Gentlemen:
My first question is one from my contractor. Knowing the plywood is placed so the concrete slab is level with the top of the stand, what if the plywood was lowered about 1" below the top of the blocks? Would this notch in the concrete layer make the entire slab stronger and more stable? Or is it even worth considering?
Second question is a ledge on the front part of the slab. I am having a curved one about 8" from the blocks at the center being done. It seems to me that i want the ledge plus at least another 8" back to be solid 8" deep of straight concrete, rather than the vermiculite/concrete mix. Just trying to figure how this can be done.
Finally, the contractor has put in 5 courses of concrete block to make the oven higher. I am 6' 4" tall and looking forward to working a surface at a favorable height. But the opening in the stand concerns me. A great place for varmints to hide, insects and wasps to reproduce, and rain water build up in the enclosed space. I do not really need the space for firewood since my wood pile is close and besides anything below knee level is not good for an old fart with bad knees like me!! Any suggestions on some easy type of door for this space. I did have the contractor put a row of 1/2 wide concrete blocks on the bottom of the opening to deter rain water. Any help would be appreciated.
Jim Bob
My first question is one from my contractor. Knowing the plywood is placed so the concrete slab is level with the top of the stand, what if the plywood was lowered about 1" below the top of the blocks? Would this notch in the concrete layer make the entire slab stronger and more stable? Or is it even worth considering?
Second question is a ledge on the front part of the slab. I am having a curved one about 8" from the blocks at the center being done. It seems to me that i want the ledge plus at least another 8" back to be solid 8" deep of straight concrete, rather than the vermiculite/concrete mix. Just trying to figure how this can be done.
Finally, the contractor has put in 5 courses of concrete block to make the oven higher. I am 6' 4" tall and looking forward to working a surface at a favorable height. But the opening in the stand concerns me. A great place for varmints to hide, insects and wasps to reproduce, and rain water build up in the enclosed space. I do not really need the space for firewood since my wood pile is close and besides anything below knee level is not good for an old fart with bad knees like me!! Any suggestions on some easy type of door for this space. I did have the contractor put a row of 1/2 wide concrete blocks on the bottom of the opening to deter rain water. Any help would be appreciated.
Jim Bob
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