This guy is the real McCoy. His every move was exact and intentional, no screw ups, or wasted time, that's how you can tell he has a lot of experience.
Mike - My wife is having open heart surgery soon and I'm watching RUclips videos on how to rework my steps as a distraction. After watching several of your videos I can only hope my wife's surgeon has half the experience and attention to detail that you have in your masonry work. Your old-school skill, dedication and hard work is inspiring. Thanks for sharing your videos. DW
You are a guy that the young ones should pay attention to. what your offering them is priceless . Actually i should say anyone watching not just the young.To watch a craftsman who has gained so much in many ways want and willingly share for those who wish to pick up the craft is also priceless. Your are a master craftsman in every sense . That being said, lol I really like your vidios
Liking your "old school" methods and how you refurbish existing structures Mike. I'm in England, UK refurbishing my 80's park home (double-wide trailer?) with brick skirting and steps and I've picked up some valuable tips from you for saving me from knocking some of it down and rebuilding! Much respect from across the pond!
If you happen to see this. I bought some 1 inch sawn natural ashlar stone to put on the exterior of my porch. In your opinion is there an extreme weight difference between natural and manufactured stone for this type application?
nice way to turn some good solid steps into an updated thing of beauty Mike. I especially liked that generous motar packing under the front edge of those treads. good and solid. have a nice autumn!
Mike yet another awesome video, if there was ever an angel for concrete mate you would be him 😆. Love your videos and I cannot express just how valuable they are to us younger guys wanting to learn from a pro. 👍
Thanks Mike for sharing your knowledge, you are breaking all other stonemasons complex the ones that they dont want to pass their knowledge to rookies . Knowledge has to be pass from a generation to the next generation , otherwise the chaine will break forever. And thats what is happening in Canada .
We have a saying in England "you never see an old stone mason". That is because it is such heavy work they are usually done by 50 years old. They spend of half their lives bent over, on their knees and lifting very heavy stuff. Absolute respect to ya Mike.
Mike, that project is well thought out and it's BEAUTIFUL. I truly enjoy watching you 'put a project together', it's really a pleasure to view! Thanks for taking the time to video and edit your work for us viewers! ....13
Got to say nice looking work but the real genus comes from learning from mistakes. I am so glad I'm learning from your instructions. I love that you talk about why you do it that way. I'm glad to be enrolled in MHSOHK! Subscriber for life.
Excellent tutorial Mike, I am a DIY homeowner and have done my own masonry projects over years. It is a blessing to be able to learn from a professional such as yourself. The part about not having the new concrete touch existing concrete is especially good so know. What brought me here is my front concrete steps are deteriorating and I am wrestling with whether or not I should completely remove them and pour new steps or cap them as you have demonstrated here. Thank you for sharing.
Nice job Mike I am watching all your videos and listening to your advice I have a side walk to repair soon thanks for all your skills I live in Maryland not far from pa maybe I can find me some free stone or gravel left over from an old job lol take care of your self God Bless you.
Ay Mike, I like you! You take pride in every job your hands touch and that’s something a lot of men don’t do. I’ve learned a lot from your videos and can now help my husband do some real work 😉
Awesome job as usual Mike. The more of your videos I watch, the more educated and inspired I become to take on some simple mason jobs around the house. Keep them coming!
Awesome job. Like the way you think - if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. I want to do something similar but smaller scale. But I probably need a professional...thanks for showing me it can be done!
Always great education and a joy to learn and watch your vids. It's been incredible to watch the channel grow. Tuesday October 12, 2021. 129k subs and 57,067 views. Hope your week is going great Mike and making new music too
Good efficient use of existing materials/steps and end result really nice . I poured a few steps and done some with engineering brick filled and capped with paver slabs . Do think stone about one of best ways go though and job you done on these pretty cheap in materials yet end result a million bucks plus it last well and easier repair if needed .
Hi B, its hard to say from here, but if it works and others have been successful with the same process, you should be on the right track, I appreciate it. mike
The finish product is like a piece of art in an outdoor botanical garden walkway.in long island ,new york. p.s. just used cement- all to topcoat my driveway ;two bags more off white and two bags more darker, the company wants to send someone ;i like darker tone, mentioned i saw you use product in youtube video. goodluck
You are definitely appreciated. Im a mason as well, after working some hard days i really enjoy watching your videos and am grateful for you sharing your experience and showing how you do what you do.
Hi Bitter, No I checked , Honest mike is still roaming free. LOL, and it yes it was a common sense thing to save the owner some money, very true, thanks I appreciate it. mike
I could never do what you just did by myself, but your video is awesome and you are truly a man who knows his craft. BTW, did anyone ever tell you how much you look like Harrison Ford? OMG you should have been his double in Star Wars!
Wow mike came out real good , looking nice. This is Norms I ask you a while back for help on a old foundation to stucco it just let me know when you have time LoL. Thanks for this video 👍🏼
Hi Mike , im a retired mason from nj , nice job on these steps , i just wanted to know why did you make a stack joint on the treads , i always used to stagger the joint say a 6 ft piece on an 8 ft step with a 2 ft piece back and worth , maybe i did it wrong anyway your steps are really nice thanks Artie
Hi Artie, nice to hear from a nj mason, I worked a ton down near Summerville, actually they were shared steps between the two houses and that joint was the property line, thanks Mike
Hi Mike. Finally got my cellar hopper/glass block window in. That job turned into a nightmare. Now I'm trying to repair my front steps before it gets cold. The old cinder block underneath the stone veneer suffered damage due to a leaky gutter seem. The gutter is now fixed. I may need to buy a new flagstone top run. What stone yard do you recommend for such things? BTW, when I was picking up supplies at Santerelli (Oley) on the back road I mentioned you. They're good guys over there. Also saw your work in Leo's Broad Street Winery. Again, thanks for all your vids. They sure gave me confidence to tackle these jobs. I owe you a couple two tree beers. Tony Sciandra in Port Griffith.
Thanks for the kind words Tony, I got to get down to Oleys, one of these days and do a video, I think any stone yard, I use to go to Ayers and buy bulk, but any stone yard shhould sell what you need, glad to hear from somebody so close, thanks Mike
Hi CT, it is impossible to say over the internet, in this case the owner bought everything and helped with the labor so I just charged him time, every job is different, thanks mike
Thanks for the reply Mike. I live in Florida and and have pavers around my pool that are starting to come loose. Your videos are very helpful. Thank you.
Mike, the “stone’ you placed as steps, are they concrete caps you make at home as you did in your other video? I have a very plain 2 step back porch and trying to find ideas to make it look nice and hide the cracks and that the bottom step cracked away from the whole structure. I was going to use regular bricks but after your constant repair and recommendations against using brick I’m looking for other options. Your vision is quiet creative just beautiful work. I can make the caps as you’ve instructed and can buy stone for a backing riser without ripping out the whole structure. Your videos are my daily motivation to get off the couch and get things done. TY
thanks playgirl, you can usually buy the stone threads at any stone & brick supply yard, and just think it throught, I hope my videos helps, I can only show what I did and hope others feed from it , I appreciate it. mike
Hey mike I’m thinking of building new front steps out of retaining wall blocks on a new footing and slab I poured, out on Long Island NY with freeze thaw winters, I was told I can just use masonry adhesive instead of mortar. What are your thoughts on this? Doesn’t seem right to me and you’re the guy to ask!
Ok gotcha, I’m just having a difficult time trying to figure out these steps the right way, I already got blue stone treads, and was going to just use cinder blocks and mortar but even with half block caps and full blocks I can’t figure out how to get the steps about 6.5 inches each even, with having bluestone laid rising up on the next steps, regular cinder blocks are too big and would need cutting or excess mortar. Working with 26 inch height, and 3 steps with 4th being the landing. Watched your videos over and over but can’t figure out how you get the right heights and all
Hi Jimg, in time it will, most old masonry buildings used arches before the Civil War, then they started to use steel, the idea is to keep the moisture from penetrating into the concrete, usually roofs ,paint where it is ,how it's installed, etc, etc helps in those instances , thanks Mike
Mike.....is the soft pack you used between the concrete and the steps 1-5 Portland? I struggle with two things (1) getting the film off the brick/stone (2) getting the mortar at the right consistency. Any suggestions on improving in these two areas would be appreciated. Thanks in advance
Hi Oring, it's one of those things you got to practice with to see what works. The sponge has to be very clean and ring out between uses, when I use Portland it is usually 2 sand 1 portland, thanks mike
Hi - armed with these excellent videos, I'm going to attempt to replace my worn brick steps with granite treads. I noticed that the granite treads have a smooth side and a slightly rough side. Which side faces up?
Hi onoah, I would say that depends on how rough you want it and what your weather is like, more than likely I would think the smooth side, but that is up to you, thanks mike
Hey Mike , when you're attaching a stone veneer , do you ever dust the veneer stone with a little Portland cement before buttering it with mortar ? Second question is , what is your mixture for that mortar ?
Hi JM, If I am reading you right?, I never dust the stones with portland , did use it as a "dryer" to gain height, I used same as other videos in the series, (2 sand to 1 cement), (Cement is usually 2/3 s mortar and 1/3 portland) other masons in other areas would say different, I hope it helps thanks mike
Dusting the stone with Portland was something I was told would help the cement stick better but I have little personal experience to validate that . Thanks for your input.
Hi Mike, I never see you wearing knee pads....how do you avoid wrecking your knees over the years kneeling on hard surfaces? Love your videos. Thanks for your time.
I have watched most of your videos. I'm at the final stages of renovating concrete steps with cut stone veneer and bluestone treads. The treads come with a thermal finish with a rough backside. What side goes up? I've heard conflicting advice. I live in MA.
P.S. How I wish you were on the job I am doing now lol... making a 3 meter plus high fountain with urns for a client and it's not an easy task. Mortar and limestone work into week 3.... ouch my back haha
Hi Fresh, I did one before, and I built it in pieces and then when on the job and put them together, and put water in each layer before I continued up to make sure the fountain water spread on every side, wish I filmed it. check out my video How I build a stone birdbath, almost same thing but used a long steel pipe int the middle to hold it all together, I hope it helps, thanks mike
Love old school thinking, see loads of videos saying you must use slurry and mapei and glue and all sorts, just water, mortar and a sponge :-) it's all the Romans used, when we look at building structures standing the test of time should be enough evidence to stay old school, Mike, what mix was your Mortar? 4:1?
You can't buy stone in the Willamette Valley in Oregon. I called several quarries and they would only sell stone if they delivered a truck load. This made it VERY expensive, and you can't pick what you want.
Some local building codes don't allow steel reinforcement in patios, driveways, and sidewalks as the steel makes the concrete difficult to recycle. Rebar is not a given in all concrete - you have KNOW and follow the local codes or you won't have your contracting license for long.
Doesn’t the alkaline burn your skin? I’ve noticed you mostly don’t worry about it but sometimes you wear the glove? I’m completely paranoid about burning off my skin with cement or mortar but love the feel of the stones in my hand. Also breathing all the dust? You don’t seem to worry about that either?
Knowledge and some walmart sneakers...Where have i been..Mike hadduck is a Beast....
Thanks again, Mike
This guy is the real McCoy. His every move was exact and intentional, no screw ups, or wasted time, that's how you can tell he has a lot of experience.
Thanks, Mike
Mike this is one of my favorite videos of yours, I'm talking about the whole end result . It's Absolutely Beautiful Man , Thanks again Mike
Thanks Chris, Mike
Mike - My wife is having open heart surgery soon and I'm watching RUclips videos on how to rework my steps as a distraction. After watching several of your videos I can only hope my wife's surgeon has half the experience and attention to detail that you have in your masonry work. Your old-school skill, dedication and hard work is inspiring. Thanks for sharing your videos. DW
Thanks DW, mike
Hey DW, hope the surgery went well.
You are a guy that the young ones should pay attention to. what your offering them is priceless . Actually i should say anyone watching not just the young.To watch a craftsman who has gained so much in many ways want and willingly share for those who wish to pick up the craft is also priceless. Your are a master craftsman in every sense . That being said, lol I really like your vidios
Hi cold spring, I appreciate it. I am just passing along with the old timers showed me, thanks mike
Liking your "old school" methods and how you refurbish existing structures Mike. I'm in England, UK refurbishing my 80's park home (double-wide trailer?) with brick skirting and steps and I've picked up some valuable tips from you for saving me from knocking some of it down and rebuilding! Much respect from across the pond!
Such a smart way do do that job! Save everyone a ton of time and $$$👍
Thanks Thomas, Mike
I love to see a Master displaying his craft. You are a true master. All my D.I.Yer friend refer me to your videos.
Thanks Lazaro, I appreciate the kind words, Mike
This guy knows his stuff. I'm never disappointed.
Thanks, I appreciate it, mike
If you happen to see this. I bought some 1 inch sawn natural ashlar stone to put on the exterior of my porch. In your opinion is there an extreme weight difference between natural and manufactured stone for this type application?
I dont think so, i use natural stone all the time,mike
nice way to turn some good solid steps into an updated thing of beauty Mike. I especially liked that generous motar packing under the front edge of those treads. good and solid. have a nice autumn!
Nice job as always Mike. Some mighty fine looking grapes also.
thanks cjdoy, yep the neighbors been picking them and I got a jar of jam, I appreciate it. mike
Mesmerizing again. Thank you Sir!
Thanks Mr P, Mike
Mike yet another awesome video, if there was ever an angel for concrete mate you would be him 😆. Love your videos and I cannot express just how valuable they are to us younger guys wanting to learn from a pro. 👍
thanks Fresh, I appreciate that mike,
Thanks Mike for sharing your knowledge, you are breaking all other stonemasons complex the ones that they dont want to pass their knowledge to rookies . Knowledge has to be pass from a generation to the next generation , otherwise the chaine will break forever. And thats what is happening in Canada .
Thanks, I appreciate hearing that , Mike
Very nice job mike . Whoever did the original concrete steps did a really good job and gave you a nice base to work off.
Hi Bric, yes they did, made it quite easy for me , thanks mike
what a difference when you got done!! looks great!
We have a saying in England "you never see an old stone mason". That is because it is such heavy work they are usually done by 50 years old. They spend of half their lives bent over, on their knees and lifting very heavy stuff. Absolute respect to ya Mike.
Thanks Darren, I feel it, mike
@@MikeHaduck Thanks for your reply Mike 👍
Thanks Mike, great work !!!
Thanks Ricky, Mike
love natural stone look. if I could I would build a whole house out of stone. especially in the kitchen. like the back splash
Thanks Jacob, I agree, Mike
Mike, that project is well thought out and it's BEAUTIFUL. I truly enjoy watching you 'put a project together', it's really a pleasure to view!
Thanks for taking the time to video and edit your work for us viewers!
....13
thanks 13, I should be the guy thanking you, thanks mike
Got to say nice looking work but the real genus comes from learning from mistakes. I am so glad I'm learning from your instructions. I love that you talk about why you do it that way. I'm glad to be enrolled in MHSOHK! Subscriber for life.
Excellent tutorial Mike, I am a DIY homeowner and have done my own masonry projects over years. It is a blessing to be able to learn from a professional such as yourself. The part about not having the new concrete touch existing concrete is especially good so know. What brought me here is my front concrete steps are deteriorating and I am wrestling with whether or not I should completely remove them and pour new steps or cap them as you have demonstrated here. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks E. I am sure it will work out one way or the other, mike
Nice!!!
Thanks Sparker, Mike
You do nice work!
Thanks Timmy, mike
Nice job Mike I am watching all your videos and listening to your advice I have a side walk to repair soon thanks for all your skills I live in Maryland not far from pa maybe I can find me some free stone or gravel left over from an old job lol take care of your self God Bless you.
thanks Mc, I appreciate it. God Bless also, mike
Ay Mike, I like you! You take pride in every job your hands touch and that’s something a lot of men don’t do. I’ve learned a lot from your videos and can now help my husband do some real work 😉
Mike another great video you make it look like rolling off a log..........
Awesome job as usual Mike. The more of your videos I watch, the more educated and inspired I become to take on some simple mason jobs around the house. Keep them coming!
thanks Dan, I am glad if they help, I appreciate it. mike
Awesome job. Like the way you think - if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. I want to do something similar but smaller scale. But I probably need a professional...thanks for showing me it can be done!
Thanks Lori, mike
As usual, excellent work Mike. I enjoy how thorough you are and your honesty.
hi bella, maybe I am just too lazy to do a big job lo, thanks mike
Good job Mike
That's hard work, I built a moss rock step for my back door and my back was sore for days.
Hi Kawika, I gave up picking up heavy things any more, lol, Mike
@@MikeHaduck That good Mike. Let the 21 year old kids do the lifting they heal up faster haha.
Thank You for sharing Mike, Always Insightful, Great :) !
thanks Jaime, trying to keep it going, thanks mike
NICE! What a master!
Hi Hardware, just learned from the old timers, I appreciate it. mike
Always great education and a joy to learn and watch your vids. It's been incredible to watch the channel grow. Tuesday October 12, 2021. 129k subs and 57,067 views. Hope your week is going great Mike and making new music too
Thanks Thor, I appreciate it, Mike
Nice work! Those grapes remind me of driving along highway 5 near Erie.
Good job.
Like the videos Mike.
Good efficient use of existing materials/steps and end result really nice .
I poured a few steps and done some with engineering brick filled and capped with paver slabs .
Do think stone about one of best ways go though and job you done on these pretty cheap in materials yet end result a million bucks plus it last well and easier repair if needed .
Hi B, its hard to say from here, but if it works and others have been successful with the same process, you should be on the right track, I appreciate it. mike
Great job ....Master
Hi Luis, just passing along what I learned from the old timers, thanks mike
The finish product is like a piece of art in an outdoor botanical garden walkway.in long island ,new york. p.s. just used cement- all to topcoat my driveway ;two bags more off white and two bags more darker, the company wants to send someone ;i like darker tone, mentioned i saw you use product in youtube video. goodluck
Thanks ben, mike
@@MikeHaduckif you do series travel to new york boroughs ,i have a chimney growing a bush maybe in gap next to flue, goodluck
Cool job
Thanks Tyler, mike
Great job just started watching your videos you're amazing
Hi just one, Thanks I’m just passing on what I learned from the old timers, thanks Mike
Nice job
Thanks shellac, mike
Great work Mike! All the best from DK
thanks Alan, been to Denmark 6 times, pretty wimmin there, thanks mike
Looks good Mike I just did one I'll send it to you
A fine work
I'm sure you were alive when they built the pyramids and one of the reasons they got them completed. Appreciate these videos. Great stuff.
Hi Rob, wish I was alive to see them being built, I appreciate it. mike
You are definitely appreciated. Im a mason as well, after working some hard days i really enjoy watching your videos and am grateful for you sharing your experience and showing how you do what you do.
thanks Ramsey, I appreciate that hearing from a pro.. thanks mike
Hi Mike, always enjoy your videos. what concrete did you use for this job ?? Art, Saratoga Springs, NY.
I used 2 parts sand and a mix of 1 part portland and s mortar, If I remember right, lol, thanks mike
At 11.00 sounds like the cops finally got a hold of Honest Mike
Great job Mike. Looks beautiful and I bet you saved the owner a tonne of money.
Hi Bitter, No I checked , Honest mike is still roaming free. LOL, and it yes it was a common sense thing to save the owner some money, very true, thanks I appreciate it. mike
I could never do what you just did by myself, but your video is awesome and you are truly a man who knows his craft. BTW, did anyone ever tell you how much you look like Harrison Ford? OMG you should have been his double in Star Wars!
Thanks Caroline, he does look a bit like me, lol, mike
Had to like the video for the white socks.
Thanks MrShoeguy, I am a slave to fashion, lol , mike
I love it ,all but you have the joints all in line on the treds.
Hi Louis, actually that is the property line between the two house, that's why, thanks Mike
@@MikeHaduck yes i get but its a shame you couldn't get rid of it.
Nice safety boots !!
Thanks Juilus, 8 dollars at walmart. lol, mike
Wow mike came out real good , looking nice.
This is Norms I ask you a while back for help on a old foundation to stucco it just let me know when you have time LoL. Thanks for this video 👍🏼
Hi Norms, thanks, I don't remember, are you from my area? Mike
Mike Haduck Masonry thanks for the reply mike, I do I’m local here in Scranton, but the job in Carbondale.
Hi Norm, I appreciate it, but I am overwhelmed with what I am doing now. But I appreciate you asking, thanks Mike
Real men float finish concrete Mike!! Much nicer than brooming1
Thanks Tony, Mike
i totally agree with you that concrete should float so it can move and contract as it needs to. i've seen bad results from
over-steeling a project
Thanks Peter, I agree, Mike
Hi Mike , im a retired mason from nj , nice job on these steps , i just wanted to know why did you make a stack joint on the treads , i always used to stagger the joint say a 6 ft piece on an 8 ft step with a 2 ft piece back and worth , maybe i did it wrong anyway your steps are really nice thanks Artie
Hi Artie, nice to hear from a nj mason, I worked a ton down near Summerville, actually they were shared steps between the two houses and that joint was the property line, thanks Mike
Great video Mike your a pro. Quick question do you use any bonding adhesive to stick the mortar to the concrete? Also any with stone veneer?
Hi Steven, rarely but I have, thanks ,Mike
Hi Mike, hope you get some steel toecap boots for Christmas lol.
Thanks Lee, yep, I can use them, lol. Mike
Hi Mike. Finally got my cellar hopper/glass block window in. That job turned into a nightmare. Now I'm trying to repair my front steps before it gets cold. The old cinder block underneath the stone veneer suffered damage due to a leaky gutter seem. The gutter is now fixed. I may need to buy a new flagstone top run. What stone yard do you recommend for such things? BTW, when I was picking up supplies at Santerelli (Oley) on the back road I mentioned you. They're good guys over there. Also saw your work in Leo's Broad Street Winery. Again, thanks for all your vids. They sure gave me confidence to tackle these jobs. I owe you a couple two tree beers. Tony Sciandra in Port Griffith.
Thanks for the kind words Tony, I got to get down to Oleys, one of these days and do a video, I think any stone yard, I use to go to Ayers and buy bulk, but any stone yard shhould sell what you need, glad to hear from somebody so close, thanks Mike
Looks great! What would be the average cost for something like this?
Hi CT, it is impossible to say over the internet, in this case the owner bought everything and helped with the labor so I just charged him time, every job is different, thanks mike
Thanks for the reply Mike. I live in Florida and and have pavers around my pool that are starting to come loose. Your videos are very helpful. Thank you.
Mike, the “stone’ you placed as steps, are they concrete caps you make at home as you did in your other video? I have a very plain 2 step back porch and trying to find ideas to make it look nice and hide the cracks and that the bottom step cracked away from the whole structure. I was going to use regular bricks but after your constant repair and recommendations against using brick I’m looking for other options. Your vision is quiet creative just beautiful work. I can make the caps as you’ve instructed and can buy stone for a backing riser without ripping out the whole structure. Your videos are my daily motivation to get off the couch and get things done. TY
thanks playgirl, you can usually buy the stone threads at any stone & brick supply yard, and just think it throught, I hope my videos helps, I can only show what I did and hope others feed from it , I appreciate it. mike
Saved them a boat load of $$$!!
Thanks Beezersh, I would say the same, no use doing anything else extra, I appreciate it, mike
I soooooooo wish you worked in the Orange County NY area, I have a lot of jobs for you.
Thanks, mike
Mike, what kind of cement / mortar are you using for laying these stones?
Hi usually the same as any outside stone patio or steps, mostly portland and sand, thanks, Mike
Hey mike I’m thinking of building new front steps out of retaining wall blocks on a new footing and slab I poured, out on Long Island NY with freeze thaw winters, I was told I can just use masonry adhesive instead of mortar. What are your thoughts on this? Doesn’t seem right to me and you’re the guy to ask!
I have video out called " concrete steps repair, those kind of blocks don't hold up in my area, the new schoolers say different, thanks Mike
Ok gotcha, I’m just having a difficult time trying to figure out these steps the right way, I already got blue stone treads, and was going to just use cinder blocks and mortar but even with half block caps and full blocks I can’t figure out how to get the steps about 6.5 inches each even, with having bluestone laid rising up on the next steps, regular cinder blocks are too big and would need cutting or excess mortar. Working with 26 inch height, and 3 steps with 4th being the landing. Watched your videos over and over but can’t figure out how you get the right heights and all
If you make door and window lintel beam with rebar and block,, won't it break when rebar rust away ?
Hi Jimg, in time it will, most old masonry buildings used arches before the Civil War, then they started to use steel, the idea is to keep the moisture from penetrating into the concrete, usually roofs ,paint where it is ,how it's installed, etc, etc helps in those instances , thanks Mike
Mike.....is the soft pack you used between the concrete and the steps 1-5 Portland? I struggle with two things (1) getting the film off the brick/stone (2) getting the mortar at the right consistency. Any suggestions on improving in these two areas would be appreciated. Thanks in advance
Hi Oring, it's one of those things you got to practice with to see what works. The sponge has to be very clean and ring out between uses, when I use Portland it is usually 2 sand 1 portland, thanks mike
Enjoyed this one. How many hours went into a job like this?
Hi Jim, one day, mike
Great job Mike , but i am a little surprized you lined up the seams in the threads i thought you would have off set them.
Hi Rocco, no reason too but it all depends on how you want it to look, the less seams the better, thanks mike
Hi - armed with these excellent videos, I'm going to attempt to replace my worn brick steps with granite treads. I noticed that the granite treads have a smooth side and a slightly rough side. Which side faces up?
Hi onoah, I would say that depends on how rough you want it and what your weather is like, more than likely I would think the smooth side, but that is up to you, thanks mike
awesome work Mike how much of an overhang do you leave for the limestone steps?
Hi iron, usuall 1 inch to 1 1/4 depending on what is underneath, thanks, mike
Hey Mike , when you're attaching a stone veneer , do you ever dust the veneer stone with a little Portland cement before buttering it with mortar ?
Second question is , what is your mixture for that mortar ?
Hi JM, If I am reading you right?, I never dust the stones with portland , did use it as a "dryer" to gain height, I used same as other videos in the series, (2 sand to 1 cement), (Cement is usually 2/3 s mortar and 1/3 portland) other masons in other areas would say different, I hope it helps thanks mike
Dusting the stone with Portland was something I was told would help the cement stick better but I have little personal experience to validate that . Thanks for your input.
Hi Mike, I never see you wearing knee pads....how do you avoid wrecking your knees over the years kneeling on hard surfaces? Love your videos. Thanks for your time.
Mike how much overhang do you typically have on the tread front ?
Most masons I know say between 3/4 inch to 1 inch and a quarter , depending, thanksmike
On this project, what mix did you used to place the stone?
Hi David, I usually show my mix on each video, thanks mike
How much money would it cost to make a 7-step stone and concrete staircase in front of the house?
Hi Roberto, I don't know, everything depends, thanks Mike
Mike what mortar was used
Hi bhadz, I show what I used in each circumstance, everyone is a bit different, thanks Mike
Can you travel to Australia? I have a few jobs that need doing, I live in the blue mountains in Bullaburra....
I have watched most of your videos. I'm at the final stages of renovating concrete steps with cut stone veneer and bluestone treads. The treads come with a thermal finish with a rough backside. What side goes up? I've heard conflicting advice. I live in MA.
Hi Soccer, I usually put the thermo up because it is not as slippery but it's usually masons choice, thanks mike
As you said, those steps were there 50 years and in good shape, capping it with real stone veneer was the best option.
Thanks Radium, I would agree, mike
P.S. How I wish you were on the job I am doing now lol... making a 3 meter plus high fountain with urns for a client and it's not an easy task. Mortar and limestone work into week 3.... ouch my back haha
Hi Fresh, I did one before, and I built it in pieces and then when on the job and put them together, and put water in each layer before I continued up to make sure the fountain water spread on every side, wish I filmed it. check out my video How I build a stone birdbath, almost same thing but used a long steel pipe int the middle to hold it all together, I hope it helps, thanks mike
What's the total cost for a job like this including Labour? Thanks!
Love old school thinking, see loads of videos saying you must use slurry and mapei and glue and all sorts, just water, mortar and a sponge :-) it's all the Romans used, when we look at building structures standing the test of time should be enough evidence to stay old school, Mike, what mix was your Mortar? 4:1?
Hi herrlip,,, I think I used 2 sand to one Portland, thanks Mike
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Thanks, mike
You can't buy stone in the Willamette Valley in Oregon. I called several quarries and they would only sell stone if they delivered a truck load. This made it VERY expensive, and you can't pick what you want.
BlankBrain what about lane forest supply
He’s in PA and they have endless supply of Pennsylvania Flag Stone the houses and local structures are just beautiful.
I need to go work for you! You know how to take your time to do things right and not "rush the art" of masonry.
Hi Juan, Sometimes I’m in a hurry but I’m at the retirement age so it takes me a little longer now, LOL thanks Mike
Where would a guy buy those flat stone steps? Are they limestone or are they actually concrete?
Hi James, any brick or masonry supply yard, ask for limestone threads, I hope it helps, thanks, mike
For sure, those steps were made old school. Couldn't ask for a better base.
thanks again, mike
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Thanks Richard. , mike
No rebar?
I thought you did nt like wire mesch
Some local building codes don't allow steel reinforcement in patios, driveways, and sidewalks as the steel makes the concrete difficult to recycle. Rebar is not a given in all concrete - you have KNOW and follow the local codes or you won't have your contracting license for long.
Doesn’t the alkaline burn your skin? I’ve noticed you mostly don’t worry about it but sometimes you wear the glove? I’m completely paranoid about burning off my skin with cement or mortar but love the feel of the stones in my hand. Also breathing all the dust? You don’t seem to worry about that either?
Hi Tami, I try and use the glove all the time, but not as much dust as it seems, thanks mike
Mike Haduck Masonry also he plays with fiberglass bare handed... that’s a not a fun thing to get stuck under your skin. It will itch forever.
11:00 what you charged must have been criminal. I hear the cops coming for you. lol
what kind of stone did you use for the stairs treads ?
Hi leo,these were bluestone threads the owners brother owned a bluestone quarry
Hi leo,these were bluestone threads the owners brother inlaw owned a bluestone quarry