What Would you Suggest for Hiding the End of the Wall?

There are many ways you can hide the side of Allan Block units when finishing your wall.  While it is not necessary to do for structural reasons, one may decide to hide the side to avoid seeing an “unfinished” end.  There are two ways we want to address today:

First, you could incorporate AB Corner Blocks from any of our collections that are finished on two sides to help hide the end of the wall units.  Simply use a corner block as shown below to return the wall into the retained soil and then miter cut caps to finish the wall as shown here:

Second, you could incorporate AB Lite/AB Barcelona/AB Aztec Lite units to step the wall down in 4” (10 cm) increments to hide the side of the block.  If your AB manufacturer makes AB Lite/Barcelona units, this may be the easiest and more economical method to hide the end of the wall, but check on availability before a decision is made.  This is seen below:

Finishing the wall and “hiding” the side of visible units may prove to be just the finishing touch you need for your project.  Don’t hesitate to call us or check out our Retaining Walls by Allan Block brochure for additional installation tips.

How do I Calculate the Quantity for a Circular Seating Wall Around a Fire Pit?

So you’ve already designed an Allan Block firepit using our step-by-step guide, and you’re looking for your next project? If you want to design a seating wall and don’t know where to start, then grab your smartphone or tablet!  Allan Block has a free app that lets you design and estimate your perfect seating wall.  Customize the size and style with the flexible AB Courtyard Collection™. 

First, determine the length of your seating wall.  If you would like the wall to curve around parallel with your fire pit, then you can select the XL curve style in the element selection screen.  Decide on the heights of the walls and posts, and you are done!

Get a rough estimate right on the screen, or submit your project and receive a full estimate report with detailed drawings for free in your inbox.  The report also includes a list of your local dealers where you can go and get your materials.

 Don’t be afraid to add your own unique touch by adding posts, inlaid lighting, or anything you can dream up. The possibilities are endless!

For a better understanding of how to install courtyard walls, and also a visual of parallel curved walls, visit our courtyard reference guide. 

Top 3 Ways to End your Wall

Here at Allan Block, we love retaining walls. However, every great wall needs to come to an end at some point, and we’re here to share our favorite ways of doing so. The look and feel of the wall can change completely depending on how you decide to approach the endings. Luckily, the versatility of Allan Block allows for several different finishing options, each with its own unique style. While there are countless ways to finish off a wall, these three methods are some of our favorites:

1.  The Step Down

            A step down is probably the most common way to end your wall. A step down is exactly what it sounds like; the top of your wall gradually steps down until it is even with the grade. This is a great option because it provides a subtle way for your wall to slowly shrink until it’s completely gone. A step down can be made even more smooth by using our AB Lite Stones, AB Aztec Lite, or AB Barcelona blocks as a way to transition from one course down to the next.

2. The Turn-In

            The turn-in is a popular finishing option that is great for steeper grade changes and a quick end to the wall. With a turn-in, the wall turns directly into the hillside and gets built “into” the hill. This is also one of the easiest methods to end a wall since you won’t need any corner blocks, and instead of the wall slowly stepping down, you can end it almost immediately.  For a more bold, sharp transition into the face of your hill, you can use a 90° corner rather than a curve.

3. The Planter

            A planter is the perfect choice for making the most of your space. With a planter finishing option, you would finish off your wall at different courses, leaving gaps between wall endings to use as a planting space. The planter endings can be designed as either of the options listed above. Also, you can choose whether you want your planter segments to subtly break away from your wall with curves, or create a more pronounced planter by using 90 degree turns at each step-down.

While there is no “best” way to end your wall, each finishing option achieves a different look and feel to it. Maybe you want a bold look and decide to go with a 90° corner turn-in. Or maybe you are going for more of a soft discrete feel and use a step down with caps for an even smoother transition between courses. Regardless, all finishing options can look amazing.

Measure Twice - Cut Once (Using the Estimating Tools)

Allan Block has created estimating tools that will help you design and estimate your projects.   These tools are a great recourse to help you estimate your building materials.  Retaining wall materials are not convenient to run to the store to return or get more.  Ordering the correct amount the first time is important. 

Allan Block has tools that can help you determine just what is needed to complete the project.  Each of our estimating tools have been customized to help specific customer groups.

Homeowners:

AB Retaining Wall Design and Estimating App (Windows, Mac, iPhone and iPad)

Courtyard Patio Walls Design & Estimating App (Windows, Mac, iPhone and iPad)

Contractors / Builders:

AB Estimating Tool for Retaining Walls, Patio Walls and Fence (Windows and Mac)

Engineers and Architects:

AB Walls (Windows only)

Contact Allan Block for information about AB Walls - engineering@allanblock.com

By using our apps or software, you can receive a 3D image of your project, along with the estimate, to have a visual before it’s built.