We always knew that handling large and heavy pieces of ashlar was going to be awkward. We also knew that they would damage fairly easily. Well, today, we proved it.
While putting the bottom step in place, a corner of one of the large pieces of ashlar got damaged. The guys did the best they could to repair it, but unfortunately it is always going to show up. Structurally, the repair is fine, but cosmetically, it looks awful. It might look slightly better once the stonework dries, but it is always gone to notice when wet. The only option is to replace it.
The good news is that we probably have a spare step – we ordered 4 steps and it looks as if we are only going to need three. Still, it stopped work today as the repair was attempted and then finally discarded. Hopefully tomorrow will be a better day.
The largest piece of the bottom step was lowered into position fairly easily. The second (smaller section) is brought down into the garden using slings and a telehandler.
While the damage is fairly minor, it does notice. Luckily we have a spare step, do the large section will have to come back out tomorrow and be replaced.
The chipped corner piece has been glued back in place using some resin. It has been ground back so that it is perfectly in line with the existing stonework. If you closed your eyes, you would not be able to feel the chip. However, when you open your eyes that damage is all too obvious!