A Baseboard
for the Dome
Simple
and Attractive Border
Reprinted from the Summer 1997 Roundup
The junction between the floor and the Monolithic Dome wall can be a real struggle to make attractive. You cannot just drop by your local lumber yard and buy a wood baseboard made for a concrete circular wall. Vinyl baseboard is very difficult to install and still may not be satisfactory. You can, however, create an easy, inexpensive, and attractive molding with a little grout and a hand trowel.
While constructing the dome, it is important to control the concrete where it meets the floor. Every time you spray concrete make certain that extra material is not left lying against the dome wall and the floor. Someone must clean that area every time the dome is sprayed. It is easy to take a shovel or a scraper and remove the excess material before it sets.
After the Monolithic Dome is completed the molding is made. You will need a bag of fine sand, a bag of type I or type II cement, concrete adhesive, and a quarter round edger also known as a bull nose edger. The quarter round edger is a familiar tool used around walks and driveways. It is widely available in four to six inch widths and ¼” to ¾” offsets. Try a four inch edger with a ½” or ¾” radius offset.
Concrete adhesive is generally available at concrete accessory shops or lumber yards. It is generally a white acrylic polymer under many brand names. Please follow the manufacturers directions.
Mix a grout mixture of two parts sand and one part cement. The mixture should have a very stiff doughy consistency.
Treat the bottom of the dome wall with a concrete adhesive. Apply the adhesive as high as the desired molding. If you use a four inch edger, apply the adhesive four inches up the dome wall.
Apply the grout mixture to the adhesive. Use the edger to create a smooth, consistent edge for the full distance of the dome wall. When it is set, paint it to either match the dome wall or complement the room.
When you are finished you will have a smooth, attractive base to lay carpet or tile against.
177
Dome Park Place - Italy, TX 76651
Tel (972)483-7423 - Fax (972)483-6662
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