Build a Glass Bottle Wall

One of the most beautiful pieces of art is a glass bottle wall. Although they are for show, they are as functional as they are beautiful. Glass bottles have been around forever and are durable. People have collected them for various reasons. However the most desired use for bottles has been to build a bottle wall. Instead of seeing a brick wall structure, more and more glass bottle walls are being constructed.

While the construction of a glass bottle wall is time consuming and requires patience, it can still be done with the required materials and tools. Follow the steps below to erect your own beautiful glass bottle wall.

Step 1: Gather Your Bottles

Now that you have a huge collection of bottles, it is now time to arrange your soon to be timeless work of art. Ensure that you have already removed all labeling from the bottles and traces of glue.

Step 2: Plan the Arrangement

Draw in detail how you will arrange your bottles in your wall. You will especially need to do this is your bottles are of different sizes and shapes. How you will place the bottles is important to the look and overall design and strength.

Step 3: Prepare the Grounds

With your safety goggles and gloves on, you will need to clear the area where you want to place your wall. Remove all sod, dirt and rocks from the area. Dig a trench in that is 6 inches deep and 3 inches wider than is needed for the footing of the wall. Now fill the trench with 4 inches of gravel.

Step 4: Frame the Trench

You will now build a frame constructed from 2x4s to form the footing of the wall. Ensure that the frame is at least 16 inches wide on the inside. On the outside of the frame, use supporting stakes attached directly to and even with the frame.

Step 5: Reinforce the Footing

Lay down wire inside the footing area for flexible support of the footing. Once this is done, you will be able to pour your concrete mixture over the wire and up to the top of the frame construction. Smooth out the concrete by going across the top of it with the edge of a 2x4 until all holes are filled and the surface is even and smooth. Allow the footing to cure for 2 to 3 days.

Step 6: Add Columns to the Footing

Use cinder blocks to build columns on each end of your wall. Lay the blocks to the desired height of your bottle wall. Doing this will help provide strength and a great, clean look to your wall since the corners will get the most contact.

Step 7: Cement Mixture

Mix 1 part cement to 3 part sand mortar for the first course of bottles that will go into your wall. Ensure the joints are at least the width of your thumb all around the bottle.

Step 8: Reinforce the Wall

When you reach the third course of your wall, you can now lay wire to reinforce the cement. You will need to repeat this procedure at every third course. This will ensure that your wall will be strong and sturdy.

Step 9: Trowel the Concrete

When you reach the last course of your bottle wall, trowel the concrete smooth to receive cap blocks to finish the top of your wall. These cap blocks will give protection to the bottles underneath it. You will be able to also add what ever you want to the wall for enhance its beauty.