How do I build retaining wall corners?

Written by: Ryan Miller

Corners are almost always more time consuming, typically cost more money and are generally more difficult to build.  We always recommend incorporating a radius whenever possible, but when you must install a corner, here are a few general recommendations to follow.

Inside corners are easily constructed using standard Allan Block units. By removing part of the lip with a chisel or saw, the blocks can be overlapped for a strong interlock. If your retaining wall needs reinforcement, follow the instructions for adding grid to corners.

• Using your saw or chisel, remove the raised lip from one block, and 1/3 from the left side of another. Set them in place at the beginning of the base course.
  
  
• Locate the adjoining retaining wall so that the raised lip on the modified block is lined up with the raised lips on the opposite retaining wall. Finish installing the entire base course in both directions.
  
  
• Modify two more blocks, this time remove the raised lip from one block, and the right third from another. Use these blocks to start the second course.
  
  
• Continue the process to the top of the retaining wall, alternating as you go.

Outside corners take more time and skill, but AB Corner Blocks are all you need to make an outside corner. Always build your retaining walls by starting at the corners and working out. AB Corner Blocks are manufactured with a 12° (Ref) setback. With some minor adjustments, the blocks can work with any setback. See AB Tech Sheet #298 (Using the One Piece AB Corner Block) for more details.

• Set the first corner block in place and install the two perpendicular base courses. Level, backfill and compact.
  
  
• Place an alternating corner block on the second course and set the entire second course of block in both directions. Level, backfill and compact again.
  
  
• Repeat as often as needed to the top of the retaining wall.

When you are done with the inside and/or outside corner, place your caps on:

•   Cut caps at 45 degree angles to complete the inside corner and give the retaining wall a custom finished look.
  

How to Determine the Slope of my Yard?

Written by: Jeff Gunderson

Before doing any landscaping or hardcaping in your yard, you will want to figure out how much slope you have across the area. Knowing how your yard slopes will allow you to  determine what you steps may need to be taken before any construction takes place.

First drive a stake at the top of a consistent sloped area.  Measure from that stake in the direction of the slope 100 inches.  Place a second stake in this location.  From the first stake tie a string next to the grade at the bottom of the stake.  Then stretch it between the stakes as level as possible.  Use a string line level or other level to adjust the string on the second stake so that the string is level.  Finally measure the distance from the string to the ground at the second stake.  If the distance is 9 inches your slope is 9%.

Slope = Rise / Run  or as per this Slope = 9 / 100 Slope = 9

Need a little more help? check out this video here:

Once you have your slope worked out, you can get to work on the fun part - picking out the plants, paving stones and Allan Block walls for your project. For more information on slopes or to get our estimating tools and product information visit www.allanblock.com.

How do I choose the right Allan Block product for my project?

AB Collection

Written by: Kyle Huerd
Although you may get overwhelmed with looking through all the products on the market, it is very simple to select an appropriate Allan Block product depending on what you are doing on your project.  First thing is to establish are you retaining more than 12 inches of soil?  If you are, then you are looking for a retaining wall product which we can now narrow down to either the AB Collection, AB Europa, AB Fieldstone, or AB Aztec collections.  All these products are made to retain soil and have all different shapes and sizes.  Aesthetics now play the main role as all the retaining wall products work the same way, you just select your favorite look and color!

AB Courtyard Collection

Or maybe you want a two-sided free standing wall?  If this is your case, then you now have to make a decision if you are going for a short seating wall or a privacy/sound wall?  If you plan on enhancing your patio by placing a seating wall around the outside, then the product that best fits you is the AB Courtyard Collection.  AB Courtyard is used for patio surrounds, elements, and short fence/walls to enhance your backyard to an outdoor living space. 

AB Fence System

Lastly, if you are going for more of a sound or privacy fence, which typically results in walls 6 feet or taller, then the product you would want to look at is the AB Fence system.  Although there is cross over from each of the products, they have their main functions which guide our users down a path for success.

No matter what you are looking for in your backyard or on your property, you will be astounded at the level of quality and enhancement you can bring by selecting the Allan Block product that is just right for you!

Can I Use Salt on my Retaining Wall & Stairs?

Written by: Danelle DeMartini
We often don’t think to ask this question until it becomes a concern, except for those of you who live in more temperate climates and never need to worry about icy walkways and steps.  But for those of us, who have to think about how to prevent slips and falls during the winter months, knowing what to use on your concrete retaining wall or steps is important.  Not just for the sake of potentially breaking bones in a fall but for the life and longevity of your concrete surfaces.

So CAN I use salt? In a word… Not really (ok. that’s two words). 

Salt is very corrosive to concrete and if used regularly it can and will erode away the concrete.  If this erosion is on a stair riser or a wall cap, it can oftentimes be replaced.  However if the salt is used on a sidewalk in front of your retaining wall for example, over time the salt can erode away the blocks at the bottom of the wall, potentially compromising the integrity of the wall not to mention the aesthetics and let’s not even think about the work involved in replacing it.

That being said, it doesn’t mean you can never use salt on your concrete. When used sparingly or infrequently salt will take less of a toll on the wall or stairways. 

If I can’t use salt, what should I use?   Sand and sometimes even cat litter (the non-clumping kind) can add tracking to slippery surfaces without the risk of damage to the concrete. So if you have been using salt, either stop all together or alternate with another material to save your walls and steps as well as your hiney.