Along with the electrical work, I contracted for mowing strips and curbs ... what a difference a little curb makes!! To make it even better, breaking tradition, THIS contractor showed up ON TIME!!!
They marked a water line and the electrical from my new lights, then began raking away the debris from the lawn edge. With that done, he used a kind of cutting machine that cleaned up the edge and cut a perfectly level path.
The helper dumped concrete in the machine, which formed the curb while pulling a piece of steel cable through the middle for stability. Hopefully this will keep weedeater man OUT of the flower beds where the drip irrigation lies.
They did both sides of the front flower beds, then moved to the street and curbed that side of the lawn for $1000. It makes it SO much more neat and clean looking. I'm pretty sure this will pay for itself in about a year, not having to replace irrigation lines constantly.
I had many errands to run in the afternoon, but all had to be delayed while I parked myself in a chair beside the front door. If the kids in my neighborhood discovered the fresh concrete, it could be destroyed in an instant. No one seems to teach their children respect any more!! I'm sure the kids on the bus were wondering why that old lady was sitting outside, but that's okay. The crazier they think I am, the better, so they will stay away!! Thankfully, the kids next door are growing older and maybe becoming a little smarter!!
Before going in, I took a small knife and put MY little mark ... our family brand ... in one corner down by the dirt. If you don't know it's there, you won't see it.
Today I'll hit up Home Depot for that molding. Hopefully I'll find someone there who knows more about it than I do!! I'm also in need of some type of saw ... like a skill saw, maybe a jig saw ... really I don't know what to use. I have a too-large piece of 1/4 inch thick flexible plastic covering my quilting table that needs to be cut down. Whatever I get, I would like it not to be project specific. In other words, hopefully I can use it for cutting other things should the need arise. I guess the projects will never end!!
If you haven't already got it, you want a manual miter saw and miter box. Probably made of plastic. The miter box will have guides (or slots) for straight cuts and 45 degree cuts. Very useful for a quick straight cut or angle. They have electric ones for contractors but you won't use it enough. That's why you want to get manual. Many of them are built to insert a piece of scrap wood in the bottom of the miter box so you won't scratch up the bottom of the box. It is definitely a two handed job as you have to hold the miter box in place, the wood being cut in place and then cut the wood with the other hand. Most miter boxes have an extra lip on the bottom that you can use to brace it against the edge of a work bench or table. You might also look to see if using a clamp or two would make the job easier (not necessarily). I also agree with the you tube comments.
ReplyDeleteThe curbing looks great are you considering it for the motorhome? Jim
I haven't even been to the lumber store yet!! Great info Jim! Thank you so much!! So far I haven't heard of curbing you can take with you in the RV ... but wouldn't it be nice to keep the kids off YOUR parking space?? Just doing small jobs to increase the value of the house!!
DeleteWhat a great idea. The curbing looks very nice.
ReplyDeleteThank you Jan!!! It really makes the house look finished.
DeleteSorry, catching up on your blog--one just can't drive a thousand miles AND read blogs at the same time. :)
ReplyDeleteHow about a picture of the family brand?
Our brand is a K Quarter Circle ... The letter K with a quarter circle underneath, NOT touching the legs of the K. I made the one in the concrete so small, I doubt the camera can see it, but I'll try.
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