flagstaff
Posts: 4
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| Posted: Sat Aug 09, 2008 8:18 pm Post subject: what to do with an ugly cinder block wall? |
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Hi,
We have 2 tall cinder block retaining walls in front of our house. We'd like to try to make them less ugly...any suggestions? We're thinking of maybe putting some sort of stucco or texturizer on and then painting that to match the house color. Anyone ever tried this? Know if it would work? Other thoughts?
Thanks!
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toni
 Administrator
Plants Moderator
Regular Plants Contributor
North Texas, Zone 8a
Posts: 11234
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| Posted: Sat Aug 09, 2008 8:33 pm Post subject: |
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Stucco over cinderblocks is how they build houses in Florida. I think using the pre-colored stucco would be better than painting it. The paint could chip off then you would have to repaint.
Could you possibly attach lattice to them and plant fast growing vines to climb up and hide the walls instead?
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gardengater
NC
Posts: 1544
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| Posted: Sat Aug 09, 2008 8:38 pm Post subject: |
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I'm with Toni, some evergreen foundation planting and then something flowering to climb the walls, roses maybe?
Gardengater
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gardenmama
Vermont
Posts: 575
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| Posted: Sat Aug 09, 2008 8:52 pm Post subject: |
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Planting ivy would be nice along with something else that flowers...plant something in the top that can cascade over the top while the fast growing vine climb up and cover the wall.
It would be easy to attach lattice to the cinder block. Using a masonary drill bit and attach the lattice.
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flagstaff
Posts: 4
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| Posted: Sat Aug 09, 2008 9:56 pm Post subject: |
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All great ideas! The problem with planting someting is that large parts of the walls are along our driveway with no earth/dirt above or below, some parts have dirt only above, and another part has dirt above and about a 4 inch strip of dirt below at the base. Also, we've only been in Flagstaff, AZ 2 growing seasons but we've had a heck of a time growing much here. So I'm thinking the pre-colored stucco to cover the whole thing and then try to get a couple vines started where that is possible before winter...? Anyone ever done the stucco stuff before?
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lauriestroupe
Ararat, VA
Posts: 10
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| Posted: Fri Aug 22, 2008 2:38 pm Post subject: |
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We used a product called Surewall over the blocks in the foundation of our house. It was easy, meaning that we can do a good job of it with no previous experience. It was a challenge because the surface and product are rough and the motion is hard on your arms. We went through several pairs of gloves and were really tired when the project was over, but it was definitely worthwhile.
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kuntrygal
Texas ~ Zone 8
Posts: 3436
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| Posted: Fri Aug 22, 2008 3:36 pm Post subject: |
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Can you show us a picture of the completed project? It sounds like you did a fine job.
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Gaylyn ~ 2277 ~
"I'm so far behind, I thought I was first"
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kuntrygal
Texas ~ Zone 8
Posts: 3436
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| Posted: Thu Aug 28, 2008 4:43 pm Post subject: |
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I think it looks very good. I like the stucco look. Good Job!
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Gaylyn ~ 2277 ~
"I'm so far behind, I thought I was first"
"Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass, It's about learning to dance in the rain"
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| Posted: Wed Dec 31, 2008 1:29 am Post subject: Cast stone? |
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Maybe you could consider cast stone or brick to cover the block wall.
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Dave
Lagrange Indiana
Posts: 8
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| Posted: Sat Mar 28, 2009 4:36 am Post subject: |
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A possibility and a great look would be Decopierre check there web site for a local dealer. Also cast stone or brick will give a great look as well. There are many stucco products out there but some are not a good quality and some don't work in all climates. So do your homework.
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SusieQ07
Florida
Posts: 184
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| Posted: Sat Mar 28, 2009 2:07 pm Post subject: |
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Our homes(in FL.) are indeed stucco,over concrete blocks however it dries the color of concrete, then is painted our choice of colors.
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Eric Dyer
Chattanooga TN
Posts: 3
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| Posted: Mon Mar 30, 2009 1:40 am Post subject: |
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| lauriestroupe wrote: | | http://www.thenaturetrail.com/photogallery/foundation.jpg |
That looks tons better than just painting the blocks. How long did it take?
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Guido
Posts: 25
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| Posted: Sat May 23, 2009 10:38 am Post subject: Stucco would be fine |
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You can probably do it yourself, might not be as beautiful as when a professional did it, still a big improvement over the current blocks.
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