So any exterior "trim" that might be needed to clean things up will be made of mortar or some stone product? I do agree with avoiding anything that might need to be maintained.
Yes. Mortar, or maybe whatever they use for stucco. It won't be pretty because the stairs get in the way in some spots. But they will also block the view of those spots.
All but the last row of blocks was finished this afternoon. The last row must be handled differently, which is causing anxiety, so I'll wait until morning, when there will be more hours of daylight ahead. I'm not following some of the rules, because they require speed above my paygrade. I thought I finally learned how to do it like a pro on block #19, but I was wrong. There is a story to tell about each block, but I won't tell it.
It looks really good so far. If it were me, while working on the last row, I would somehow lean on the center and know the whole thing out. I thought about putting a glass block divider in my bathroom once. But then, realized it sort of defeated the purpose of a bathroom divider.
That very thought is why I chose to do only one row at a time. Let each row set up before doing the next. So I don't ruin anything while working on the next row. Glass block walls are popular for shower stall walls---the kind of showers that are open on one side, no door or curtain. Also for windows in showers. They put one in the rental property next door to me years ago. I used to rent an apartment with a regular window in the shower. It was a mess to keep clean.
15 On-Trend Glass Block Window Ideas to Use in Your Home "Incorporating glass block window ideas into your home’s design can give it a modern, retro, or mid-century flair." "Glass block windows are composed of individual squares of thick glass blocks. They’re common for basements since they’re secure and insulative. Most don’t open, but some feature small ventilation panels in their center." "While glass block windows peaked in the 1980s, they’re back in style, used for more than just basements." "If you want to add these unique windows to your home, try one of these 15 ideas."
All the blocks are set in. The last one (#30, top right corner) was nasty. The spacers get in the way. No room to use a level, or to tip the block to put it in---it has to go in almost parallel to the floor, like on a forklift. I tried twice yesterday and failed. Last try I knocked #29 loose also. Took it out too and decided to sleep on it . Got serious today. Kept #29 for last this time. Chopped up some spacers to make 4 "plastic shims." Half of a set of cheap metal bookends made a perfect forklift. Taped two of the shims to the outside of the block below so they couldn't fall off. Shoved a heavy granite block on the steps so #29 could never slide out past where it should go. Put the mortar down and slid #29 in on the forklift. Pulled the forklift out and slipped in the other two shims. As you can see #29 is a little high, maybe 1/8 inch. Can't be seen from outside because of the steps. Now I have to mold a concrete frame around the edges and top fill the joints neatly (think of grouting tile).
The grout used with glass block windows is just the same mortar you use to lay the blocks, with an additive that makes it stick better. That adhesive also makes it harder to clean up. I should have been more careful to clean up along the way. It's going to take hours now. Mortar has sand which gives the joints a rough look I don't care much for, but it is what it is. I simply cannot figure out a way yet to get to the blocks directly behind the steps. Stupid me could have done those joints easily from the inside while laying the particular blocks, but that's water under the bridge. Today I'll try to make a neat cement frame around the outside edges and begin the cleanup. I was seriously thinking of replacing the coal chute under the porch also. But there is no lintel above it like there was with the window, and the bricks are sagging. If you remove the chute, the bricks might fall down before you could put a brace across the top. Better leave well enough alone for now.
if you had an airdale, you could use it as a doggie door.... c.1930 Antique Painted Cast Iron Hubley Dog Door Stop
You mean so he could fly up to it? In the winter if there was a really cold spell, I used to prop the coal door open to let the neighborhood cat come and go as he pleased. He liked to sleep on top of the heat ducts in the basement.