Encasing old wall with cement?

roscolabri · 19 Sep 2012

Morning all,

I've got an old stone wall (roughly 6" wide and 10" tall) that runs the length of my garden that was originally used to create a border for a plant bed. The problem is that it's really ugly and has weeds growing through some of the stone, though the actual structure is still solid.

What I want to do is put some timber either side of the wall (about an inch or 2 away from both sides) to act as a barrier, so that I can pour cement straight over the wall and basically encasing it and hopefully achieving a smoother finish...

Is this doomed from the start or should I be using cement + some other substance?

I don't want to use conrete as I don't really want little stones visible from the sides once it's all dry.

Any advice?

r896neo · 19 Sep 2012

you should really consider rendering it instead. Preparation is the key. The wall needs to be clean and free from green materials and dust.

Mursal · 19 Sep 2012

That sounds ok, just leave enough concrete each side so it will have strength, as the old wall will move? You will have to use concrete for strength, the finish or lack off, will depend on the level of finish on the inside of the timber casing. You can always get it plastered afterwards.

r896neo · 19 Sep 2012

A 2 inch thick face of concrete like that will crack even if you could get it to bond to the wall which i doubt without lots of steel ties.

roscolabri · 20 Sep 2012

Thanks for the replies.

So what about mixing the cement with some sand?

I really dont want to render the wall as it has a jagged surface.

StephenW · 20 Sep 2012

Try a small section first. Wrap a piece of chicken wire over the wall. Add your wooden sides and then fill with a mixture of four parts (by volume) of sharp sand to one part of cement mixed to a not too dry - not too wet consistency. Leave it a couple of days and see how it turns out. It's only a garden wall!

joe-90 · 20 Sep 2012

I'd rather have a charming old stone wall than a monolithic chunk of concrete like a motorway bridge. Just grow ivy up it.

StephenW · 20 Sep 2012

It's only 10 inches tall!

freddiemercurystwin · 20 Sep 2012

StephenW said:
It's only 10 inches tall!

said the bishop to the nun!

/gets coat

r896neo · 20 Sep 2012

if you clean it well slap dash might be the best bet.

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Encasing old wall with cement?

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