Tried a raked joint on a retaining wall instead of a flush joint. Actually liked the way it looked better.

3 comments

3 Comments

Yeah @veramartin makes a really good point about freeze-thaw. I tried raked joints on a little patio section two winters ago and by spring half of them had little cracks running through them. The water just sits in that groove and when it freezes it pushes everything apart. Even with decent drainage it's a gamble unless you're in a place that never really freezes. For the look itself though I get why you like it, it gives the wall a more textured feel compared to that flat flush finish. Just wish there was a way to get that look without the water problems.

veramartin27d ago

Just stick with the flush joint. That raked look will collect water and crack out in a few freeze-thaw cycles, guaranteed.

park.tara27d ago

Alright @veramartin, are you telling me you've never once cracked after a bad freeze? Because I'm with you on the logic, sure, water sits in those raked joints and does its thing. But it's almost like you're saying the look is completely impossible up north, and I've seen plenty of old stone walls that have raked joints and are still standing fine after decades. Maybe it's just luck or a different kind of mortar mix, because I'm genuinely shocked that it's that cut and dry.