Distractions... The glass block window project is not straightforward because of the granite block walls. It took days to figure out how to proceed, in order to know what installation accessories are needed. In the meantime, I spotted a red brick lying on the floor---an antique brick, full size 4" x 8" x 2". There are 3 brick columns in the basement that support the front of the house. A bad brick at the bottom of one column has been bothering me since a concrete floor was poured. It keeps deteriorating, leaving red clay powder on the floor. Not that the basement floor is all that clean to begin with, but the red powder shows up like a sore thumb. The other dirt blends in well. There are only two bricks that do this. It's called "spalling." The other one is behind the water heater at the base of the fireplace, so it's not like the house is going to fall down, but there's still time, I guess. Since I already had a bag of mortar mix, it would be good practice to replace this brick. It will dry a little lighter color. I tried to match the sloppiness of the existing brick work. At least that's my story, and I'm sticking to it. Before and After
That hardly looks structurally sound. I wonder if the weight is born by fewer square inches than a standard column.
I bet there's a post in the inside. Bricks are just decoration. Not my cup of tea. Looks too fragile. Nope. I just watched the video. No post.
.. There were old bricks scattered all over the basement when I moved into this house. I rounded them all up and made a pad for the trash cans to sit on decades ago, before roll carts on the curb. I dug up a few. Most are still in good enough shape for patch jobs.
(continued from previous post...) The new old bricks were for a project started 2 years ago and never finished (page 137 post #2034). I couldn't find any bricks the right size and gave up. Before After Not sure it looks any better. I just can't seem to do this.
I don't understand why you don't like the finished product. It looks Original Equipment to me. Your work is impressive. I have some old bricks kicking around here, but they must have been from one of the previous homes on the lot (I know of at least 2.) The only thing I've done with them is lay down a pad in front of a swinging gate so that the grass & dirt do not grow up and block it. On old church I used to attend was made of bricks that were manufactured on-site. It's fascinating stuff.
It is fascinating. I admire anyone who can do it well. With most small DIY jobs, you (one) can make up for lack of experience to a degree, by taking an inordinate amount of time doing things. Experience allows you to just do things perfectly as casually as breathing almost. Not so with brick or block laying. The longer you take trying to get it right, the worse it gets. The mortar seems to have a life of its own. It jumps off the trowel onto the floor almost in defiance. Too thick or too thin? Forget it. It's frustrating.