Building Walls & Posts

Video: How to Build a Patio Wall with Posts

Square up the Post

Start with the Split Block

Place the Next Block

Start the Second Course

End Panel with Split Block

Start the Next Post

Build the Next Post

Build Wall/Post to Height

Finish with Caps

How to Build Walls & Posts

Patio walls with posts can be used to build a wide variety of projects in your own backyard. These basic steps will help you learn how to build everything from seating walls, and outdoor rooms to entry monuments, outdoor kitchens and backyard bars.

Installing on Existing Patios or Pavement

If you will be building in an area that does not have an existing patio or pavement, see How-to Sheet #120 Building Wall Panels and How-to Sheet #220 Building Posts for instructions on building the base. 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: Layout

Determine the location of the first post/pillar. Install the Corner Blocks with the long sides facing out, align and level each course. Make adjustments as needed. See How-to sheet #220: Building A Post for more information on building posts/pillars. Continue building the post/pillar to the desired height. Alternate the blocks to offset the seams from the blocks below.

Step 2: Begin the Wall Panel

The first and the last block of every course of wall panel will be a split block. Using a split block allows the panel to be flush with the post/pillar. If a standard angled block shape is used there will be a gap where the panel meets up with the post/pillar. Use an AB Dublin end-split block to start the first course. Place the short piece with the split side against the post/pillar in the center of the post/pillar. Save the other half for the end of this course where it meets up with the next post/pillar. Place the next block of the first course against the split block. We recommend installing the first two courses of the wall panel at the same time to ensure proper alignment.

Step 3: Build the Second Course

On the next course, use an AB Dublin center-split block to start this course. Place one half of this block with the split side against the post/pillar. Again, save the other half of this piece for the end of this course.

Step 4: Building the Wall Panel

With the first two courses started, continue building the wall panel in the pattern chosen. Build to the location of the next post/pillar. At the end of each course place the remaining half of the split block that was used to start the course.

Step 5: Additional Posts/Pillars

At the end of the wall panel, install the next post/pillar as previously done. Place the Corner Blocks with the long sides facing out. Install additional courses until the desired height is achieved. Alternate the blocks to offset the seams from the blocks below.

Step 6: Continue Building

With both posts/pillars built, continue stacking the courses of the wall panel to the desired height. Alternate the type of split block for each course as you go.

Step 7: Finish

Finish the wall with Wall Caps and Post Caps. 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. Place a bead of adhesive along the outside edge of the top course of Corner Blocks and then set the Post Caps in place.

Additional Information:

• Taller walls will require some added stability. See How-to sheet #150 Building Taller Wall Panels and How-to sheet #140 Building Taller Posts for more helpful construction techniques.
• If building your wall panel with posts/pillars, interlock them together for added stability. See How-to sheet #230 Interlocking Walls & Posts.