As we head into the winter months, when all of our normal business cycles slow down, I wanted to give all of you a brief update on how we are doing and our outlook as we go into 2010.
The Great Recession - It seems most agree that the significant slowdown in economic activity has reached a bottom and the economy may start to improve as 2009 draws to a close. Recently it was announced that gross domestic product (GDP) turned positive in the third quarter after four consecutive negative quarters. As a result, the technical definition of a recovery may be underway.
Construction will lag - While the general economy may slowly improve (most agree it will be a slow growth in 2010-11), improvement in construction markets and our industry will lag the recovery. Key factors:
• While residential starts will increase in 2010-11, they will be 40-50% less than at the peak in 2006-07.
• Private commercial construction could continue to decline given excess inventories of commercial office and retail space. In addition, financing for private development is still very difficult to obtain. Banks are being significantly more conservative in lending as a response to the banking crisis earlier this year.
Consumers could help - To the degree that confidence comes back to consumers, our dealer business and our contractor base could benefit from higher sales. The growth will be tempered by continued high unemployment and worries about consumer debt that may delay improvement until late 2010.
Repositioning Mutual to the new reality - Lots of folks have been working on multiple fronts to reposition the Company to a lower level of sales. These efforts have been underway since late last year and continue as I write this update. The good news is we have accomplished a great deal in this area.
The last two months our results have trended better than we reforecast earlier in the year. We are seeing more cumulative benefit from some of the difficult decisions we implemented earlier in the year.
Most importantly we are positioned much more appropriately for the level of business we expect to achieve. We are also continuing to be very focused on capturing as many opportunities as we can. The market is very competitive and we want to ensure we’re working with our customers to expand sales for Mutual and our customer base.
While there continues to be economic uncertainty, the financial crisis in the US appears to be over. From here, hopefully, Mutual, our customers and the country can build from this level and start to move forward again.
Thank you for your efforts and work in these challenging times. What each of us does-matters.
Sincerely,
Joe Bowen
President
Monday, December 28, 2009
Monday, December 21, 2009
What’s New in Natural Stone
We at Mutual have been very busy in 2009 sourcing new and fresh Natural Stone offerings to bring to market for the 2010 season. We pride ourselves at being innovative and always looking forward to provide customers with the newest product offerings to go with our established lines of Masonry and Hardscapes products.
For the 2010 season we will be offering the following new Natural Stone products:
1. Natural Stone Pavers, Cobbles and Treads
2. Ledgestone Light - Lightweight Modular Natural Stone Panels
3. Glacier Mountain Natural Ledge Thin Veneer
4. Bitterroot Wall Rock
5. Montana Mossy Ledgestone, Patio and Boulders
We are very excited to launch our new line of Natural Stone Pavers, Cobbles and Treads, as they will make any Hardscape project stand out.
We will be stocking tumbled Slates, Limestone’s, and Quartzite’s in three colors and sizes 4”x4”, 4”x8” and 8”x8” all two inches thick. Colors will be Cool Jazz, Autumn Rust and Moon Dance. These are intended to compliment our RoxPro stone panel line.
We will be featuring three colors of Flamed and Beveled Granite pavers in a 4”x8”x2”: Black Crystal, Golden Topaz and Olde Pewter. Two sizes of Granite Treads will also be stocked in Black Crystal and Olde Pewter (12”x2”x8’ and 18”x2”x8’). The top and front face will be a flamed (thermaled) surface. We will also be stocking Tumbled Granite Cobbles in three colors in a 4”x4”x3” size.
All of our Natural Stone Pavers can be sand or mortar set depending on the requirements of the project and the desired look. There are many other sizes, colors and textures that can be special ordered to fit any customers needs or imagination.
We are pleased to add Ledgestone Light to our line of Modular Stone Panels. These panels are lighter in weight than our current Ledgestone panels, weighing 15lbs per Sqft, qualifying them as a thin veneer. They will provide the same weathered edge look and reveal of a ledgestone without the added weight. We will be stocking Ledgestone Light in Autumn Horizon and Rocky Mountain.
Glacier Mt, Natural Ledge Thin Veneer is our most current offering in Thin Veneer Cut-Stone. This Argillite stone, from the Northern Montana Rockies, has a cream base with hues of gold, black, and light gray’s running throughout. This stone can also be special ordered in full bed and thin veneer in many other shapes and sizes to meet any projects requirements.
Bitterroot Wall Rock is low cost Montana stone that’s uses can be very versatile. This stone features vibrant hues of burgundy, gold, and bronze set against a neutral background of gray’s and browns with some occasional moss on some stones. This stone can be used in many Hardscape and Masonry applications from Drystack walls, to rustic fireplace veneers and will add value to any project.
Montana Mossy comes from the rolling plains of Eastern Montana. This brown Sandstone has been weathered and covered with Lichens and mosses for centuries and will add a rustic natural look to any project. Mutual Materials stocks this product in Ledgestone, 1-3 Patio, and Boulders.
If you would like to learn more about Mutual Materials and its Natural Stone products, or if you would like to find a qualified contractor for your project, please visit us at our website www.mutualmaterials.com. We also have 19 branches in
Sincerely,
Michael G. Jones
Natural Stone Sales Manager
Monday, December 14, 2009
Retaining Wall Projects
Can I really install a retaining wall project myself?
For many of our customers, installing a retaining wall is the most intimidating type of hardscape project. Stacking heavy blocks that need to result in both structural and visual integrity can be a daunting task, especially if it’s large in scale or on a hillside. In most cases we encourage you to hire a professional. Most cities and counties require both a permit and engineering when building a wall over 4’ in height. Areas where there is heavy water accumulation also require some consultation. In most circumstances, you will want to use a contractor. You can find Mutual Materials’ Preferred Contractors at: www.mutualmaterials.com
However, if you are building a small, simple wall or planter, you can handle the project yourself. All you need is the right tools and a few friends. Follow the steps below to install segmental retaining wall block.
Step One: Choose your wall system
There are a number of wall styles and textures. Some wall blocks are best suited for tall structural walls, while others look good for planters and terraces. Once you choose the type of wall you then have to choose your color.
Step Two: Lay out your project
Armed with wood stakes, a string line, measuring tape and a level lay out each wall level. This helps you get a sense of where each wall is going and how it is going to look. This step also helps you estimate the amount of wall block you will need.
Step Three: Start digging!
This is where the fun begins! As a general rule, retaining wall footings are 4 to 6 inches deep and 12 inches wider than the total width of the wall block. Admittedly this is not the most enjoyable part of the project. After all, who likes to dig? This is a great time to get friends and family to help. After digging the footings you will notice that you have extra soil. This can be used for back fill if you are doing a terrace or planters.
Step Four: Laying your base
This is one of the most important steps in building a wall. Once your footings are dug, they need to be back filled with 5/8 minus (a fancy term for crushed rock). The base rock then needs to be leveled and compacted with a tamper.
Step Five: Laying your first course
When laying your first course of block, you need to spend extra time with a small level and rubber mallet leveling each block, front to back and right to left. Spending the time getting this right will save you a lot of headaches as your project continues. Once the first course is set it’s time to stack your block insuring that you straddle the seam from the block below.
Step Six: Back fill
Once all your courses are laid, you will need to back fill your wall with washed drain rock and 4” perforated drainpipe if needed. You could also add filter fabric at this point if it is necessary.
The important thing to remember is that help is just a click away at www.mutualmaterials.com or a phone call to one of our 19 branches.
Sincerely,
Marty Njaa
Washington Dealer Sales Manager
For many of our customers, installing a retaining wall is the most intimidating type of hardscape project. Stacking heavy blocks that need to result in both structural and visual integrity can be a daunting task, especially if it’s large in scale or on a hillside. In most cases we encourage you to hire a professional. Most cities and counties require both a permit and engineering when building a wall over 4’ in height. Areas where there is heavy water accumulation also require some consultation. In most circumstances, you will want to use a contractor. You can find Mutual Materials’ Preferred Contractors at: www.mutualmaterials.com
However, if you are building a small, simple wall or planter, you can handle the project yourself. All you need is the right tools and a few friends. Follow the steps below to install segmental retaining wall block.
Step One: Choose your wall system
There are a number of wall styles and textures. Some wall blocks are best suited for tall structural walls, while others look good for planters and terraces. Once you choose the type of wall you then have to choose your color.
Step Two: Lay out your project
Armed with wood stakes, a string line, measuring tape and a level lay out each wall level. This helps you get a sense of where each wall is going and how it is going to look. This step also helps you estimate the amount of wall block you will need.
Step Three: Start digging!
This is where the fun begins! As a general rule, retaining wall footings are 4 to 6 inches deep and 12 inches wider than the total width of the wall block. Admittedly this is not the most enjoyable part of the project. After all, who likes to dig? This is a great time to get friends and family to help. After digging the footings you will notice that you have extra soil. This can be used for back fill if you are doing a terrace or planters.
Step Four: Laying your base
This is one of the most important steps in building a wall. Once your footings are dug, they need to be back filled with 5/8 minus (a fancy term for crushed rock). The base rock then needs to be leveled and compacted with a tamper.
Step Five: Laying your first course
When laying your first course of block, you need to spend extra time with a small level and rubber mallet leveling each block, front to back and right to left. Spending the time getting this right will save you a lot of headaches as your project continues. Once the first course is set it’s time to stack your block insuring that you straddle the seam from the block below.
Step Six: Back fill
Once all your courses are laid, you will need to back fill your wall with washed drain rock and 4” perforated drainpipe if needed. You could also add filter fabric at this point if it is necessary.
The important thing to remember is that help is just a click away at www.mutualmaterials.com or a phone call to one of our 19 branches.
Sincerely,
Marty Njaa
Washington Dealer Sales Manager
Monday, December 7, 2009
The Beauty and Versatility of Architectural Slab Pavers
Architectural slab pavers, known more commonly as “slabs”, have become a very popular hardscape product in the Northwest. Designers, contractors and homeowners alike have come to realize how versatile and esthetically pleasing they can be in both residential and commercial applications. Slabs come in different textures, colors and sizes, and can be installed in different ways, so it’s easy to see why they have become so popular.
Mutual Materials has three distinct slab textures to choose from:
Installing slabs can be done in two distinct ways: sand set and pedestal set. Sand set slabs are more common in residential projects like patios and paths. They are basically installed the same way as sand set interlocking concrete pavers; using a compacted base of crushed rock and a layer of bedding sand. Pedestal set slabs are more common in roof-deck and raised patio applications. These projects use slabs that are laid on pedestals to achieve a certain height requirement, or to allow access to utilities underneath the deck surface.
If you would like to learn more about Mutual Materials’ architectural slab products, or would like to find a qualified contractor for your project please visit us at our website www.mutualmaterials.com. Good luck with your project!
Sincerely,
Rob Rosson
Residential Sales Manager
Monday, November 23, 2009
Think Brick
Homeowners are more aware than ever of brick’s lasting qualities that extend beyond the old brick schoolhouse or stately designs. They’re asking for brick because it’s one of the world’s most “green” building products.
The sustainable features of Mutual Materials brick not only add lasting value to a home, but help us all live a little greener.
- Locally manufactured—lowering carbon footprint
- Made from natural raw materials—essentially clay (shale) and water
- Durability—known life-cycle to 100 years or more
- Termite resistant—insects do not eat brick
- Low maintenance—no need for onsite finishes; it can be used as an interior and exterior
- Recyclable—reclaimed brick to make new ones or using old brick in retro designs
- Fireproof—nonflammable
- Natural insulator—keeping warm in winter and cool in summer
For more information on the green benefits of brick download this pdf from the BIA.
Monday, November 16, 2009
For the Advancement of Brick Masonry….
There is an organization that works to promote the advance of brick masonry, Western States Clay Products Association (WSCPA). Founded in 1962, its primary accomplishments have been to provide needed funding for research of clay brick masonry design and construction, especially research relating to the challenges of seismic activity in the Western United States.
Historically, much of the development of masonry building code language in the International Building Code, and formerly the Uniform Building Code, has been impacted by the research sponsored either wholly or in part by WSCPA. The organization has also published several documents that help with the proper design of various brick masonry wall systems.
Design Guide for Anchored Brick Veneer Over Steel Studs
Notes on the Selection, Design and Construction of Reinforced Hollow Clay Masonry
Design Guide for Structural Brick Veneer
Currently, the Design Guide for Structural Brick Veneer is under review. Updated references to current building codes as well as new developments in design and construction practices will help make this
Document more valuable to the architect and engineer.
Other documents available through WSCPA are:
Sustainable Design and the LEED Rating System
Fire Endurance Ratings of Clay Brick Masonry
Color That Lasts Forever...Paving Brochure
Brick Veneer on Steel Studs Brochure
Should any of these articles interest you, they can all be downloaded free of charge from the WSCPA website, http://www.brick-wscpa.org/index.php. A hardcopy may also be ordered through your Mutual Materials representative.
Along with WSCPA, Mutual Materials Company continues to help advance the use of one of the most beautiful, durable, and sustainable construction products available – reinforced clay brick!
Rick Crooks,
Mutual Materials Company
Friday, November 6, 2009
Retaining Wall Block Can Add Structure & Beauty To Any Project
When most people think of retaining walls, the first thing that comes to mind are those very tall, monstrous block walls that can be seen along the freeway holding up an entire hillside. These large engineered retaining wall systems perform very well in these type complex projects.
The fact is segmental retaining wall block (SRW) is very versatile, and not just for commercial use. Residential landscape projects often have multiple uses for SRW. You can use larger block like Cornerstone and Pisa to level off a slope and expand your yard. You can utilize smaller blocks like Manorstone and Roman Stackstone to create flowerbeds and planter boxes. Retaining wall block can also be used to create stairs and borders throughout your landscape.
If your landscape project is on the smaller scale and you want to “do-it-yourself”, you can come into any of our branches and talk to a sales person about which SRW will work best for your situation.
We also encourage people to go to our website: www.mutualmaterials.com, to find a contractor that specializes in retaining wall design and installation. Our Preferred Contactors have experience and training in the proper use of SRW and can be a great resource for you.
Sincerely,
Rob Rosson
Residential Sales Manager
Monday, November 2, 2009
Permeable Pavers in Action
Five years ago Mutual Materials worked with TCA Architecture to put permeable paving in place at the Snoqualmie Fire Station headquarters in Snoqualmie, Washington. We wanted to ensure that a system was being built that could support vehicle as heavy as a hook-and-ladder truck (approximately 73,000 pounds). With Mutual Materials Uni-Ecoloc, TCA was able to design a highstrength permeable pavement system that supports heavy traffic loads and allows rainwater to quickly return to the water table, avoiding the problems associated with surface runoff (higher water temperatures, pollutant discharge and peak flow damage).
Today, Snoqualmie Fire Chief, Bob Rowe, is still pleased with the system put in place. In his words:
"Though we have not kept up on the maintenance, the system is continuing to outperform my expectations. I was hesitant at first as to the durability of the pavers, and was skeptical whether they could hold up to the constant use of a fully loaded fire engine. The system has performed well beyond my expectations. There is no movement, channeling or cracking of the pavers. They still look great with very little noticeable wear."
To find out more about Mutual Materials permeable paving solutions, please visit: www.mutualmaterials.com/go_green.asp.
Sincerely,
Kendall Anderegg
Director, Residential Sales and Branch Operations
Today, Snoqualmie Fire Chief, Bob Rowe, is still pleased with the system put in place. In his words:
"Though we have not kept up on the maintenance, the system is continuing to outperform my expectations. I was hesitant at first as to the durability of the pavers, and was skeptical whether they could hold up to the constant use of a fully loaded fire engine. The system has performed well beyond my expectations. There is no movement, channeling or cracking of the pavers. They still look great with very little noticeable wear."
To find out more about Mutual Materials permeable paving solutions, please visit: www.mutualmaterials.com/go_green.asp.
Sincerely,
Kendall Anderegg
Director, Residential Sales and Branch Operations
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Prepare Your Jobsite for Winter
Winter is closing in quickly and it is time to think about jobsite weather protection.
Protecting masonry in wet weather really revolves around keeping the materials and walls dry during and after construction. Wet walls won't normally fail, as in the case with frozen walls, but it will invariably cause aesthetic issues downstream as efflorescence and subsequent cleaning issues can lead to permanent staining and unsatisfactory results. The keys to successful wet weather construction are:
1. Provide cover for walls and materials during construction activity.
2. Provide cover for top of walls overnight to prevent the cavity and masonry from filling with water.
3. With conventional scaffolding, turn footplanks over at night to prevent rainwater from splashing on the walls.
4. When cleaning, don't assume walls are wet enough to eliminate the need to pre-wet the wall prior to application of the cleaner.
5. Keep top of walls covered until plate and cap flashing are installed.
If these techniques are followed, your wintertime masonry project will have the best chance to stay and look its best.
Gary Zagelow
Commercial Sales Manager
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Mutual Materials and the Olympics
Vancouver and Whistler are ready to host the world at the 2010 Winter Olympics beginning in February of next year. Mutual Materials is taking the opportunity to shine as well. Our brick is appearing in a number of different size and color combinations throughout the residences in the Athlete’s Village on the Vancouver waterfront. This former Expo ’86 site, in the False Creek area, has accumulated our brick for years because of its “human scale”. After the Games, these houses will be sold and are expected to draw some of the highest prices in the Lower Mainland. Additionally, at the Hillcrest curling venue Olympic visitors will get much more exposure to our brick used in single-family residences.
As far as our hardscape products go, they are featured at the 2010 Net Zero House at Whistler: a vision by RDC Fine Homes to build a house that creates more energy than it uses. Our permeable pavers will be used on the driveway to help return rainwater to the ground without creating runoff. Our glacier slate architectural slabs will be used on the deck surrounding the majority of the house. The Whistler 2010 Net Zero House will be open to the public throughout both the Olympic and Special Olympic games.
Brian Cote
Canadian Sales Manager
As far as our hardscape products go, they are featured at the 2010 Net Zero House at Whistler: a vision by RDC Fine Homes to build a house that creates more energy than it uses. Our permeable pavers will be used on the driveway to help return rainwater to the ground without creating runoff. Our glacier slate architectural slabs will be used on the deck surrounding the majority of the house. The Whistler 2010 Net Zero House will be open to the public throughout both the Olympic and Special Olympic games.
Brian Cote
Canadian Sales Manager
Monday, October 12, 2009
Backyard transformation
Some of the Mutual staff spent a couple of days this week transforming a friend’s backyard. Our goal was not only to create a great new outdoor living experience for the homeowner, but also to videotape the whole project, so people can see how easy it is to tackle a transformation on your own. If you’re able to gather some friends and family together for a weekend, there’s nothing that can’t be achieved with a little determination and hard work.
Below is a picture of the yard before the project:
And after:
As always, if your project is too daunting to undertake on your own or if your interest level in backyard improvement only extends to choosing paver colors, please consider using one of our Preferred Contractors. To find our more about Mutual Materials products or our Preferred Contractor program please visit our website at: www.mutualmaterials.com
Be sure to look for our videos coming up on YouTube, our Facebook page and the Mutual Materials website in coming weeks.
Sincerely,
Kendall Anderegg
Director, Residential Sales and Branch Operations
Below is a picture of the yard before the project:
And after:
As always, if your project is too daunting to undertake on your own or if your interest level in backyard improvement only extends to choosing paver colors, please consider using one of our Preferred Contractors. To find our more about Mutual Materials products or our Preferred Contractor program please visit our website at: www.mutualmaterials.com
Be sure to look for our videos coming up on YouTube, our Facebook page and the Mutual Materials website in coming weeks.
Sincerely,
Kendall Anderegg
Director, Residential Sales and Branch Operations
Monday, September 28, 2009
Looking Beyond LEED for Masonry Green
There has been a lot of discussion over the years about how masonry can contribute LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) points for architects and building owners who are seeking LEED Certification for their projects. Most of the interest to date has been focused on points available for the recycled content of our materials and/or whether or not our manufacturing plants and their associated raw materials are located regionally within 500 miles of a project site.
To a lesser extent there has also been interest in gaining points through “construction waste management” by the efficient use of our materials and minimal packaging, utilizing lighter colored masonry materials to combat the “heat island effect”, permeable paving for “stormwater management” and in using masonry’s inherent mass to “optimize energy performance”.
But one area that has been overlooked by LEED is “life cycle costs”. Masonry is a strong and durable material. Certainly most of us when thinking of blocks of stone, concrete or bricks would agree. Masonry does not require a lot of maintenance. It’s insect and water resistant. It will not provide a medium for mold growth and it will not burn. When properly designed and constructed, masonry structures have very long service lives. We see this everyday in schools, libraries, courthouses, etc., that were built at the turn of the last century and are now being renovated for another 100 yrs of service life. In short, because masonry lasts so long and requires such little maintenance, it is arguably one of the most cost effective materials on the market today.
Critics will argue that the amount of heat energy needed to manufacture brick is an excessive cost, without putting it in the context of its long life. The actual “embodied energy” of brick (the energy required to mine, manufacture, and transport) is actually less than that of concrete, glass, steel, aluminum, EIFS, wood and fiber cement products (AIA Environmental Resource Guide). Recent research data published by the National Brick Research Center, Clemson University, clearly shows that when cradle-to-grave assessments of all energy and pollution generated to manufacture building materials “over the warranted life” was chosen, brick, with its 100 year life span clearly comes out the winner.
It is unfortunate that the current LEED protocol does not effectively recognize the life cycle cost of building materials. Doesn’t masonry deserve the credit?
Steve Hubbard
Distributor Sales Manager
To a lesser extent there has also been interest in gaining points through “construction waste management” by the efficient use of our materials and minimal packaging, utilizing lighter colored masonry materials to combat the “heat island effect”, permeable paving for “stormwater management” and in using masonry’s inherent mass to “optimize energy performance”.
But one area that has been overlooked by LEED is “life cycle costs”. Masonry is a strong and durable material. Certainly most of us when thinking of blocks of stone, concrete or bricks would agree. Masonry does not require a lot of maintenance. It’s insect and water resistant. It will not provide a medium for mold growth and it will not burn. When properly designed and constructed, masonry structures have very long service lives. We see this everyday in schools, libraries, courthouses, etc., that were built at the turn of the last century and are now being renovated for another 100 yrs of service life. In short, because masonry lasts so long and requires such little maintenance, it is arguably one of the most cost effective materials on the market today.
Critics will argue that the amount of heat energy needed to manufacture brick is an excessive cost, without putting it in the context of its long life. The actual “embodied energy” of brick (the energy required to mine, manufacture, and transport) is actually less than that of concrete, glass, steel, aluminum, EIFS, wood and fiber cement products (AIA Environmental Resource Guide). Recent research data published by the National Brick Research Center, Clemson University, clearly shows that when cradle-to-grave assessments of all energy and pollution generated to manufacture building materials “over the warranted life” was chosen, brick, with its 100 year life span clearly comes out the winner.
It is unfortunate that the current LEED protocol does not effectively recognize the life cycle cost of building materials. Doesn’t masonry deserve the credit?
Steve Hubbard
Distributor Sales Manager
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Things may not be as bad as they look
The information circulating today is that the commercial real estate environment is following the residential market into a significant downturn fraught with foreclosures and bankruptcies. And while the news is factual, the businesses that are affected are mostly in the private domain and the numbers are still relatively small. Inability to refinance is at the root of many of the failed properties. Some properties are realizing an increase in vacancies, making rent payments more difficult, while many others are still profitable, but are unable to find lenders willing to re-up on debt coming due.
Through all this, there is still private investment in the marketplace. We are tracking several market-rate or subsidized urban residential projects, and the big box boys: Walmart, Winco and others are taking advantage of the competitive environment to position them for the next upswing in the economy.
The biggest opportunity, however, is in public sector work. Over 75% of the jobs we are tracking come from the public sector. These jobs are already funded and currently working their way through the design and bid process. In addition, there are a number of large schools waiting for bond measures to pass.
So not all is doom and gloom. While we expect a slow 2010, there is work out there, and with the proper management of resources we hope to work through the current slowdown and come out the other side stronger than ever.
Sincerely,
Gary Zagelow
Commercial Sales Manager
Monday, September 14, 2009
Blending Pallets means Blending Colors
ATTN: Landscape Contractors: We have heard some landscape contractors describe their frustration when it comes to seeing different colors from pallet to pallet. The same frustration has been heard from contractors who lay pavers from the top of the pallet and install layer by layer.
There is a better technique to achieving a uniform blend of color on your jobsite: Blend from two or more pallets at a time. You can understand that our pavers are made several times throughout the year. Each run number could possibly be a slight shade different from the last run. To achieve a consistent color blend, it is important that you mix pavers from multiple pallets together as you lay your design.
Secondly, peeling pavers from the side of the pallet (versus from the top layer by layer) in stacks of 7 to 9 pavers at a time further blends the coloring from each pallet.
Thirdly, having as many pallets of materials on the jobsite as possible will also help blend colors. Imagine having a 900 square foot project to build, but running completely out of pavers on the jobsite after 800 square are laid. You send a runner to the yard to buy another 100 square of materials. He brings the pavers back only to find out they are made in a different run number. Now it’s much harder to blend in that last 100 square feet of pavers.
Finally, these concepts equally apply to retaining wall installation as well.
Feel free to contact us at Mutual Materials if you have any questions about this topic.
Sincerely,
Fred Davis
(360) 573-5683
There is a better technique to achieving a uniform blend of color on your jobsite: Blend from two or more pallets at a time. You can understand that our pavers are made several times throughout the year. Each run number could possibly be a slight shade different from the last run. To achieve a consistent color blend, it is important that you mix pavers from multiple pallets together as you lay your design.
Secondly, peeling pavers from the side of the pallet (versus from the top layer by layer) in stacks of 7 to 9 pavers at a time further blends the coloring from each pallet.
Thirdly, having as many pallets of materials on the jobsite as possible will also help blend colors. Imagine having a 900 square foot project to build, but running completely out of pavers on the jobsite after 800 square are laid. You send a runner to the yard to buy another 100 square of materials. He brings the pavers back only to find out they are made in a different run number. Now it’s much harder to blend in that last 100 square feet of pavers.
Finally, these concepts equally apply to retaining wall installation as well.
Feel free to contact us at Mutual Materials if you have any questions about this topic.
Sincerely,
Fred Davis
(360) 573-5683
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Updates from the ICPI midyear meeting
The Interlocking Concrete Paver Institute (ICPI), held its summer meeting last week in Lake Tahoe. The meeting addressed a variety of topics pertaining to our industry. Below is a brief summary of the meeting’s key points.
ICPI is increasingly focused on trying to support member efforts in selling more concrete pavers for commercial applications. It is reasoned that member companies do a good job in marketing to homeowners, but they lack some of the resources or tools to impact commercial markets. The organization has an overall objective to increase the annual sales of concrete pavers in North America from around two sq ft per capita to four. In comparison, many European countries sell in excess of fifteen sq ft per capita.
Some of the key new initiatives to help members sell more pavers include the following:
· Expanded training programs for installers - The association will be offering two new training programs for paver installers in 2010. The first will be an advanced installer class that builds upon the original Certified Installer Program of which over 18,000 people have attended. This class will deal with greater technical aspects of paver installations and be available to those who have completed the basic installer certification. The other new training program will be a permeable interlocking concrete paver (PICP) installation class. Permeable pavers are identified as a potential growing market given their effective role as a component of stormwater systems. Permeable pavers can lessen the negative impact of development by reducing the flow of stormwater that would be generated in traditional paving systems. Both classes will be two days and will be taught by experienced concrete paver installers.
· New PICP Permeable Design Pro software - Developed through the efforts of the ICPI technical committee, this new software assists pavement designers in designing the right permeable pavement system given soil conditions, expected stormwater, and the use of other stormwater management technologies. Over 3,000 copies have been sold to date.
· The association has also initiated an effort to develop a national standard for the structural design of interlocking concrete pavements by the American Society of Civil Engineers group (ASCE).
· ICPI Foundation funds new curriculum for landscape architecture students -During the meeting the ICPI Foundation Trustees approved funding for the University of Georgia to create a web-based curriculum addressing the use, design, and construction of interlocking concrete pavers. The curriculum will also include permeable interlocking concrete pavers and their application to stormwater management. The web-based program is expected to be available to universities teaching landscape architecture across North America.
The next meeting of ICPI will be in February of 2010 in San Antonio in conjunction with NCMA meetings and the concrete show ICON. For more information about ICPI go to http://www.ICPI.org.
Sincerely,
Joe Bowen
President
ICPI is increasingly focused on trying to support member efforts in selling more concrete pavers for commercial applications. It is reasoned that member companies do a good job in marketing to homeowners, but they lack some of the resources or tools to impact commercial markets. The organization has an overall objective to increase the annual sales of concrete pavers in North America from around two sq ft per capita to four. In comparison, many European countries sell in excess of fifteen sq ft per capita.
Some of the key new initiatives to help members sell more pavers include the following:
· Expanded training programs for installers - The association will be offering two new training programs for paver installers in 2010. The first will be an advanced installer class that builds upon the original Certified Installer Program of which over 18,000 people have attended. This class will deal with greater technical aspects of paver installations and be available to those who have completed the basic installer certification. The other new training program will be a permeable interlocking concrete paver (PICP) installation class. Permeable pavers are identified as a potential growing market given their effective role as a component of stormwater systems. Permeable pavers can lessen the negative impact of development by reducing the flow of stormwater that would be generated in traditional paving systems. Both classes will be two days and will be taught by experienced concrete paver installers.
· New PICP Permeable Design Pro software - Developed through the efforts of the ICPI technical committee, this new software assists pavement designers in designing the right permeable pavement system given soil conditions, expected stormwater, and the use of other stormwater management technologies. Over 3,000 copies have been sold to date.
· The association has also initiated an effort to develop a national standard for the structural design of interlocking concrete pavements by the American Society of Civil Engineers group (ASCE).
· ICPI Foundation funds new curriculum for landscape architecture students -During the meeting the ICPI Foundation Trustees approved funding for the University of Georgia to create a web-based curriculum addressing the use, design, and construction of interlocking concrete pavers. The curriculum will also include permeable interlocking concrete pavers and their application to stormwater management. The web-based program is expected to be available to universities teaching landscape architecture across North America.
The next meeting of ICPI will be in February of 2010 in San Antonio in conjunction with NCMA meetings and the concrete show ICON. For more information about ICPI go to http://www.ICPI.org.
Sincerely,
Joe Bowen
President
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Fall Is The Perfect Time For Your Landscape Project
For those of us living in the Northwest, fall is a wonderful time of year. Our weather is generally dry and mild, so it is an excellent time to work on those landscape and home improvement projects that may have been put off during the busy summer months. Imagine enjoying the last remaining warm weekends and evenings entertaining family and friend on a new paver patio. Or you can easily and economically enhance your existing landscape by adding a few natural stone features like boulders and columns. Mutual Materials’ hardscape product lines can provide endless design possibilities. From the simple to the very elaborate, we have the products and sales expertise to help you obtain your desired result.
If you have a fall landscape project that you are considering, feel free to visit one of our 19 Northwest branches for professional help. We’re always happy to send a salesperson out to your home to help you understand which of our products would work best in your house or backyard. If your project is more than “do it yourself”, we have a Preferred Contractor program that makes it easy to find area contractors who are well qualified to do the job. Visit our website to start that process. Have a great fall!
Rob Rosson
Residential Sales Manager
rrosson@mutualmaterials.com
If you have a fall landscape project that you are considering, feel free to visit one of our 19 Northwest branches for professional help. We’re always happy to send a salesperson out to your home to help you understand which of our products would work best in your house or backyard. If your project is more than “do it yourself”, we have a Preferred Contractor program that makes it easy to find area contractors who are well qualified to do the job. Visit our website to start that process. Have a great fall!
Rob Rosson
Residential Sales Manager
rrosson@mutualmaterials.com
Monday, August 17, 2009
Notes on the NCMA Summer Convention
I am the Region 5, which covers most of the Western United States, Executive Committee Representative on the NCMA board of Directors. The other region 5 board members are: Eric Absalon (Basilite), Wade Ficklin (Oldcastle Architectural Inc.-West), and Matt Morey (Calstone Company Inc.). The Executive Board does a lot of the work for the organization. Bob Thomas is the executive director that is hired to manage the staff.
The NCMA Board meets twice a year to make sure that the organization is running smoothly (both financially and operationally). Since Bob Thomas has been the executive, the organization is running much more smoothly and there is currently a great opportunity to move NCMA forward.
NCMA does a great deal for the entire industry. However, the industry, from East to West, is very divided. Even on the west coast, California builds buildings differently from the Northwest. On the East Coast, they don’t have the same needs for reinforced masonry. At this point, NCMA represents the Masonry and SRW divisions of the concrete block business.
A partial list of what was covered at the most recent NCMA meeting:
1) NCMA has at long last completed an updated version of the SRW design manual. This document changed the height manufacturing tolerances from 1/8” to 1/16”. At this meeting, many of the producers complained that the new tolerances were too tight, especially for DIY type SRW’s. The Board agreed to change the tolerance back to the old 1/8”. Everyone seemed to agree that for big commercial jobs, the closer tolerances were warranted but not needed for most of the SRW produced.
2) The NCMA board agreed to proceed with a plan to bring ICPI back into a newly formed umbrella type organization. Details to be jointly worked out in future meetings. Now the ball goes back to the ICPI board for voting. NCMA believes that in these difficult financial times, merging the two organizations into one can save cost. Many members of NCMA are also members of ICPI. Mutual Materials has been very active in both organizations.
3) NCMA has reduced expenses tremendously, mainly by reducing staff and eliminating programs. The organization is budgeted to break even for the year.
4) The NCMA Foundation does not have any money left due to the poor performance of the stock market. The mission of the NCMA Foundation is to advance and support the concrete masonry industry and the public interest through research and education programs designed to meet the future needs of the industry. Several projects have been funded, not by the foundation, but by the Paul Lenchuck scholarship fund.
5) Many members are excited about a new program called Vision 2020. The Vision 2020 Program is a collective effort by national and regional industry partners to recapture lost masonry markets and expand by the year 2020. This is a collaborative attempt by MCAA (Mason Contractors Association of America), NCMA , BIA ( The Brick Industry) and other local masonry groups to get together and talk with local planning officials in an attempt to get the planning officials to require a certain amount of masonry on every building in the various municipalities. This type of program has been effective in parts of the USA.
If anyone would like more information, please contact me either by phone or e-mail.
Sincerely,
Jim Anderegg
janderegg@mutualmaterials.com
425-503-7047
The NCMA Board meets twice a year to make sure that the organization is running smoothly (both financially and operationally). Since Bob Thomas has been the executive, the organization is running much more smoothly and there is currently a great opportunity to move NCMA forward.
NCMA does a great deal for the entire industry. However, the industry, from East to West, is very divided. Even on the west coast, California builds buildings differently from the Northwest. On the East Coast, they don’t have the same needs for reinforced masonry. At this point, NCMA represents the Masonry and SRW divisions of the concrete block business.
A partial list of what was covered at the most recent NCMA meeting:
1) NCMA has at long last completed an updated version of the SRW design manual. This document changed the height manufacturing tolerances from 1/8” to 1/16”. At this meeting, many of the producers complained that the new tolerances were too tight, especially for DIY type SRW’s. The Board agreed to change the tolerance back to the old 1/8”. Everyone seemed to agree that for big commercial jobs, the closer tolerances were warranted but not needed for most of the SRW produced.
2) The NCMA board agreed to proceed with a plan to bring ICPI back into a newly formed umbrella type organization. Details to be jointly worked out in future meetings. Now the ball goes back to the ICPI board for voting. NCMA believes that in these difficult financial times, merging the two organizations into one can save cost. Many members of NCMA are also members of ICPI. Mutual Materials has been very active in both organizations.
3) NCMA has reduced expenses tremendously, mainly by reducing staff and eliminating programs. The organization is budgeted to break even for the year.
4) The NCMA Foundation does not have any money left due to the poor performance of the stock market. The mission of the NCMA Foundation is to advance and support the concrete masonry industry and the public interest through research and education programs designed to meet the future needs of the industry. Several projects have been funded, not by the foundation, but by the Paul Lenchuck scholarship fund.
5) Many members are excited about a new program called Vision 2020. The Vision 2020 Program is a collective effort by national and regional industry partners to recapture lost masonry markets and expand by the year 2020. This is a collaborative attempt by MCAA (Mason Contractors Association of America), NCMA , BIA ( The Brick Industry) and other local masonry groups to get together and talk with local planning officials in an attempt to get the planning officials to require a certain amount of masonry on every building in the various municipalities. This type of program has been effective in parts of the USA.
If anyone would like more information, please contact me either by phone or e-mail.
Sincerely,
Jim Anderegg
janderegg@mutualmaterials.com
425-503-7047
Monday, August 10, 2009
More Masonry Bang for your Buck
One of the silver linings to a recession is that prices typically come down. This is especially true in the construction industry, where many architects have found their projects are beating budgets from 10% to 30% or more.
So what does this mean for designers? It means that you can afford to use more masonry in more places than ever before. We have seen block buildings turn to brick buildings. Interior walls that once were finished with sheetrock and paint, can be built with more durable masonry surfaces. On one project, the designer incorporated structural groundface block as an interior finish, with insulation between that wythe and the outer wythe of brick. He achieved tremendous durability, high insulation value, and best of all, no maintenance and no paint.
There has never been a better time to upgrade your project with the higher end finish of masonry. It's a local, sustainable, durable and aesthetically pleasing material that fits comfortably in both exterior and interior environments. And, today, it is quite the bargain.
Sincerely,
Gary Zagelow
Commercial Sales Manager
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Continuing Education for the Design Professional
Mutual Materials offers a variety of continuing education programs that are registered with the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Continuing Education System (CES). As an AIA/CES Registered Provider, Mutual Materials plays an active role in providing technical information and guidance on a variety of masonry topics that aid in the professional development of AIA architects and other design professionals. In addition to providing Learning Units (LU) that are required by the AIA for its members to remain in good standing, continuing education is also required by over 33 states nationwide as a requirement for re-licensing.
Our continuing education programs cover a variety of topics ranging from design and installation of brick veneer, load bearing brick and concrete block construction and tours of masonry production facilities. And within the last year we have begun offering a program that discusses the sustainability aspects of masonry and the ways design professionals can earn LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) points by utilizing the many positive environmental attributes of masonry products and wall systems.
Many of our courses meet the AIA’s Health, Safety and Welfare (HSW) requirements. Except for the plant tours, all courses are offered in a seminar format that can be presented at your location.
Check out the course listings below. For more information visit our website.
BR 100 Designing With Brick Veneer (HSW)
BR 200 Structural Clay Masonry (HSW)
BR 300 Brick Production Facility Tour
BR 400 Masonry and Sustainable Design (HSW)
CMD 400 Overview of Concrete Masonry Design and Construction (HSW)
Thanks,
Steve Hubbard
Distributor Sales Manager
Our continuing education programs cover a variety of topics ranging from design and installation of brick veneer, load bearing brick and concrete block construction and tours of masonry production facilities. And within the last year we have begun offering a program that discusses the sustainability aspects of masonry and the ways design professionals can earn LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) points by utilizing the many positive environmental attributes of masonry products and wall systems.
Many of our courses meet the AIA’s Health, Safety and Welfare (HSW) requirements. Except for the plant tours, all courses are offered in a seminar format that can be presented at your location.
Check out the course listings below. For more information visit our website.
BR 100 Designing With Brick Veneer (HSW)
BR 200 Structural Clay Masonry (HSW)
BR 300 Brick Production Facility Tour
BR 400 Masonry and Sustainable Design (HSW)
CMD 400 Overview of Concrete Masonry Design and Construction (HSW)
Thanks,
Steve Hubbard
Distributor Sales Manager
Monday, July 27, 2009
Vancouver How-To Fair recap
While the hot weather kept some people away, we were able to spend a lot of quality time with those who attended our How-To Fair on Saturday in Vancouver looking for information and ideas around upcoming backyard projects. Our paver installation station was the most popular; seems as if a lot of people are looking to update their patios and walkways this summer. We were also able to spend in depth time walking people through sand set flagstone installation and how to put up retaining walls.
We're continuously looking for ways to provide education to our customers around ways to update your outdoor (and indoor) living spaces. We’re currently exploring creating videos to demonstrate both paver and retaining wall installation and hope to have those completed and available by the end of the summer. Based on the response to our How-To Fairs we've held this year, we'll be looking to provide smaller hands on classes rotating through our branches throughout the Northwest.
Continue to look to Mutual Materials as a resource for all your home improvement projects.
Sincerely,
Kendall Anderegg
Director, Residential Sales and Branch Operations
Monday, July 20, 2009
How-To Fair in Vancouver this Saturday
As we enter the Dog days of summer, we know not everyone has completed their summer project and many are just stating out. Please join us for our “ How- to Fair” at our Vancouver Washington branch located at 10019 NE 72 Ave on Saturday July 25th from 10:00 Am to 3:00 PM. We’ll even provide lunch with free hot dogs and soft drinks.
Our trained personnel will be giving on the hour instructions on segmental retaining walls, concrete paver patio & walkways and flagstone installation. Session times will be 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, and 1:30 PM.
You will be given detailed instruction on how to construct retaining walls. We will cover how to select the proper walls for your project, design and layout, excavation, base prep, aggregate selection, drainage, and how to build stairs or radius walls.
Our concrete paver instruction will cover the basics of paver selection, design and layout considerations, base prep- screeding and compacting techniques, edge restraints. We’ll discuss the proper aggregates to use and the tools necessary to complete your project.
Sand set flagstone instruction will show you the different choices available for walkways or patios. We’ll also instruct you on the base prep and necessary aggregates to complete your project
For those of you who aren’t sure you want to tackle your project by yourself, we will have contractor referrals through our “Preferred Contractor Program.
Local landscape designers will also be on-hand to assist in fee 30-minute design consultations.
Please join us on Saturday, July 25th for a fun, informative day.
Craig Olsen
Branch Operations Manager
10 insurance tips for contractors and developers
Came across this recently and thought it was great information for our customers.
10 insurance tips for contractors and developers
10 insurance tips for contractors and developers
By TODD C. HAYES
Harper Hayes PLLC
Developers and contractors need to be particularly savvy about risk these days as they face one of the most difficult economies in recent memory. Every penny counts, and making sure risks are insured could be the key to survival during these troubled times.
The last thing a developer or contractor needs to worry about is the viability of its insurance coverage. One of the most cost-effective and time-saving actions a developer or builder can take is to ask a broker or attorney to review their insurance policies before a claim arises to ensure that there are no gaps in coverage.
Along those lines, here are 10 tips aimed at maximizing contractors' and developers' insurance coverage:
1 It's the damage that matters. Most commercial general liability (CGL) policies cover the insured's liability for property damage, as opposed to just bad construction. So if a third party sues you because a wall that was supposed to be white is gray, it's unlikely your CGL policy will cover the cost to repaint the wall. But be aware — the property damage need not be something as dramatic as an explosion. If, for example, the wall is gray because of a chemical decomposition in the paint, that decomposition may qualify as property damage, triggering coverage under a CGL policy.
2 Timing is everything. Most CGL policies cover property damage only if it occurs during the policy period (regardless of when the resulting lawsuit occurs). That means if you get sued in 2009 for damage that occurred in 2006, the 2006 policy is the relevant one. So don't throw away old policies.
3 Think small. Liability policies typically cover damage to non-project property (so called “resulting damage,” such as a broken window at a building neighboring the project). But what about damage to the project itself? The typical CGL policy excludes — while the project is under way — only damage to “that particular part” of the project on which the policyholder is working. So if you incur a loss during construction, think small: The more narrowly you characterize “that particular part” of the project on which you were working, the greater the covered damage.
4 Don't make AI coverage an afterthought. Many developers and contractors know to ask for “additional insured” status, but then don't pay attention to the details. Before the project starts, get a copy of the actual AI endorsement — some courts say those “certificates” are worthless. Once you get the endorsement, make sure the coverage matches what your contract requires. If post-completion lawsuits are a concern, the contract should ideally call for “completed operations” AI coverage. The AI coverage should be “primary and non-contributory.” Finally, if a claim occurs, send a tender (i.e., a request for policy benefits) directly to the AI insurer. And don't let it treat you like a second-class citizen — some courts have held that if the AI endorsement triggers coverage, then the AI insurer must defend the entire lawsuit against the additional insured.
5 Tender early (and intentionally). Most liability policies have conditions clauses that require policyholders to give their liability insurer prompt notice of lawsuits and/or lawsuit-triggering events. Failing to comply can result in a loss of coverage, so it's best to tender early. But first consider whether you really want that policy to respond (e.g., do you want to preserve limits, using another available policy instead?). A recent Washington case says that a policyholder can selectively tender, choosing only to trigger certain policies where others might also afford coverage.
6 Get made whole first. If your liability insurer pays to resolve a case on your behalf, the insurer steps into your shoes for purposes of seeking reimbursement from third parties (i.e., it subrogates). But these subrogation rights are “last-dollar” — the insurer gets the money only after you're first made whole. That means that any third-party recovery should first go to pay your deductibles, additional overhead and other uninsured losses. Only then does the insurer get the balance.
7 Don't forget builder's risk insurance. A construction dispute that devolves into finger-pointing among lawyered-up owners and contractors might have been avoided by a simple claim under a builder's risk policy. Before going to war with other project participants (and your respective liability insurers), consider whether everyone should seek coverage under a builder's risk policy.
8 Separate the insureds. Most liability policies have a separation of insureds clause, which requires the policy to be read separately as to each entity insured under the policy. That means Insured 1 might still have coverage even though Insured 2's claim has been denied.
9 Read your wrap. Are you insured under an owner- or contractor-controlled insurance program/wrap-up policy? Better read it — your CGL policy may exclude coverage for projects insured under a wrap, and the wrap might have pitfalls. Are the limits enough to insure everyone? Are “completed operations” losses covered? Does it afford coverage through the applicable statute of limitation?
10 Don't believe everything you read. Insurer denial letters often tell developers and contractors things like “CGL policies don't cover faulty workmanship,” or lawsuits aren't covered if the plaintiff is suing for breach of contract. Neither statement is true in Washington.
At Harper Hayes, principal Todd Hayes represents contractors, developers, homeowners and other policyholders in insurance coverage litigation, construction defect litigation and appeals. He has litigated cases regarding nearly every type of insurance policy available, including directors and officers, commercial general liability, builder's risk, malpractice and property.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Mutual in the News
Recently Mutual Materials has appeared in the news on both a national and local level.
Spokane's Sustainable Schools
The National Concrete Masonry Association wrote an article on the building of sustainable schools in Spokane in the latest issue of their magazine, Concrete Masonry Designs. With a rating system similar to LEED, the Washington Sustainable School Protocol (WSSP) for High Performance Schools was established with the purpose of designing schools to be more durable. Two out of the three schools used Mutual Materials concrete masonry units. The article also gives a good explanation of masonry’s role in contribution towards LEED points. Check out the article below.
Masonry in Sustainable Schools
Tacoma Family Goes Green
On June 3rd an article written by Dan Voelpel appeared in the News Tribune about a Tacoma family that recently completed construction on a "green" home. From the insulation to the fill dirt to the hardwood floors, the Chappell family made the painstaking decisions to go green. This includes the use of our EcoStone permeable pavers for their driveway. Click the link to see the article and a photo of their driveway.
Tacoma News Tribune
More on Permeable Pavers
Seattle Magazine also just published an article on permeable pavers this month. Written by Maria Dolan, the articles gives a few examples of homeowners doing their part by using permeable pavers throughout the City of Seattle, where "40% is covered by impervious surfaces". Check out the article.
Seattle Magazine
Mutual and WALP
Finally, Mutual Materials was featured in in the June issue of WALP's magazine discussing the importance of being involved in trade associations. Check out the article.
WALP Article
Spokane's Sustainable Schools
The National Concrete Masonry Association wrote an article on the building of sustainable schools in Spokane in the latest issue of their magazine, Concrete Masonry Designs. With a rating system similar to LEED, the Washington Sustainable School Protocol (WSSP) for High Performance Schools was established with the purpose of designing schools to be more durable. Two out of the three schools used Mutual Materials concrete masonry units. The article also gives a good explanation of masonry’s role in contribution towards LEED points. Check out the article below.
Masonry in Sustainable Schools
Tacoma Family Goes Green
On June 3rd an article written by Dan Voelpel appeared in the News Tribune about a Tacoma family that recently completed construction on a "green" home. From the insulation to the fill dirt to the hardwood floors, the Chappell family made the painstaking decisions to go green. This includes the use of our EcoStone permeable pavers for their driveway. Click the link to see the article and a photo of their driveway.
Tacoma News Tribune
More on Permeable Pavers
Seattle Magazine also just published an article on permeable pavers this month. Written by Maria Dolan, the articles gives a few examples of homeowners doing their part by using permeable pavers throughout the City of Seattle, where "40% is covered by impervious surfaces". Check out the article.
Seattle Magazine
Mutual and WALP
Finally, Mutual Materials was featured in in the June issue of WALP's magazine discussing the importance of being involved in trade associations. Check out the article.
WALP Article
Monday, June 29, 2009
Measure twice; Cut twice…maybe three times
In 1988, for Fathers Day, my loving wife gave me a gas barbecue. Of course it was still in the box needing to be assembled, and the extended family was coming over that night for dinner. Needless to say the meat had to be broiled that night and the following three frustrating weeks because the step-by-step instructions were too complicated. Lesson: Buy pre-built when possible.
After mastering barbecue assembly, my next project was to build an attractive brick patio. It was a great idea and something I could work on in my spare time. I even read a book on how to build it before gathering the materials.
I made a series of mistakes in my brick patio installation, including, but not limited to: measuring the area trying to make it so the brick would fit inside the edging I had staked down and deciding to saw cut the bricks to fit the dimensions I’d laid out, rather than adjusting the edging. Two hundred brick cuts later; I managed to end up with a patio that looked good until the next morning when a gopher popped up one of the brick in the middle of the patio. The patio survived until the weight from a tractor broke some of the bricks during our house remodel. When the heavy equipment left I decided to start anew. This time I did it right using lessons I had learned from my past mistakes. And these lessons on creating a beautiful patio I now pass on to you.
Lesson 1: Use the right materials. Road base or 5/8 minus crushed rock provides a great sub-base, unlike pea gravel that does not securely compact. Since I used a crushed rock base, I have never again had gophers disturb pavers. Of course you need to compact and smooth the base with a plate compactor.
Lesson 2: Use real paver edging secured with spikes. The only edging that goes down before pavers are laid is at the starting point. Once you establish where the pavers end you then put the edging butted up against the last course of pavers.
Lesson 3: Prepare base material a foot beyond where you will be laying pavers. Then if you measure incorrectly originally, there is more forgiveness.
Lesson 4: Level just one inch of sand for the paver bedding. Use two pieces of ¾” metal conduit laid on top of the crushed rock as a guide for leveling. Use a 2 x 4 over the conduit to drag (screed) the sand. There is a lot less friction than dragging a 2 x 4 over 2 x 6’s used as guides.
Lesson 5: Level only sand in just the area where pavers are about to be laid. Otherwise overnight critters will ruin your hard work.
Lesson 6: If there are more than a few cuts, rent a saw. The Flintstone hammer and chisel method is ok for cutting a couple pavers, however, the saw is fantastic for multiple cuts or angle cuts.
Lesson 7: Using a contrasting color or texture of paver for the outside edge gives the patio a frame and custom finished look.
Lesson 8: It may be just me; however projects usually take twice the original estimated time. So be sure to take into account when planning.
Lesson 9: If you feel overwhelmed by your project, hire a contractor. Sometimes it’s worth the money to hire a contractor. It's the same as buying pre-built.
Brian Healow
DIY Segment Manager
After mastering barbecue assembly, my next project was to build an attractive brick patio. It was a great idea and something I could work on in my spare time. I even read a book on how to build it before gathering the materials.
I made a series of mistakes in my brick patio installation, including, but not limited to: measuring the area trying to make it so the brick would fit inside the edging I had staked down and deciding to saw cut the bricks to fit the dimensions I’d laid out, rather than adjusting the edging. Two hundred brick cuts later; I managed to end up with a patio that looked good until the next morning when a gopher popped up one of the brick in the middle of the patio. The patio survived until the weight from a tractor broke some of the bricks during our house remodel. When the heavy equipment left I decided to start anew. This time I did it right using lessons I had learned from my past mistakes. And these lessons on creating a beautiful patio I now pass on to you.
Lesson 1: Use the right materials. Road base or 5/8 minus crushed rock provides a great sub-base, unlike pea gravel that does not securely compact. Since I used a crushed rock base, I have never again had gophers disturb pavers. Of course you need to compact and smooth the base with a plate compactor.
Lesson 2: Use real paver edging secured with spikes. The only edging that goes down before pavers are laid is at the starting point. Once you establish where the pavers end you then put the edging butted up against the last course of pavers.
Lesson 3: Prepare base material a foot beyond where you will be laying pavers. Then if you measure incorrectly originally, there is more forgiveness.
Lesson 4: Level just one inch of sand for the paver bedding. Use two pieces of ¾” metal conduit laid on top of the crushed rock as a guide for leveling. Use a 2 x 4 over the conduit to drag (screed) the sand. There is a lot less friction than dragging a 2 x 4 over 2 x 6’s used as guides.
Lesson 5: Level only sand in just the area where pavers are about to be laid. Otherwise overnight critters will ruin your hard work.
Lesson 6: If there are more than a few cuts, rent a saw. The Flintstone hammer and chisel method is ok for cutting a couple pavers, however, the saw is fantastic for multiple cuts or angle cuts.
Lesson 7: Using a contrasting color or texture of paver for the outside edge gives the patio a frame and custom finished look.
Lesson 8: It may be just me; however projects usually take twice the original estimated time. So be sure to take into account when planning.
Lesson 9: If you feel overwhelmed by your project, hire a contractor. Sometimes it’s worth the money to hire a contractor. It's the same as buying pre-built.
Brian Healow
DIY Segment Manager
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