I live in Texas and I put in a flagstone floor in a 350 gallon stock tank pond for the wife's turtles. I used your method and it turned out very nice. Thank you for all you have taught me about masonry. I've done block work brick small slabs and stone work around the house. it's become a new hobby. I couldn't have done any of it without your instructions.
James LeRoy hello ! I live in Kingwood Texas . Do you think it’s best to lay the flagstone over a concrete patio vs ground? I Want this flagstone but I’ve seen some really good patios and some with weeds☹️.
Layed my first flagstone patio yesterday. I'm glad that I learned how to do it the right way, from watching UA-cam videos from "dis guy". It came out great in Colorado, mid October. Thank you Mike!
I have a new respect and appreciation for this kind of craftmanship in stonework. I had no idea how much skill went into flagstone patios. Beautiful result. Thanks for making this video.
Mike, due to your videos I just refinished the exterior foundation on a customers home that is going up for sale. There were a bunch of spots where the surface failed from water getting in a fracture, freezing and pushing the surface off. I used your methods and constant statement of wet it first before adding material and before I knew it the whole foundation was smooth again. After letting it cure I primed and painted it all and the home owner was thrilled. Prior to finding your videos I would have told them to find a mason but decided to try it myself. So THANK YOU Mike, you're a good teacher.
Thank you so much Mike. I recently bought a old house here with a stone foundation and I was so worried about it, until I've watched almost all of your videos now and I'm way more confident in all stone work and I can't wait to try my hand at repointing! Its amazing to me that you're able to take these super old stone structures and patios and with a little bit of work, bring them back to good as new. Much appreciated sir!
Just about finished with a complicated flagstone patio/fire pit. No chance it would have come out like this without your help and your videos. My wife said she wants to send you a thank you a Christmas card. I told her she should have your T-shirt and coffee mug in the picture for all your help. Thanks Mike!!!!!
Hey Mike, I live in western Oregon, where we usually have mild wet winters. I originally talked to local masons, and used their practices. Then I tried your techniques. My earlier work develops cracks and I'll probably have to redo some of it. Since I've been doing things as though I lived in the northeast, my work has held together completely. Thank you! On a side note, my neighbor hired a contractor to put in some concrete in front of her garage. There's a downhill slope to the garage, so drainage is particularly important. The contractor, who's been working around here for about 40 years, didn't put any level lines in; he just checked around a few spots with a short level. Then he had to go back and clean up the spots where he put the level. He also put a seam in, so the water doesn't flow. It was kind of a comedy to watch. The garage fills with water and my neighbor is trying to get him to replace it. So, that bit about seeing what local contractors do is bunk.
HI Blank, good point, when I am doing something I am not sure of, I know who to ask, not just any contractor, I got to keep that in mind, I kind of consider my videos to be food for thought, I am glad some of them work for you, I appreciate it a lot, thanks mike
Yeah, that's a good point. There's no guarantee that any given local handyman is doing things properly. You have to find work that looks like it was well done and is holding up over time, find out who did that job, and ask THEM.
Hi Mike, I've just ran across your channel and I've been watching some of your work and humor, I think you're a stand up guy, very honest and down to earth, I like your style. I'm a Tennessee guy myself but we think along the same lines when it comes to building and doing work. I'm not a mason but I've worked at it doing things for myself most of my life I'm almost 60 now, I'm a machinist by trade so I respect any professional craftsman that knows his stuff. Thanks for your contributions to so many including me.
Mr Haduck, Thank you for your videos. I started watching them a couple of years ago. I have now done several tile and stone jobs. You inspired me to get out there and do it!
I enjoy your videos Mike! I did a lot of masonry in England and loved it. I moved to Canada 22 years ago and am Leary of doing a lot up here, had flagstone blow apart that was laid for me in the past, it's a shame because I love the look but our climate is harsh like yours, we are 2 hours north of Toronto, cheers Mike!
Good job Mike, it's nice to see construction techniques in other countries. When I did landscaping (in England) we would lay a 3" sub - base of semi - dry concrete, 8 parts ballast(20mm stone down to fines) with 1 part O.P.C and lay the stone on a wet mix (think bricklaying muck consistency) of 5 parts soft sand and 1 part O.P.C. It was very hard work! But I learned my lesson with the sub - base, and when I went to work for myself, I used a sub - base of crushed limestone scalpings and compacted it with a wacker plate, much easier! All the best.
@@MikeHaduck You're welcome. I wanted to become a stone mason when I was a young man, but I was rear-ended by a drunk driver; bad auto accident. Have to be too careful with my back and hips for that kind of work.
thank you Mike for all your Videos. I have learnt so much watching you. I am about to finally build my first home, and I am trying to do it myself morgue free. I have so many skills to learn, and your a fantastic teacher. I am big fan of the old school ways that where built to last. I am slowly collecting mason tools, and I am looking forward to trying my hand at this amazing art.
Hi ram2, I appreciate it, I wish you well, my only advice is with new homes do not do anything around the property fast, give the ground time to settle before any outside projects, thanks mike
Mike, thank you so much for this tutorial. I am about to try this technique for the first time on an old cement pad that a shed was on. I thought it would be good practice. Your spotter stone and joint technique answered a lot of what I was wondering about. Thank you so much for taking the time to make this video. I will let you know how it turns out!
Thank you Mike for the great video. I'm up in Canada with weather like yours. Had problems with my patio and now I know why. Beautiful work you did on that patio.
I do them the same as you Mike that's the way I was taught that's the way I do it and if a customer tells me how to do it I wave goodbye as I'm driving away I can be funny like that . Another great job Mike quality as usual 👍 Dave from Wales
Thank you Mike for your informative video. I build retaining walls with large blocks and have done some flat work laid in sand. I enjoyed listening to you and watching you laying stone with cement. Best wishes to you and yours.
Thank you very much for sharing this. My dad and I will be putting in a Blackstone patio soon and this has been very helpful and gives us encouragement. God reward you!
Thanks Mike, I learn a lot about what is much better to do , specially if depends on the weather on the place. Here in Virginia it’s raining a lot and snow once a year.
I love the God and gravity comment too. Mike i would be your student any day. Just came back from camp up in Cook Forest this morning, if you know where that is, and was glad to see another mike haduck video. I totally understand the freeze thaw thing, we get the same type of weather over here in western pa. Thanks again buddy.
Man that patio looked good. I was surprised to see you doing it with snow on the ground but you explained the reason for that. Here in England the weather aint great either so mansons here would joint up as they go just like you do in Pennsylvania Mike.
Beautiful work Mike! Your advice about marrying everything together seems to be the only way to go in freeze/thaw climates like we get in the Eastern US & Atlantic Canada. The fewer cold joints the better.
I've been a builder for 48 years, mainly in Arizona, Cal., Nev., (recently retired) could have used you on my projects - Good masons are hard to find. My experience was 99% commercial however I did build a few homes for my clients occasionally- Google 9401 Kings Gate Ct, Las Vegas, NV ( my most recent and last residential project). The mason I used on this house - reluctantly (owners friend) was a nightmare - had to make him re-do most of his work. There is no substitute for a craftsman like yourself who may cost a little more up front but in the end you get what you pay for.
Thank you Jim, I appreciate hearing that from a professional, I work for the union in New Jersey a few years and learned a lot about commercial work there, and like you and mostly retired now just have fun making the videos, I appreciate it and wish you the best thank you , Mike
I do stone same way here in new york Mike. I put mud down, lay the stone over. tap, cut or add extra mud in joints, sponge clean it and move on to the next stone. strength of this kind of work is unmatched. I don't care what state or part of the world is it
Hi Levan, I feel the same way, but If I say you have to do it that way everybody will try and prove me wrong, I know from working in florida they do not do it that way and they use weaker cement for expansion reasons, so I know what you are saying, I appreciate it. mike
Great video Mike, I have been travelling to the USSA for years now and i always wondered why they did not do more wet lay than what i seen, they always told me it was the freeze thaw affect but your system seems to work which i think is perfect. Kind Regards johnyboy
When i was a young guy, about 400 years ago lol my boss was a bloke that learned his trade in the 1920's. When we pointed the joints in stone walls, he would impress on us the need to work the mortar into the edge of the stone when bagging off. If we left a ledge on the edge of a joint he would make us bag it again to get rid of the ledge. He grew up in the mid north of South Australia were severe frosts would freeze the water in the pipes. He said small ledges collect water and when it froze, blows the edge of the joint away. He told us that bagging a wall was more than getting rid of trowel marks and looks. It sealed the wall and brought the lime to the surface, so it sealed the wall from water ingress. He loathed concrete lintels, portland cement in masonry work and steel bars and angles. As the years have gone by, i now know why he didn't like these things. He always said that they put far too much portland in mortar, and thats why it cracks, as it resists movement. He was a clever man, gone now but i am trying to teach a lot of the old ways to my mates 15 year old son. He loves getting mortar all over himself, same as me at his age lol.
Hi Greyhaired, my dad is almost 90 and remembers when portland came out is canvis bags, nobody knew what to do with it, but around here mortar and lime does not hold up on the flat, it is ok on brick and block walls , I knew a lot of the old timers who had the same preaching but lime mortar was all they had, just like the fast drying cements (which I was holding back on for years) I use them a lot now because I proved to myself they work, I understand things change and I do not use the newer products till I am sure of it. anything that works I always say, I do not want call backs, I appreciate the imput, thanks Happy New year, Mike
I am taking a break this very moment after doing joints between the flagstones. I decided to do the joints separately because I wanted them to be a different color. What a laborious job doing the seams separately is. I think I put twice the amount of cement into the joints, and then depended on my sponge from my cousin's bed mattress to clean up the excess. For me, what a laborious process. My sponge gets instantly dirty, had to keep rinsing the water bucket, it gets dirty fast, and I must have cleaned the joints/stones 10 times each so far. So right now I have the joints cleaned up at the right level and I just have to clean the film off. I only did 1/3rd of the seams. I also sacrificed a couple of towels to soak and put over the stones, the sun makes them too hot.
This guy seems to do great work. The patio looks really good. I don't appreciate the multiple messages about how "every "mason" uses their own technique" That is definitely true when speaking of different hemispheres, but that doesn't change the chemistry involved. Some of the "techniques" this guy uses are proven to not withstand the test of time.
Hi, my defense is, I been doing it over 50 years and I am the guy who has to go back and fix it if I am wrong, I did videos on egypt, china, peru, europe Asia, and I give folks my advice, if they don't want to hear it, Oh well,,,, with respect Mike
Great work Mike. Question should I use a sealcoating on my mine, do you use seal coatings? Also should I use caulking between the house and patio? We had water leakage, however I seal it and the mason found that there was not any cement in the spot where the leak was. I used a water proof concrete inside and stopped the leak. Additionally the mason just covered that spot with concrete. Should I still use a caulking. It is a settled foundation the house is over 50 years old. One mason in his videos (which are not as good as yours lol.) He said not "expansion joints or caulking is not need because it is not a new structor." Do you recommend that I have it caulked because we had a leak? However the leak has now stopped.
i really really love your stone work, its got a very distinct look, im curious if you went back over those joints your buddy worked on. i wish you were a bit closer to las vegas nv.
Hi Mike, Thanks for posting these videos. Straight forward easy to understand. Humble guy just sharing his way of doing things. Excellent. I am in the central BC Canada region, dry hot summers, minimal rain and winter lows of up to -15 maybe 20. My question is, do I need to pour a concrete pad or can I use sand and gravel for a base? thanks!
Hey Mike...Thank you so much for your videos.. You give me the beginner the confidence to do this...I am going to do a stone pathway through my property. I have two questions.1. how wide should the path be? Do you really need a concrete pad for a path ? 2. How deep should the cement base be before you ;lay the stone? I live in Ontario Canada the weather can get 30 below in the winter.
Hi. It's a hard question to answer especially in that part of the world, I would look around and see what everybody else in your area did first, and walk along the path and see what seems appropriate and comfortable for your situation, I guess that is my best answer. Thanks mike
Looks beautiful! Maybe you would consider some videos on what to look for when buying flagstone/blue stone and slate (the ones with even cut sides) How to tell if the stone will work well/are there grades of stone? Thickness matter? Live in Northern Virginia n they sell PA blustone n other slate n stuff, but there looks like different qualities/characteristics in the same kind of stone, especially when I have looked at different sellers/stone places. Anyway. Thanks for the education.
Do you have a video that explains the various stone, purpose, cost, etc? I was thinking of maybe going to the local river and loading stones up and using them, but I have no idea how to make them flat, or if that’s even a good idea.
Hi Mike, best to go to a stone - landscaping supply company and check out all the different types of stone, that will give you the best ideas on what to use, thanks mike
That's kind of what I'd like to avoid -- I looked at prices and, for the job I'm wanting to do, it's out of my budget right now, if I have to purchase all of the stone. I don't mind collecting the stone from creeks, rivers, etc -- and renting some tool to make them flat -- if that exists. I do greatly appreciate the response.
Do you ever use additives to your concrete, or to your stonework, to help make it weather-resistant? For example, acrylic fortifier to the concrete mix or a coating of water repellant solution to the finished product?
Hi Mike. Your videos are my new favorite videos to watch on UA-cam. You have a natural gift for teaching. I have a question- Do you prefer laying flagstone on a concrete pad like you are doing or a wet bed on crushed stone? I live in PA about 2 hours southeast if you.
Mike, couldn’t we in nepa, get away with dry laying on the slab? Then put concrete dust for a “flexible” joint. The dust would cure hard not allowing moisture underneath. Thoughts? Thanks!
Hi M, it's a hard call, and depends on how big they are, once it rains and the winter hits something is going to move, on my other videos we layed them on pee gravel no joints, every situation is different, thanks, mike
Hi Mike, thanks for the videos. I have sections of slate that are popping up on my walkway.I would like to resecure a good portion of the pieces.. Do you have any tips for me thank you
Live down in North Carolina and I followed your 2 to 1 mix ratio and im starting to get hairline cracks in the grout lines between the stone and along the rocks in areas. I installed it over concrete and im wondering if the sun and heat played a role in this issue. Can I just brush in some Portland to fill in the cracks?
Hi Dave, you will get some shrinkage cracks in stonework, I rub a little Portland in them and sponge it off, it may have been too hot, sometimes in Southern states I would add another shovel of sand in the mix, I hope it helps ,Mike
Have you ever etched the back of your stone with the grinder to give the mud something to adhere to. not the whole stone per say but just some grooves here and there..kinda like a insurance policy. Like the stones around the perimeter that aren’t locked in on all sides
Hi mike, Almost never, the stones are rough enough and they shrink and expand with the sun and cold, so no matter what , you can never get them seated 100 percent, my opinion, thanks mike
I live in Texas and I put in a flagstone floor in a 350 gallon stock tank pond for the wife's turtles. I used your method and it turned out very nice. Thank you for all you have taught me about masonry. I've done block work brick small slabs and stone work around the house. it's become a new hobby. I couldn't have done any of it without your instructions.
Hi James, thats great, I appreciate hearing that, thanks mike
James LeRoy hello ! I live in Kingwood Texas . Do you think it’s best to lay the flagstone over a concrete patio vs ground? I Want this flagstone but I’ve seen some really good patios and some with weeds☹️.
James LeRoy I love that u did all that for your wife's turtles !
Its people like you that makes me enjoy every year of age. All the things we get the opportunity learn as we age
Thanks DJ,. Mike
Layed my first flagstone patio yesterday. I'm glad that I learned how to do it the right way, from watching UA-cam videos from "dis guy". It came out great in Colorado, mid October. Thank you Mike!
Thank you James, I glad it worked out, mike
I have a new respect and appreciation for this kind of craftmanship in stonework. I had no idea how much skill went into flagstone patios. Beautiful result. Thanks for making this video.
Thanks Bella, Mike
Mike, due to your videos I just refinished the exterior foundation on a customers home that is going up for sale. There were a bunch of spots where the surface failed from water getting in a fracture, freezing and pushing the surface off. I used your methods and constant statement of wet it first before adding material and before I knew it the whole foundation was smooth again. After letting it cure I primed and painted it all and the home owner was thrilled. Prior to finding your videos I would have told them to find a mason but decided to try it myself. So THANK YOU Mike, you're a good teacher.
Thanks Clint, I am glad it all worked out, I appreciate it. mike
Thanks for these videos, you're a master. Inspiring me to build something like this. -Guy from TN
Thanks Guy, I appreciate the kind words, Mike
Thank you so much Mike. I recently bought a old house here with a stone foundation and I was so worried about it, until I've watched almost all of your videos now and I'm way more confident in all stone work and I can't wait to try my hand at repointing! Its amazing to me that you're able to take these super old stone structures and patios and with a little bit of work, bring them back to good as new. Much appreciated sir!
Thanks Chris, I appreciate it, I am sure you will do fine, Mike
Just about finished with a complicated flagstone patio/fire pit. No chance it would have come out like this without your help and your videos. My wife said she wants to send you a thank you a Christmas card. I told her she should have your T-shirt and coffee mug in the picture for all your help. Thanks Mike!!!!!
Thanks Jonathan, I am glad it worked out, I appreciate it, mike
Hey Mike, I live in western Oregon, where we usually have mild wet winters. I originally talked to local masons, and used their practices. Then I tried your techniques. My earlier work develops cracks and I'll probably have to redo some of it. Since I've been doing things as though I lived in the northeast, my work has held together completely. Thank you!
On a side note, my neighbor hired a contractor to put in some concrete in front of her garage. There's a downhill slope to the garage, so drainage is particularly important. The contractor, who's been working around here for about 40 years, didn't put any level lines in; he just checked around a few spots with a short level. Then he had to go back and clean up the spots where he put the level. He also put a seam in, so the water doesn't flow. It was kind of a comedy to watch. The garage fills with water and my neighbor is trying to get him to replace it. So, that bit about seeing what local contractors do is bunk.
HI Blank, good point, when I am doing something I am not sure of, I know who to ask, not just any contractor, I got to keep that in mind, I kind of consider my videos to be food for thought, I am glad some of them work for you, I appreciate it a lot, thanks mike
Yeah, that's a good point. There's no guarantee that any given local handyman is doing things properly. You have to find work that looks like it was well done and is holding up over time, find out who did that job, and ask THEM.
Hi Mike, I've just ran across your channel and I've been watching some of your work and humor, I think you're a stand up guy, very honest and down to earth, I like your style. I'm a Tennessee guy myself but we think along the same lines when it comes to building and doing work. I'm not a mason but I've worked at it doing things for myself most of my life I'm almost 60 now, I'm a machinist by trade so I respect any professional craftsman that knows his stuff. Thanks for your contributions to so many including me.
thanks Bruce, I appreciate hearing that from a pro. thanks mike
Mike looks like Harrison Ford
always great demonstrations and informative
thanks for all education
thanks Thor, I appreciate it. mike
Thor Eric A
Mr Haduck, Thank you for your videos. I started watching them a couple of years ago. I have now done several tile and stone jobs. You inspired me to get out there and do it!
Hi JC, thats great, we are just passing it on, I appreciate it. mike
I enjoy your videos Mike! I did a lot of masonry in England and loved it. I moved to Canada 22 years ago and am Leary of doing a lot up here, had flagstone blow apart that was laid for me in the past, it's a shame because I love the look but our climate is harsh like yours, we are 2 hours north of Toronto, cheers Mike!
Thanks William ,that’s why I want to move to Florida, lol. Mike
Good job Mike, it's nice to see construction techniques in other countries. When I did landscaping (in England) we would lay a 3" sub - base of semi - dry concrete, 8 parts ballast(20mm stone down to fines) with 1 part O.P.C and lay the stone on a wet mix (think bricklaying muck consistency) of 5 parts soft sand and 1 part O.P.C. It was very hard work! But I learned my lesson with the sub - base, and when I went to work for myself, I used a sub - base of crushed limestone scalpings and compacted it with a wacker plate, much easier! All the best.
Hi Keb, I think the folks from England are the best at masonry, I appreciate it. mike
Working on your knees all day long is ha-a-a-ard work!!
Such a beautiful job. I have a lot of respect for masonry workers.
Thanks, mike
@@MikeHaduck
You're welcome. I wanted to become a stone mason when I was a young man, but I was rear-ended by a drunk driver; bad auto accident. Have to be too careful with my back and hips for that kind of work.
Wow,..I've watched this video 4 times, i think i can do it out back,, to some degree, thank you for providing confidence to the world.
Thanks James, Mike
I have my student here Ronney, he owes me money.. Oh man that line cracks me up everytime 😂
All the best Mike!
Thanks Heiko, mike
thank you Mike for all your Videos. I have learnt so much watching you. I am about to finally build my first home, and I am trying to do it myself morgue free. I have so many skills to learn, and your a fantastic teacher. I am big fan of the old school ways that where built to last. I am slowly collecting mason tools, and I am looking forward to trying my hand at this amazing art.
Hi ram2, I appreciate it, I wish you well, my only advice is with new homes do not do anything around the property fast, give the ground time to settle before any outside projects, thanks mike
Mike, thank you so much for this tutorial. I am about to try this technique for the first time on an old cement pad that a shed was on. I thought it would be good practice. Your spotter stone and joint technique answered a lot of what I was wondering about. Thank you so much for taking the time to make this video. I will let you know how it turns out!
Hi punky, I appreciate it .. mike
Thank you Mike for the great video. I'm up in Canada with weather like yours. Had problems with my patio and now I know why. Beautiful work you did on that patio.
Thanks George, mike
I do them the same as you Mike that's the way I was taught that's the way I do it and if a customer tells me how to do it I wave goodbye as I'm driving away I can be funny like that . Another great job Mike quality as usual 👍 Dave from Wales
Thanks DavI’d, That’s good to hear it from a professional, I appreciate it Mike
Thank you Mike for your informative video. I build retaining walls with large blocks and have done some flat work laid in sand. I enjoyed listening to you and watching you laying stone with cement. Best wishes to you and yours.
Thanks Bill, I appreciate it, Mike
is a pleasure learning from you and watching you ,thank you for passing your trade
Thanks Daniel, I appreciate it, mike
Thank you very much for sharing this. My dad and I will be putting in a Blackstone patio soon and this has been very helpful and gives us encouragement. God reward you!
I meant flagstone, auto-correct at it again
thanks Laura, I hope it helps, mike
@@lauravee683 oh man I was just about to google Blackstone I thought it would look nice :)
Thank you for posting the video. Very helpful and educational. I live in cold climate and your technic is the right one for me.
Hi Kaveh, I hope it helps thanks, mike
Lovely job Mike... You can't beat a Stone Pencil.... Love it.. We use them too..👍
Thanks Rich, mike
Thanks Mike, I learn a lot about what is much better to do , specially if depends on the weather on the place. Here in Virginia it’s raining a lot and snow once a year.
Thanks Mary, Mike
Definitely has the knack and ability to teach. Love the videos
Thanks Matt, mike
Your're a very good teacher.
I take something away from all of your videos. Nice work. Thanks
Hi big jim, I appreciate it. mike
Looks great. I'm glad I live on the west coast as this is very labor intensive
Thanks Tony, mike
I love the God and gravity comment too. Mike i would be your student any day. Just came back from camp up in Cook Forest this morning, if you know where that is, and was glad to see another mike haduck video. I totally understand the freeze thaw thing, we get the same type of weather over here in western pa. Thanks again buddy.
Hi Joe, its the truth, thank you again, mike
ktk
That's a fine job you did Sir. It came out great👍
Thanks again, Mike
God Bless....
Awesome video Mike and thank you so much for taking the time to share it.
thanks Fresh, God bless also, mike
Man that patio looked good. I was surprised to see you doing it with snow on the ground but you explained the reason for that. Here in England the weather aint great either so mansons here would joint up as they go just like you do in Pennsylvania Mike.
Thanks Darren, I agree, Mike
Beautiful work Mike! Your advice about marrying everything together seems to be the only way to go in freeze/thaw climates like we get in the Eastern US & Atlantic Canada. The fewer cold joints the better.
Hi Nods, yes that is the way I feel also, we live in some harsh climates and short summers for sure, thanks mike
Excellent video, thank you for the detail and explanations. I needed this for a flagstone job I'm going to do for myself on the westcoast in Canada.
Thanks, I am glad if it helps, Mike
Old school at work. Good stuff, looks great.
Thanks, Mike
Mike Haduck Masonry Expert & Stone Work Artist.
Hi Beer, If I am good at anything it is a gift from God, I appreciate it. mike
That clearly explains why you are so gifted.
Mike, that stone work looks real good. Nice half inch joints.
thanks Blake, I appreciate it. mike
You are great man God bless you I learning from you🤠 thanks mike
Thanks, Mike
I've been a builder for 48 years, mainly in Arizona, Cal., Nev., (recently retired) could have used you on my projects - Good masons are hard to find. My experience was 99% commercial however I did build a few homes for my clients occasionally- Google 9401 Kings Gate Ct, Las Vegas, NV ( my most recent and last residential project). The mason I used on this house - reluctantly (owners friend) was a nightmare - had to make him re-do most of his work. There is no substitute for a craftsman like yourself who may cost a little more up front but in the end you get what you pay for.
Thank you Jim, I appreciate hearing that from a professional, I work for the union in New Jersey a few years and learned a lot about commercial work there, and like you and mostly retired now just have fun making the videos, I appreciate it and wish you the best thank you , Mike
Old school is a lot more work but the end product shows your right. Great job but people have no idea how hard this work is on your body.
Thanks Raymond, mike
Good job Mike old school Mason are the best!!!!!
Thanks Luigi, mike
Excellent presentation. Thank you. Well done.✌️❤️🪨🗿
Thanks Jason, Mike
Thanks Mike for another great video...................
great job. every video just is a pleasure to watch
thanks Mtec, that means a lot, I appreciate it. mike
Beautiful work Mike.
Thanks Mark. Mike
Thank you Mike! Beautiful job 👍👍👍
Thanks Rudy, mike
Beautiful Work! Also...I appreciate your opinion re: everyone does it a bit different depending on area, etc. We learn from one another. Thank you.
thanks Paula, I appreciate it. mike
I do stone same way here in new york Mike. I put mud down, lay the stone over. tap, cut or add extra mud in joints, sponge clean it and move on to the next stone. strength of this kind of work is unmatched. I don't care what state or part of the world is it
Hi Levan, I feel the same way, but If I say you have to do it that way everybody will try and prove me wrong, I know from working in florida they do not do it that way and they use weaker cement for expansion reasons, so I know what you are saying, I appreciate it. mike
Hey Mike absolutely true!! I even do my stone veneering same way marrying the grouting two of the butter on back of the Stone
Apologize for my previous text speech to text sucks.lol
HI Levan, me also I do the grout and backing at same time, makes sense, I appreciate it. mike
Great video Mike, I have been travelling to the USSA for years now and i always wondered why they did not do more wet lay than what i seen, they always told me it was the freeze thaw affect but your system seems to work which i think is perfect. Kind Regards johnyboy
Thanks Johnyboy, mike
nice job. a little like putting a jigsaw puzzle together!!
When i was a young guy, about 400 years ago lol my boss was a bloke that learned his trade in the 1920's. When we pointed the joints in stone walls, he would impress on us the need to work the mortar into the edge of the stone when bagging off. If we left a ledge on the edge of a joint he would make us bag it again to get rid of the ledge.
He grew up in the mid north of South Australia were severe frosts would freeze the water in the pipes. He said small ledges collect water and when it froze, blows the edge of the joint away. He told us that bagging a wall was more than getting rid of trowel marks and looks. It sealed the wall and brought the lime to the surface, so it sealed the wall from water ingress.
He loathed concrete lintels, portland cement in masonry work and steel bars and angles. As the years have gone by, i now know why he didn't like these things. He always said that they put far too much portland in mortar, and thats why it cracks, as it resists movement. He was a clever man, gone now but i am trying to teach a lot of the old ways to my mates 15 year old son. He loves getting mortar all over himself, same as me at his age lol.
Hi Greyhaired, my dad is almost 90 and remembers when portland came out is canvis bags, nobody knew what to do with it, but around here mortar and lime does not hold up on the flat, it is ok on brick and block walls , I knew a lot of the old timers who had the same preaching but lime mortar was all they had, just like the fast drying cements (which I was holding back on for years) I use them a lot now because I proved to myself they work, I understand things change and I do not use the newer products till I am sure of it. anything that works I always say, I do not want call backs, I appreciate the imput, thanks Happy New year, Mike
Lovely, Mike!!
Thanks Aloama, .Mike
great video Mike you make it look so easy!
Hi Dean, just been doing it a while, I appreciate it. mike
Very beautiful work ! Love it
thanks Shri, I appreciate it. mike
That is a very pretty patio.
Thanks Julie, I appreciate it, mike
I am taking a break this very moment after doing joints between the flagstones. I decided to do the joints separately because I wanted them to be a different color. What a laborious job doing the seams separately is. I think I put twice the amount of cement into the joints, and then depended on my sponge from my cousin's bed mattress to clean up the excess. For me, what a laborious process. My sponge gets instantly dirty, had to keep rinsing the water bucket, it gets dirty fast, and I must have cleaned the joints/stones 10 times each so far. So right now I have the joints cleaned up at the right level and I just have to clean the film off. I only did 1/3rd of the seams. I also sacrificed a couple of towels to soak and put over the stones, the sun makes them too hot.
Hi, I have faith in you, you will get it, thanks, Mike
Love your videos Sir! You have a student in East Tx.
Thank you, Mike
Excellent. Very helpful. Thanks. God bless.
Thanks again, Mike
You’re a good teacher
Thanks Matt, Mike
This guy seems to do great work. The patio looks really good.
I don't appreciate the multiple messages about how "every "mason" uses their own technique"
That is definitely true when speaking of different hemispheres, but that doesn't change the chemistry involved.
Some of the "techniques" this guy uses are proven to not withstand the test of time.
Hi, my defense is, I been doing it over 50 years and I am the guy who has to go back and fix it if I am wrong, I did videos on egypt, china, peru, europe Asia, and I give folks my advice, if they don't want to hear it, Oh well,,,, with respect Mike
Another great video Mike!
thanks sam,, I appreciate it. mike
Great work Mike. Question should I use a sealcoating on my mine, do you use seal coatings? Also should I use caulking between the house and patio? We had water leakage, however I seal it and the mason found that there was not any cement in the spot where the leak was. I used a water proof concrete inside and stopped the leak. Additionally the mason just covered that spot with concrete. Should I still use a caulking. It is a settled foundation the house is over 50 years old. One mason in his videos (which are not as good as yours lol.) He said not "expansion joints or caulking is not need because it is not a new structor." Do you recommend that I have it caulked because we had a leak? However the leak has now stopped.
Hi Andrew. I couldn't say unless I was there to see it, it's best to deal with whoever you hired, mike
The mason said not need they filled and sealed the crake (hole).
Very informative, great work!
Hi Jason, I appreciate it. mike
Looks great, well done sir.
Hi Sahbstar, thanks , I appreciate it. mike
i really really love your stone work, its got a very distinct look, im curious if you went back over those joints your buddy worked on. i wish you were a bit closer to las vegas nv.
Hi, I check everything over when I am done, thanks, mike
Those guys using my work area as an access would pee me off. But i am getting a grumpy old fart Mike hehe.
thanks Greyhaired, I just kept my mouth shut, but I understand, lol, thanks mike
Nice Job Mike thanks for the experience!!!
Thank you, mike
thanks alot for passing all your knowledge :)
Hi tork, I appreciate it. mike
Different strokes for difficult folks.! But great job on the patio sir.!
thanks Juan, I appreciate it. mike
Great Work - Perfect Patio Mike!
Hi Jaime, your the best, thanks mike
Hi Mike,
Thanks for posting these videos. Straight forward easy to understand. Humble guy just sharing his way of doing things. Excellent. I am in the central BC Canada region, dry hot summers, minimal rain and winter lows of up to -15 maybe 20. My question is, do I need to pour a concrete pad or can I use sand and gravel for a base?
thanks!
Hi Ken, unless it is a small sidewalk I do all in one day, I pour concrete first so it all stays together, thanks Mike
Hey Mike...Thank you so much for your videos.. You give me the beginner the confidence to do this...I am going to do a stone pathway through my property. I have two questions.1. how wide should the path be? Do you really need a concrete pad for a path ? 2. How deep should the cement base be before you ;lay the stone? I live in Ontario Canada the weather can get 30 below in the winter.
Hi. It's a hard question to answer especially in that part of the world, I would look around and see what everybody else in your area did first, and walk along the path and see what seems appropriate and comfortable for your situation, I guess that is my best answer. Thanks mike
Looks beautiful! Maybe you would consider some videos on what to look for when buying flagstone/blue stone and slate (the ones with even cut sides) How to tell if the stone will work well/are there grades of stone? Thickness matter? Live in Northern Virginia n they sell PA blustone n other slate n stuff, but there looks like different qualities/characteristics in the same kind of stone, especially when I have looked at different sellers/stone places. Anyway. Thanks for the education.
Thanks Cynthia, a lot depends on which quarry it comes from, thanks Mike
Do you have a video that explains the various stone, purpose, cost, etc?
I was thinking of maybe going to the local river and loading stones up and using them, but I have no idea how to make them flat, or if that’s even a good idea.
Hi Mike, best to go to a stone - landscaping supply company and check out all the different types of stone, that will give you the best ideas on what to use, thanks mike
That's kind of what I'd like to avoid -- I looked at prices and, for the job I'm wanting to do, it's out of my budget right now, if I have to purchase all of the stone. I don't mind collecting the stone from creeks, rivers, etc -- and renting some tool to make them flat -- if that exists.
I do greatly appreciate the response.
Здраствуйте.очень полезная информация.Спасибо
Thanks, Mike
Do you ever use additives to your concrete, or to your stonework, to help make it weather-resistant? For example, acrylic fortifier to the concrete mix or a coating of water repellant solution to the finished product?
Hi J, only time I use a additive is maybe resurfacing or to a potland paint for a bonding agent, But rarely, thanks Mike
Hi Mike. Your videos are my new favorite videos to watch on UA-cam. You have a natural gift for teaching. I have a question- Do you prefer laying flagstone on a concrete pad like you are doing or a wet bed on crushed stone? I live in PA about 2 hours southeast if you.
Up here in New Hampshire it's always below freezing! Thanks.
thanks Sidney, I hope it helps, mike
Great video Mike. Would 7/8” thick sandstone be strong enough for the 1 part Portland, 2 part mix?
Hi olj,, I wouldn't be using limestone on a patio above Philadelphia pa, weather, it's usually OK for treads but not patio, thanks Mike
Good old mike.
Thanks Jean, Mike
Making joint stick to base is best, though we see your point...some make theirs with joints after like moasiac tile type
Looks Great 👌
Thanks Stephen, mike
I love how these work but the ice and snow beats these up over time and the flagstone pops and cracks...at least mind did
Hi Laguna, the stone and joints have to go in at same time, thanks Mike
Top job mike.
thanks bric, I appreciate it. mike
Thanks so much for guidance on this!
thanks Jon, I appreciate it. mike
Good stuff.
Thanks J, Mike
great teaching mike! thanks.
Hi Gandalf, I appreciate it. thanks mike
Mike, couldn’t we in nepa, get away with dry laying on the slab? Then put concrete dust for a “flexible” joint. The dust would cure hard not allowing moisture underneath. Thoughts? Thanks!
Hi M, it's a hard call, and depends on how big they are, once it rains and the winter hits something is going to move, on my other videos we layed them on pee gravel no joints, every situation is different, thanks, mike
Mike great job I am about to do my patio how do you handle the control joints when putting stone over concrete pad?
Hi Mark, I usually do it like my , stone sidewalk installation videos, I stop where the expansion joint is, thanks Mike
thank you for the information
Thanks Baris, mike
Nice one Mike
thanks zem, I appreciate it. mike
Hi Mike, thanks for the videos. I have sections of slate that are popping up on my walkway.I would like to resecure a good portion of the pieces.. Do you have any tips for me thank you
Hi Bd, just the techniques I use throughout the series, thanks, mike
Live down in North Carolina and I followed your 2 to 1 mix ratio and im starting to get hairline cracks in the grout lines between the stone and along the rocks in areas. I installed it over concrete and im wondering if the sun and heat played a role in this issue. Can I just brush in some Portland to fill in the cracks?
Hi Dave, you will get some shrinkage cracks in stonework, I rub a little Portland in them and sponge it off, it may have been too hot, sometimes in Southern states I would add another shovel of sand in the mix, I hope it helps ,Mike
Well done
Thanks James, mike
great vid! thanks
Thanks King Cobra, Mike
Doesn't he look like Indiana..perfect like xmas
Thanks Christiano, I hear that a lot, merry Christmas, mike
@@MikeHaduck glad you like it ..happy new year to you.😀
Have you ever etched the back of your stone with the grinder to give the mud something to adhere to. not the whole stone per say but just some grooves here and there..kinda like a insurance policy. Like the stones around the perimeter that aren’t locked in on all sides
Hi mike, Almost never, the stones are rough enough and they shrink and expand with the sun and cold, so no matter what , you can never get them seated 100 percent, my opinion, thanks mike