Building a Corner with AB Courtyard

The AB Courtyard Collection is designed to let you easily make corners using the Corner Block.

How to use corners to build courtyard patio walls

Watch the How to Video: Building Corners

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Print Project Instructions: How to Build Corners

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Project Estimating: How to Build Corners

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Installing Posts on Existing Patios or Pavement

Walls with corners can be built on existing patios or pavement, as well as on soil. See How-to sheet #120: Building Walls on Soil for more information. When bulding a wall with corners, keep in mind that you will need to split blocks on every course. See How-to sheet #210: Splitting Blocks for more information.

Step 1: Mark Your Layout

Walls that have corners in the design will need to be built starting at the corner. Determine the location of the corner and place a Corner Block.

Step 2: Build the Corner

Next split an AB Dublin end-split (as shown here), or an AB York center-split block along the splitting notch and place the split end against the Corner Block to create the corner, see Pattern A. Splitting the block creates a straight edge so there will not be a gap where the blocks meet. See How-to sheet #210: Splitting Blocks for more information.

Using Split Blocks Patterns A & B

Step 3: Stack a Second Course

Install the first two courses at the same time. This will ensure proper alignment of the entire project. On this course, alternate the position of the Corner Block to face the opposite direction of the one on the first course. Use the remaining split piece and place it with the split side against the Corner Block to finish the corner.

Step 4: Continue Building Out from the Corner

Build the remaining wall out in both directions in the pattern chosen. Use the above process for any additional courses or corners in the project.

Step 5: Wall Caps First Direction

Finish the corner with Wall Caps. Starting at the corner, place the first two Wall Caps following the wall in the same direction. Place the first Wall Cap with the long end facing the outside of the wall. Alternate the direction of the second Wall Cap for a straight wall.

Step 6: Wall Caps Second Direction

Next place a Wall Cap on the other side of the corner. Place the short end of the Wall Cap facing the outside of the wall. Make adjustments to the first two Wall Caps to ensure they line up properly at the corner.

Step 7: Finish

Secure the Wall Caps in place with a bead of masonry adhesive along both sides of the raised rings and along the side of each Wall Cap. (adhesive optional)

Start at the Corner

place the split end against the Corner Block to create the corner

Pattern A

Pattern B

Build out from Corner

Start Installing Wall Cap

Place Cap at Corner

Installing Wall Caps from Corner

Slide Caps to Match

Adjust Wall Caps

Adjust Caps

Glue Caps to Top Course

Secure Caps

Cutting Caps for the Corner (Optional)

Finishing the corner with Wall Caps can be done as shown above, or by modifying the cap slightly gives the corner a more refined look.

Step 1: Mark and Cut Caps

Using a tape measure and straight edge, mark the cut line on two cap blocks as shown. Use a masonry saw with a dry cutting diamond blade to make a complete cut.

Step 2: Place Caps on Corner

Place the cut caps on the corner as shown. Continue stacking additional caps out from the corner.

Step 3: Finish

Secure the Wall Caps in place with a bead of masonry adhesive along both sides of the raised rings and along the side of each Wall Cap (adhesive optional).

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