Abstract but sturdy — Here you can see a close-up of our standard zig-zag fence. This fence features multiple heights which adds to its beauty.
Spray-in-Place Concrete Fences: How to Get Just the Look You Want
A new book: How To Build A Spray-in-Place Concrete Fence
Fences are an important part of our landscape. They delineate property borders and provide the privacy we so often desire.
Monolithic has a 25-page manual that details the start-to-finish steps for building an attractive, permanent and economical concrete fence. It comes with diagrams and photos of the construction process and includes a discussion of shotcrete and concrete design mix. Click here to order.
Form Liners
The Monolithic Dome Institute recently experimented with new polypropylene form liners that give spray-in-place concrete fences the look of brick, limestone or natural rock. These forms provide attractive, individual touches to fences and homes as well as large commercial structures.
They also provide a business opportunity for people willing to learn the process and try something new.
Most form liners are available in 3-foot square sheets. Using the liners adds to the overall cost of a concrete fence for three reasons: cost of the liners; cost of the concrete stain; cost of increased amount of concrete. But form liners can be reused from five to ten times.
For short fences, purchase enough liners for the entire fence. For long fences, buy liners for only one-fourth of the project and reuse them as you build. In some areas, the liners may have to be cut to size — adding to the waste. “But,” David South said, “if you were trying for the same type of rock fence built using real rock, I can’t imagine getting it done for less than three times the cost of a concrete fence. That’s a huge savings.”
Can I Have A Spray-in-Place Fence Business?
Money can be made building spray-in-place fences. Most people equipped with a basic knowledge of construction, a concrete pump, an air compressor (which can be rented), hand tools, some plywood or particle board for forming, and optional form liners could start immediately without making a huge investment (see p. 30 of book for more details).
We’d love to hear from you!
If you have experimented with MDI’s process or another of spray-in-place application, please send us details and photographs. Your ideas are always welcome. If you have questions or concerns, please visit www.monolithic.com or email [email protected] or call (972) 483-7423.
Anything is possible — Any shape or style you can imagine can be created with a spray-in-place concrete fence.
Landscaping aesthetics — Our fences blend in with the aesthetics of the landscaping and make a perfect backdrop for any style of garden.
Privacy, durability, and uniqueness. — All for less than traditional stone walls.
Spray-in-place security — Fence with washed aggregate surface
Hand-drawn texture — This color was achieved by using a concrete stain. The texture was hand-drawn to illustrate the many design possibilities.
Wind resistant design — Most of our fences are zig-zagged to provide higher resistance to damage from tornadoes and high-winds.
Corrugated steel appearance — The texture on this fence was achieved by using corrugated steel as the form.
Various options — These finishes were achieved by using foam molds shaped as rocks or bricks.
Finish Displays — River rock (left), two types of field stone (center), rock face brick (right). The sprayed-in-place rock was stained. Shown is a pentrating stain. An acid stain or paint could also be applied. These fences are stronger and less expensive to build than a conventional rock fence.
Colored concrete — The form liner for the split face brick is a negative of the finished fence. It is easily removed from the cured concrete and can be used over again – generally 10 times. Colored concrete can be used to provide a base color to the fence
Fence post — This is the spray-in-place concrete fence version of a fence post.
Design the layout of the fence — Measure and mark where the fence posts will be. Decide which side will have the formed rock appearance.
Stand the plywood (the use of 2′ × 4′s, wafer board or plywood provides inexpensive forms).
Spray the concrete — Fasten the form liner to the plywood. Spray the concrete into the form liner until filled. Install the rebar. Let cure for several hours to gain strength.
Apply several layers of concrete until fence is complete.
Finishing touches — Remove the plywood and form liner.
Stain the concrete with a concrete stain or use colored concrete for the first layer of shotcrete.
Color Chart – Color-Conditioned Concrete (Scofield Systems)