Building Curves and Serpentines with AB CourtyardThe AB Courtyard Collection is designed to let you easily build curved and serpentine walls. |
|
|
 Watch the Video
 Print Project Instructions
 Estimating Calculator
|
|
Curves or Serpentines can be built on existing patios or pavement, as well as on soil. These instructions show how to build on an existing patio.
Learn More: Building Walls on Soil.
A pre-designed diameter is 81 in. (2.0 m). It takes 28 AB York blocks to make a complete circle. To build a larger radius, see How-to sheet #200: Building Large Curves. |
|
Installing Posts on Existing Patios or PavementAB York blocks come with a built-in angle on both sides of the block, making it easy to create curves and circles. When building with both straight and curved sections, an AB Dublin center-split block will need to be used on every other course to transition between them.Step 1: Build the Wall to the Start of the CurveInstall the first two courses of wall panel up to the approximate location where the curve will begin. Building the first two courses at the same time ensures proper alignment.Step 2: Adjusting the Layout of the CurveBefore beginning the curve check to make sure that both courses are angled correctly. Both courses need to be parallel with each other and angled toward the direction of the curve. If one block is angled the opposite direction, remove the last block and slide the entire course over one block to correct.
Step 3: Begin the CurveOn the first course, install an AB York block by placing the long side of the block facing the outside of the curve. On the second course, split an AB Dublin center-split block and place one half of it with the split side facing away from the curve. When the wall changes from a curve to a straight section, an AB Dublin center-split block is split to fill the gaps at the transition on every other course. See How-to sheet #210: Splitting Blocks for more information.
Step 4: Build the CurveWith the curve started, stack additional courses using the AB York block and placing all of the blocks with their long sides facing the outside of the curve.Step 5: End of the CurveOn the first course at the end of the curve, turn the AB York block around so the short side of the block is facing the outside of the curve to change the direction back to a straight wall. On the second course the other half of the AB Dublin center-split block will be placed with the split side facing out and toward the next section of the wall panel.Step 6: Additional CoursesRepeat this same process as described in Steps 2-5 for any additional courses. Every odd and even numbered course will be layed out exactly the same with block layout and where the split blocks will be used.Step 7: FinishingFinish the wall with Wall Caps. On curved walls, place the long end of the Wall Caps facing the outside of the curve. For proper alignment, start capping the wall at the curve and place the Wall Cap centered over two York blocks with their long ends facing out. To transistion the Wall Caps back to a straight section, alternate the direction of the Wall Cap. 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). |
Build Wall Up to the Curve 
Adjust the Curve 
Begin the Curved Wall 
Transition Out of Curve 
Use Split Blocks to End Curve 
AB Dublin Center Split Block 
Center Caps on Wall 
Alternate Caps to End Curve |
