Martin Tyciak built this gorgeous cordwood patio terrace at his home in Slovakia.  Here the 2-inch cordwood slices are being hammered into place so they are level.  The base of gravel had already been tamped to make a firm and level foundation. Martin Tyciak 2.jpg Slovokia fruit woodMartin used wood from fruit trees for his patio.  Martin Tyciak 1
Martin Tyciak 6.jpg Slovokia fruit wood.jpg patio terraceA dry mix of river sand, broken stone ballast and cement fill in the empty spaces.  The more unique the slices the more interesting the patio. Martin Tyciak 7.jpg poochNod of approval from the blue-eyed hound.  Note that the patio is built within a framework. Martin Tyciak 3.jpg Slovokia fruit woodThe mixture of sand, cement and ballast is given a light water bath to make it set up.   We have found that it is best to seal the faces of the log slices before using grout or mortar in the “in-between” spaces. Martin Tyciak 5.jpg Slovokia fruit wood.jpg patio terraceIf necessary, before the mixture “sets up” the patio is vibrated with a hand stamper to make certain it continues to be even and level.   Martin’s dog gives the final “paws” of approval!Martin Tyciak 4.jpg Slovokia fruit wood.jpg patio terrace He “abrasioned” the log faces before finishing (to make the surface less slippery).  Then he used Anti-Slip Decking Oil from the UK to make the surface NOT slick and to seal it from the elements.  Here is the link  to the product  https://goo.gl/ECzdck

Very nice work Martin and thank you for sharing your beautiful patio/terrace.  Your dog seems happy with his new play area and I’m sure you are too.

Should you wish to learn how to build a cordwood cottage, cabin or home, please visit www.cordwoodconstruction.org   While you are there, click on the pictures, read the brief articles, check out the latest workshops and newsletter and if you are interested click on the Online Bookstore to see all the cordwood literature available in print and ebook format.Cordwood Construction Best Practices Front_Cover_-_CC_Best_Practices small pixels If you have questions that aren’t answered on the website you can email me at richardflatau@gmail.com  

Readers have requested a brief bio, so here goes:

Richard & Becky Flatau built their mortgage-free cordwood home in 1979 in Merrill, Wisconsin. Since then, they have written books, conducted workshops, facilitated the 2005,  2011 and 2015 Cordwood Conferences and provided consultation for thousands of cordwood builders.  Cordwood Construction: Best Practices DVD,  Cordwood Construction Best Practices (print) and Cordwood Conference Papers 2015 are the newest publications available from their online cordwood bookstore.   www.cordwoodconstruction.org

Here is a picture of the Cordwood Workshop Video cover, featuring the Cordwood Education Center.

For more information on Cordwood Construction, click on the picture or visit www.cordwoodconstruction.org   Below is the 30-item Video menu. 

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