Newb: Should I render a Limestone garden wall ?

[SrMartin]

Hi,

Just found this forum. Looks like a useful resource

A wall at the end of our garden is beginning to look really rough. It's Limestone (I think) and must have suffered frost damage or something as it's crumbling badly.

Is rendering the right solution for this problem?

What kind of render should I use?

Any alternative treatments I should consider?

Grateful for any advice.

Thanks!

Simon

 

[JerryM]

render is a useful option for renewing a wall that's past a cleanup and repoint (as long as the wall is structurally ok ie not falling down).

i don't really like covering up brickwork as u end up becoming a slave to it. generally it ends up being painted and painted does not last.

the only downside on render is the effort to do it (u will need a mixer and a fair amount of materials ie tonne bags)

i'd probably go for wood panels with concrete posts (i like the vertical feather edge with an arch over the top). the trouble is taking the wall down and whether the neighbour would be happy.

alternatively if the wall could be patched with mortar and then painted with masonry paint then that would be equally as good.

for render i use plastering sand and 3:1 1st coat and 4:1 2nd coat both at 6mm thick. can add details if u need.

The thing to bear in mind is not to do too much – it’s just a wall to most people – they probably won’t even notice it

 

[kingandy2nd]

Around my way (Liverpool) there are lots of house with lots of walled yards. In many of these the wall have become quite tatty.

In a couple of yards I've seen Willow Screening fixed directly to the walls to cover the mess. The screening is usually cut so that it is the same height as the wall.

I think it looks very effective, and must be relatively quick and easy to do. However, you'd probably need to do your whole perimeter in the same fashion for it to look spot on.

 

[JerryM]

i'd agree - willow screening is 100% spot on.

 

[elkington33]

I am trying to think of ways to cover my rather ugly 18 foot garden wall and have thought of willow fencing/rendering/repointing etc etc.

I am just worried the willow will look tacky and superficial and I'm not sure how long it will last. Plus how would I attach it to the wall?

 

[JerryM]

i've not done willow screening only seen it. i would use it next time i have a similar need.

the good point for me is your not a slave to it as u don't need to paint it like say a trellis. i would expect 10 yrs out of it.

i'd buy a section and prop it up to see how it looks before deciding to go the whole hog (might even be able to agree or be sure of a refund).

for attaching to the wall i would think something like drilled plugs and wire.

remember it's only a wall to most people who probably won't even look at it for more than a few secs - it's very easy to fall into the trap of thinking u need to do more than u need.

 

[elkington33]

Yes thats true. Is just my garden is rather small so it will be noticed.

Will buy some today to see what it looks like.

Might try bamboo as that looks even cheaper.....