Landscape Newsletter Issue 17
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Unruly Hillside Turned Vacation Retreat
In their new Centennial, Colorado home, the Brock family faced the challenge of taking their backyard from one big hillside and turning it into an exotic retreat that they could enjoy for years to come.

With neighbors sitting much higher all around them, the Brock's needed a way to turn their slopes into more useable space. They also wanted to be able to bring the feel of their favorite place, Cabo San Lucas, to their home in Colorado. They contacted a local contractor, Environmental Designs Inc., who recommended the AB Europa Collection for its functionality and style to work with the overall look and theme of the project. "We had used Allan Block on several other projects and have always been satisfied with the outcome. It seemed to to be exactly what the customer was looking for."

The overall project design incorporated terraced walls to manage the slopes and created seating areas near the pool and outdoor kitchen. Using brightly colored tiles, and natural stones to accent the warm colors of the AB Abbey Blend walls, their exotic feel came to life.

retaining wall around pool
Retaining wall and seating wall around fire pit

 In order to get started on the project, the contractor had to address the biggest challenge on the site, little to no access. After surveying the area and identifying the lot lines, it became apparent that they would need to get approval to get into the site. The surrounding neighbors were contacted and with their cooperation, the contractor was able to access the site from the adjoining properties.

Having easier access to the site made short work of the construction process and the Brock family's retreat, walls, pool and seating areas took just a little over 6 months to complete.

Mr. & Mrs. Brock couldn't be more pleased with the way their yard has turned out, "We are so happy, we love the way the walls have opened up the space. Now we have Cabo San Lucas right here in our own backyard!"


Tips for Estimating Materials for Commercial Retaining Wall Jobs

There are numerous ways to ensure your retaining wall project is successful. One of the most important is having the proper quantity of materials delivered to the jobsite. Accurately estimating the materials for your project is not always easy, especially when you have to consider different wall lengths and heights, the multiple block types and patterns, changing elevations, geogrid types and lengths and the amount of rock in the base and behind the wall. Here are a few tips to help:

  1. It is crucial to have an understanding of how Allan Block retaining walls are installed prior to estimating a project.

  2. Always make a site visit. This is the only way to know if the design and plan for the project accommodates the site conditions. You will also need to look at where you are going to stage your materials and maintain access to the site.

  3. Develop a procedure to calculate your quantities and be consistent. Allan Block has created estimating tools to assist with this.

  4. Double check your estimate. Use your experience and knowledge to evaluate your estimate. You should have a rough idea of what the quantities are before you obtain your results from any estimating tool.

AB Commercial Estimating Tool

AB Commercial Estimating Tool output

Check out our latest tool. Easily estimate materials for walls over 6 ft. (1.8 m) in height!


Allan Block Commercial Wall Estimating Tool makes it quick and easy to determine the amount of materials you will need for projects over 6 ft. (1.8 m) in height. This Microsoft Excel based estimating tool can be downloaded to make estimating on your next project quick and easy!
  • Estimate projects that use one block shape or multiple shapes when building patterned walls.
  • Design up to 4 walls on a project with varying heights and conditions at the same time.
  • Inputting site and soil conditions of the project will estimate the grid quantities that are needed.
  • Customize the tool by adding in labor and exact material costs to get an accurate cost of the project for help in bidding.
If your project is a simple residential wall 6 ft. (1.8 m) in height or less, we also have a quick and easy estimating tool similar to this commercial tool.

Start using our tools today to make estimating quick and easy!

Benefit From Allan Block Training
In 3 simple steps, learn the benefits and how easy it is to work with Allan Block. Then you can build beautiful projects to promote to potential customers.

STEP 1:

To become a Level 1 Certified AB Contractor, you must attend an Allan Block Contractor Certification Training Course. This course covers the following topics:

  • The advantages of the Allan Block product line
  • How Allan Block products work
  • Basic principals of wall design
  • How Allan Block and geogrid reinforcement work together
  • How Allan Block products work
  • Basic principals of wall design
  • How Allan Block and geogrid reinforcement work together
  • Basic design methodology
  • Why walls fail
  • AB Walls 2007 software outputs and wall estimating tools
  • Proper methods for constructing an Allan Block wall
  • Complete a written test on building walls with AB products
  • Participation in a hands-on workshop to learn some of the finer points of wall installation


STEP 2:

Once Step 1 has been completed, the next step is for you to build an Allan Block wall that has a minimum height of 3 ft (0.9 m) and is a minimum of 300 units (full size or equivalent).



STEP 3:

On completion of your wall project, notify your local AB Sales Rep. so that they can submit the appropriate paperwork to Allan Block Corp.  to receive your Allan Block Certified Wall Installer Certificate and AB Rewards.

Ask your local AB Sales Rep. how to qualify as an Experienced Wall Installer or Master Wall Builder .



AB Training

AB Training - Hands on

Patterned wall construction

Patterned Wall