Anybody have a brick wall around their backyard instead of a fence?

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Anybody have a brick wall around their backyard instead of a fence?

Posted: 9/5/2010 11:38:37 AM EDT

I am thinking of tearing down the fence and having a cinderblock wall put up. Brick posts every 8-12 feet to tie in with the house, stucco type finish over the cinderblocks between the 'posts"

Anybody got any tips, suggestions, etc etc?

Posted: 9/5/2010 11:41:30 AM EDT

[#1]

I like this idea per FerFAL's suggestions, and the privacy. Much more secure than chain-link or wood.

ETA: curious about what this would end up costing. Good luck and don't forget to post pics before, during, after.

Posted: 9/5/2010 11:56:16 AM EDT

[#2]

Quoted:
I like this idea per FerFAL's suggestions, and the privacy. Much more secure than chain-link or wood.

ETA: curious about what this would end up costing. Good luck and don't forget to post pics before, during, after.

There is the rub. But the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks as far as I can tell.

Funny how third world countries use concrete fences far far more than we do.

Posted: 9/5/2010 12:06:59 PM EDT

[#3]

It'll cost a lot regardless of materials. What you have to decide is what long-term maintenance & replacement costs do you want to go with it?

There are standard CMU's & mortar, but most people don't realize these require footings all the way around or it'll crack & crumble when the earth shifts.

There are newer and better modular systems that have anchored lintels with good footings, while keeping the fence panel spans free-floating on a bed of class-5 aggregate base.

That way the posts are poured & reinforced. The panels are secured, can be poured with horizontal supports, and they still freefloat to conform to grade changes, and soil conditions, water, frost, etc.

There I can make some brand/model suggestions if you'd like to know which ones hold up the best/longest.

Basic CMU's will crack & have longevity issues. I'd recommend against the stucco, but I understand the desirability of the look. Especially when paired woth red brick columns.

Hope you find what you're looking at...

Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile

Posted: 9/5/2010 12:08:35 PM EDT

[#4]

Fairly common out here in the southwest....

The bad thing about them is when the stucco cracks it really looks bad.

Depending on where you're at, the ground shifting due to weather changes (freezing, floods, etc.) may cause the concrete blocks to shift and produce these cracks.

Posted: 9/5/2010 12:10:52 PM EDT

[#5]

Quoted:

Quoted:
I like this idea per FerFAL's suggestions, and the privacy. Much more secure than chain-link or wood.

ETA: curious about what this would end up costing. Good luck and don't forget to post pics before, during, after.

There is the rub. But the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks as far as I can tell.

Funny how third world countries use concrete fences far far more than we do.

Usually because they don't have much in the way of woods, and a lot of crazy people shooting AK's around them. (like in Iraq)
Wood doesn't stop a bullet like a big thick concrete wall.

Posted: 9/5/2010 12:21:32 PM EDT

[#6]

this is common in west Texas, privacy and helps block the wind.

Posted: 9/5/2010 12:22:37 PM EDT

[#7]

You need a strong footer. Properly built, it will not crack.

Posted: 9/5/2010 12:49:17 PM EDT

[#8]

If you have pets make sure it goes deep enough that they can't dig underneath it, also keep it well away from trees as the roots will break it.
It was a must have on my list when home shopping and I am glad that I have them.

Posted: 9/5/2010 12:50:57 PM EDT

[#9]

There is still a back yard and perimeter property fence on the outside of this courtyard wall.

I did this about 20 years ago and knock on wood there is not a crack in it anywhere. An over sized footer is the reason for that.

It was one of the smartest things that I ever did. It cuts the wind down a lot, virtually eliminated the mosquitoes/bugs at night and you only see the neighbors when you want to.

Posted: 9/5/2010 1:25:13 PM EDT

[#10]

Quoted:
You need a strong footer. Properly built, it will not crack.

Like most things, it starts with a good foundation.

Posted: 9/5/2010 1:28:39 PM EDT

[#11]

That will make the thieves (and/or their "friends") think that you have much valuable stuff to steal.

Posted: 9/5/2010 1:31:13 PM EDT

[#12]

Quoted:
http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q49/1Bigdogphotos/IMG_3208.jpg

There is still a back yard and perimeter property fence on the outside of this courtyard wall.

I did this about 20 years ago and knock on wood there is not a crack in it anywhere. An over sized footer is the reason for that.

It was one of the smartest things that I ever did. It cuts the wind down a lot, virtually eliminated the mosquitoes/bugs at night and you only see the neighbors when you want to.

Holy cow! Very nice! Were you a Mexican drug lord in a formal life?

Posted: 9/5/2010 1:32:57 PM EDT

[#13]

Quoted:

That will make the thieves (and/or their "friends") think that you have much valuable stuff to steal.

Broken glass on top of the wall...

Posted: 9/5/2010 1:41:24 PM EDT

[#14]

Quoted:
That will make the thieves (and/or their "friends") think that you have much valuable stuff to steal.

Several large dogs within the external perimeter fence and some within will help those "friends" think that they'd much rather choose a softer target.