"Malcolm Hoar" wrote in message
...
In article . com, "lmwr"
wrote:
We have replaced a sliding glass patio door with a window
approximately 5' X 3'. This has left the bottom half of where the door
used to be, in need of exterior finishing.
We have just found out the brick we need (to match the existing
surrounding wall) is unavailable. Apparently it hasn't been made for 10
years. The next closest colour match I could find is a brick that is
slightly longer, thicker and higher than our existing exterior.
What do I do now? Any design ideas to fill the 5' X 4' space that
is left?
The area needing repair is the wall onto which our wood deck is
attached. Building any "substancial" structure here is hindered by
the existance of the deck, which is about a foot off the ground....and
which also...isn't going anywhere!
Would appreciate any suggestions. I have posted a photo of the
area at http://www.freewebs.com/lmwr/

Tyvek?

Seriously, I would continue hunting for some matching bricks.
I don't think it should prove too hard to find a reasonable
match -- perhaps even bricks from a demolition site.

Otherwise, you might try and made a design using a couple
of contrasting brick or stone styles. Or use some natural
wood siding? What other external construction materials are
used on this property? Maybe even match the roof.

So how do you get out onto the deck now? Only idea that comes to mind is a
planter box, deck storage cabinet, or something similar, or maybe a bench or
serving counter. Make it out of the same material as deck, and put smooth
siding behind it in the same color as the gutters or something.

Good example of why you always line up all the materials before starting a
job. If I wasn't able to find the brick, I would have replaced the sliders
with french doors or something.

aem sends...