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Baitball Blogger

(46,570 posts)
Wed Feb 24, 2021, 07:45 PM Feb 2021

How do I ensure a level, seamless capstone on a retaining wall?

The wall was made out of rough, Rumblestone, but it's as level as this type of paver allows. The capstone is Travertine. It was an obvious great buy, probably the last of a large order and we just lucked into it because the buyer wanted to move inventory. It takes 5 of the Travertine capstones to cover the top of a 120 inch wall. A couple of the Travertine tiles move a bit, but if we gently life one side of the stone, it all fits seamlessly.

We were going to use Loctite PL 500, but I have a hunch we are going to have to use cement. Maybe Heat Stop, because it will be four feet from a firepit?

https://www.amazon.com/Mutual-Industries-60090700-0-0-Heat-Stop/dp/B00XNQL6GK/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&qid=1466781800&sr=8-6-spell&keywords=heatstop+mortar&linkCode=sl1&tag=shiyouligblo-20&linkId=5f53c14ef7a1443decc3c68e134377e6

Am I on the right track?

4 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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How do I ensure a level, seamless capstone on a retaining wall? (Original Post) Baitball Blogger Feb 2021 OP
Use a thin set mortar mix randr Feb 2021 #1
Thank you for responding. Baitball Blogger Feb 2021 #2
Share a pic when you finish randr Feb 2021 #3
I'll PM you the photo. Baitball Blogger Feb 2021 #4

randr

(12,408 posts)
1. Use a thin set mortar mix
Wed Feb 24, 2021, 08:01 PM
Feb 2021

Place it thick enough under caps so they self level with some tapping. Clean out any that oozes out before it sets. Not sure why you would worry about the heat as stone will take a lot and you have 4 feet which should be adequate. If you can stand 4 feet away surely the wall can

Baitball Blogger

(46,570 posts)
2. Thank you for responding.
Thu Feb 25, 2021, 10:35 AM
Feb 2021

We'll use the thin set mortar mix, as you suggest. Makes sense. I only mentioned the heating cement out of ignorance. I read a DIY article, and she was adhering capstone to an actual fire pit. In her case, it was necessary. But I wasn't sure of the rules of distance. We obviously don't need it. Thank you again.

Baitball Blogger

(46,570 posts)
4. I'll PM you the photo.
Thu Feb 25, 2021, 10:47 AM
Feb 2021

We're almost finished. We just need a few rain days to help clean up the stone so we can be sure we have the ones with the best marbling. We washed them down, but they're still dusty.

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