Can I Build a Fence with AB Courtyard?

Written by Gerri Hansen
The AB Courtyard system works like any post and panel system.  Using this system a smaller height fence can be built.  If building on soil a proper foundation needs to be installed.  This system can also be installed directly on an existing surface like a patio or pavers.  If the fence is taller in height, there is installation information shown to build the posts and panels so they tie together for added stability or if needing more reinforcement, metal posts or concrete can be used to secure the panels and posts. 

To build the fence, start by building the first post or pillar, then build out the courtyard wall panel to the location where the next post will be located.  We do not recommend building all the posts first as then additional blocks will be needed to be cut to fit the exact space.  Building each section one at a time will ensure the spacing and the blocks line up properly.   AB Dublin blocks will need to be cut to create a straight side to the blocks when meeting up with the posts.  By cutting these blocks, a professional look to the project can be achieved.

For more information on building fences with AB Courtyard, visit our website.

Building Corners with AB Fence

Written by Chad Julius
As with any project there is usually and easy way or a hard way.  I often overlook the easy way and go right to the more difficult application because I don’t take the time to consider my options.  There is a reason why sayings like, “Shoot first and ask questions later” or “Ready, Fire, Aim” exist.  However, when it comes to turning a corner with the AB Fence I hope you do a little research first.

Most of our licensed producing partners have the AB Fence Corner Block.  Obviously, this block was created to make turning corners easy.  It creates a 90-degree corner without cutting. There are things to consider during the construction process and these are covered in the Corner section of the AB Fence Installation Manual or in AB Fence Tech Sheet #2005.  

   

The hard way for turning corners is also covered in the AB Fence Tech Sheet #2005.  If the Corner Block is not available or you are trying to turn a corner that is not 90-degrees, you will need to miter cut two AB Fence Post Blocks.  

mitred corner

Anytime you are using a mitered corner you need to be very careful to make sure they don’t separate when you are filling them with concrete.  Typically, we are seeing them glued together as they are being stacked up, but also placing a temporary band around the courses as the concrete is being poured. 

Can I add lighting to my patio wall?

Written by: Danelle DeMartini

The simple answer to "Can I add lighting to my wall?" is...yes. Now the type of lighting and how it can be done depending on the type of wall you have is another matter. If you are adding lighting after the wall is built, you may have some limitations to the types of lighting you can add without having to deconstruct parts of the wall. So planning for lighting before you build, will save you a lot of time and effort in the end. 

If you are building a freestanding patio wall with AB Courtyard, you have the extra benefit of the hollow cores for placement of wiring.  But rather than tell you how this can be done, let me show you with this simple video:

You can learn more about building with AB Courtyard and other useful videos at our website - allanblock.com

Building a Patterned Fence Panel

 Written by: Chad Julius
Each year we continue to see the AB Fence used in residential applications and more and more they are looking for that Ashlar Pattern for ultimate aesthetics.  What is unique about the AB Fence is that each block in modular with dimensional sizes that are full, half length, half high and quarter size.  Therefore, they can be stacked in random patterns.  What makes it even better is that the blocks have different finishes on the front and backs so they can be flipped to create not only random patterns, but also random textures.  

Now let’s face it.  When you are talking random construction that will slow down construction times and increase the expense of the project.  That is why we have created patterns that can be used as guides to increase efficiency.  There are patterns that range in height from 1 course to all the way up to a 4 course pattern.  These patterns can be found in the installation manual or the Pattern Brochure from Allan Block.

The main thing to consider is that we still need to create the structure for the AB Fence for the stability.  Let’s take the example of an 8-ft (2.4 m) fence, which will typically require a bond beam at the top and bottom of the panel.  The full panel height will be 12 courses, but we use multiple pattern options to construct it.

We want to use full panel blocks as the bottom course to speed up installation.  Then a single course pattern is used above that to complete the bond beam structure for blocks.  The top two course are also single course patterns that will be used to construct the top bond beam.  However, the middle is dry-stacked block that needs to be a total of 8 courses in height.  Therefore, we are using one 2-course pattern followed by two 3-course patterns.  The beautiful thing is that the next panel could change up the middle patterns to keep each panel looking random and unique.