Building an AB Courtyard Plantable Entry Monument
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Watch the Video
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Printable Document (.pdf)
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Enhance your home with a dramatic plantable entry monument in just a weekend using the AB
Courtyard Collection. This project demonstrates how to build on sloped ground by first creating
a level foundation pad. Poor soil conditions under the foundation pad may require additional
attention. See
How-to sheet #140
for more foundation information.
The dimensions of the plantable entry monument used in this example are
approximately: 9 ft. W x 6 ft. D (2.7 m W x 1.8 m D ).
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Step 1:
Determine the location for the planter Use the patterns in Layout
1A and 1B to lay out the first course of blocks to determine where
the sod and soil will be removed to construct the base.
Step 2:
Mark the location of the walls and posts/pillars with a shovel. Remove the
blocks and sod. For the post/pillar locations dig a level pad 24 in. (600
mm) square, 4 in. (100 mm) deep. For the panels, dig a trench 3 in.
(75 mm) deep and 7 in. wide (178 mm). Fill the trench with crushed
rock and compact using a hand tamper.
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Post/Pillar Foundation Pad
Wall Panel Foundation Pad
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NOTE: The soil beneath the foundation pad must be a good quality
compactable material. If soft soils are encountered, they will need
to be removed and replaced with additional crushed rock. A good
foundation will ensure a stable wall for years to come.
Step 3:
Level the crushed rock in the trench making sure the transition between the post/pillar
and wall foundations are at the same height and level with each
other. Make any adjustments as needed by adding or removing crushed
rock.
Step 4:
Begin at the first post/pillar location and place 4 Corner blocks with the
long sides facing out (Post/Pillar Layout). Align the blocks with a square,
and check for level. Using a dead blow hammer, make adjustments as
necessary.
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Step 5:
Once the first course of the first post/pillar is in place, continue by building
the back wall using the pattern in Layout 1A. Be sure to center the wall
panel on the post/pillar to keep a uniform look. Check for level from front to back
and side to side as you place each block. Make adjustments as necessary.
You will also want to make sure that the blocks are level from one block to
the next. This will ensure that the block line up properly.
Finish the back wall by placing the four corner blocks for the first
course of the second post/pillar. Once completed, check for level and
alignment. It is also a good time to verify that the first and
second post/pillar are aligned so that your entry monument is straight.
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Step 6:
With the back wall complete, continue the first course by building
the front curved wall for the planter (Layout 1B). Place the blocks tightly together
on the level and compacted trench starting at the center of the post/pillar. Adjust as
necessary so that the blocks match up with the center of the second post/pillar.
In this example we built this project on sod, if you are doing the
same, you will need to remove the sod from the inside of the planted area once you
complete the first course of the project.
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Step 7:
Start the second course at the post/pillar and stack the blocks as shown in
Layout 2. You will need to split an AB York block on this course.
Use one half of this split block at each end of the wall where it
meets the posts/pillars. For more information on cutting or splitting
blocks, see
How-to Sheet # 210
.
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Step 8:
Install the blocks for the third course as shown in Layout 3. Then
continue stacking courses alternating between Layout 2 and 3 until
you have reached the desired height. In this example we have a total
of 5 courses for the back wall with an additional course of corner
blocks (Layout 4) to finish off the posts/pillars. If in your project you
would like to interlock the posts/pillars and wall panels together for added stability, see
How-to Sheet #230
on interlocking walls and posts/pillars.
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Step 9:
Finish the posts/pillars with Post Caps. Apply a bead of masonry adhesive (optional)
near the outer edge of each Corner block and place the caps on top of the post/pillar.
Finish the walls with Wall Caps. There will be a small gap in the wall.
Measure the gap, mark this measurement on the cap. Then cut or split the cap
to fit. Two Wall Caps will need to be split to complete the back wall. See
How-to sheet #210
for more information on cutting and splitting.
Once all the caps are installed, secure them in place with a bead of
masonry adhesive on both sides of the raised rings (optional). Then
add any additional soil you may need to fill the planter area. If
you would like to add lighting to your project, see
How-to Sheet #170
for information on how to construct a light post. Now that your project is complete,
fill the planter with beautiful plants and flowers to fit the style
of your landscape.
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Materials Needed
28 AB York Blocks
8 AB Dublin Blocks
48 Corner Blocks
21 Wall Caps
4 Post Caps
2 Tubes of Masonry Adhesive
12 - 50 lb (23 kg) Bags of Crushed Rock*
Plantable Soil as Required
* Quantities will vary depending on the required depth of rock.
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Tools Needed
Shovel
Level
Dead Blow Hammer
Hammer & Chisel
Masonry Saw
Measuring Tape
Square
Work Gloves
Dust Mask & Safety Glasses |
