I have decided to cast a railing for the patio in concrete. I believe it's technically called a balustrade. Mostly because wooden railings become so dull over time. I plan to cast with fine concrete in the usual way with mold and reinforcement. On the ground. And then erect the railing. Does this work? Or do you need any special materials? Best regards, PerOF
Are you the Hulk or how much can each part weigh? Keep in mind that the density is about 2500 kg/m3 reinforced concrete.
I have planned to cast each segment as a horizontal L-shaped support. I believe they are quite heavy, up to 50 kilos. But it's only the heaviest ones that have lifting loops. So, they can be handled by hand. And if you cast it lying down in place and then lift it with a pry bar, it should make a clonk sound. And then it will stand there for 100 years.
Here in the southern countryside, it's relatively common to have "garden fences" made of concrete. And they usually look really shabby. Dull color, covered with algae and moss, doesn't make anyone happy 
Maybe it's because they're 100 years old, who knows?
But it's definitely not something I would want to have and look at when I'm sitting outside to get some sun and hear the birds sing.
Maybe it's because they're 100 years old, who knows?
But it's definitely not something I would want to have and look at when I'm sitting outside to get some sun and hear the birds sing.
Yes, but actually it's the other way around. Wooden decks are really just pale copies of the stone-paved terraces of castles. And they usually have balustrades in stone. I guess it's sandstone or marble. That can be imitated by mixing in sand of the right color. And the moss should be fixed with a dish brush from Konsum.
The moss is directly proportional to the amount of shade. A lot of shade => a lot of dish brush.
They are quite large sections, and will probably be quite heavy despite the airy design.
Is it intended for them to be raised and then slid a bit to "lock" in the "tongue and groove"?
If so, it might be even more difficult than the actual raising process.
I think the best thing is to cast a piece first and simply see how/if it works.
I know it's possible to move heavy things with a shovel, crowbar, and boards, possibly ropes, and if you can gather a couple of healthy friends, it becomes even easier and also more fun, even afterwards with a cold one in calloused hands.
They are quite large sections, and will probably be quite heavy despite the airy design.
Is it intended for them to be raised and then slid a bit to "lock" in the "tongue and groove"?
If so, it might be even more difficult than the actual raising process.
I think the best thing is to cast a piece first and simply see how/if it works.
I know it's possible to move heavy things with a shovel, crowbar, and boards, possibly ropes, and if you can gather a couple of healthy friends, it becomes even easier and also more fun, even afterwards with a cold one in calloused hands.