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Prefabricated Cement Blocks: PIERCED CEMENT blocks come in
a range of geometric patterns (right). They are particularly suitable for screening patios to allow cooling breezes and light to Filter through, but they can also be built as a low wall, either on their own or on top of a low brick wall, around a patio, or to divide the garden. Because the cast-in patterns of the blocks are designed to make larger patterns, they cannot be laid in an interlocking bond. Instead, use a "stack" bond, that is to say, one laid on top of the other. To ensure a strong structure, insert a vertical pier every 1 Oft. These are constructed from hollow precast cement blocks which have slots in their sides to accept the ends of the blocks. The blocks must also be carefully aligned, otherwise the overall pattern will be affected.
Cement blocks are available in a wide variety of sizes and colors. The simplest designs (above—bottom left and right) have the advantage of being easy to lay. They blend in with their setting more readily than complicated and difficult patterns (above—top left and right). Detailed patterns can, however, be interesting to look at. It is best to work out the pattern on squared paper before buying blocks so that the exact requirements can be calculated. Lay out all the blocks before securing them, then the whole pattern can be seen. Only cement them into place when you are happy with the effect.
If you are laying a large area, it pays to use two colors, checkerboard fashion, to avoid monotony. For instance, although gray and honey-beige blocks are uninteresting if used by themselves over a large area, when combined they can look very attractive. However, be careful in your use of combined colors.
• These are now the most commonly used materials for hard surfacing in the garden.
• Prefabricated cement blocks are available in a vast range of colors and textures.
• They vary in shape from the 2 x 2ft common gray block to polygonal and
circular forms; most of them are 2in thick or less.
• More expensive types are made of reconstituted stone, and you can even find them in a texture that has the appearance of water-worn stone.
• It is important to make sure that the surface finish is non-slip: a smooth finish encrusted with algae can be treacherous in wet weather. |
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