in front if there is enough yard and codes allow and building it out of rough sided cinder block and then stucco it, it would be like 6.5 ft tall and every 16 inches there would be a 3 ft "window" opening to put a greek style pot in with a cascading vine. I would put a wider shelf in those openings. the courtyard would have stone tile- the 2 or 3 ft by 2 or 3 ft kind and the front of the house would be brick, it would be attached to home to stabilize. do you think this would work? I would be having it professionally done most likely(the wall part)

we are moving soon and have to buy a new home so... I want it to be fun

Answer 1

Certainly if you are having it professionally installed, and the contractor is reputable, THEY will know or find out about any code issues/ and the proper construction. The most you may have to do is pay for permits. You shouldn't at all have to worry over codes or zoning.

Obviously you can paint/ decorate/ stucco. I suggest a Fiberglass based stucco. It applies the same; is as durable; and paintable. I have it on a house in Florida since 1992 and it look fine.

Steven Wolf

Answer 2

Hey, I like the idea, especially with the windows and the pots. If you want it to be sturdy start with a footing. Pour it few inches wider than the bocks. Than while building the wall insert 1/2" iron bars. After you finish pour cement (cheep quickcrete type) and you will have a real wall. Than stucco it. For the windows if they have to be that big use a steel bar for header to hold up the blocks while building. Than you can stucco them in as well.
Good Luck, looks like a great project, but do get it approved first, I would hate to see you have to tear it down after finishing it and not getting approval. that would stink

Answer 3

make sure you are within the structure codes for your town than start with a footing usually one foot wide by two feet deep pour concrete and level then set your first row of blocks in mortar let set. when dry stack the block on top has needed when done apply walcrete to both sides it is in a bag like concrete but with bonding agents and fiberglass to water proof and seal the block together this is troweled on so it comes out very much like stucco next fill in block holes with concrete and you should have a project to last a life time.

Answer 4

Check with your city, 6.5 might be too tall, the building dept will let you know. They also have specifications for rebar and whether or not to fill every other hole with concrete. It would be a huge waste of money to get half way through it and the code enforcement vehicle pulls up and ruins your day.

Answer 5

approximetly $35.00 an hour because thats what you will be charged regardless of the pay recieved by the worker who digs it.---but if you contact a local temporary labor co. you could be charged as little as $15.00 an hour.with a four hour minimum.you must decide the value of your time and the experiance to do the job right .