Landscape Newsletter Issue 18
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Up the Front Yard with AB Classic
When Tim and Karen Travitz recently moved into their beautiful new home in Millersburg, PA, they were absolutely thrilled with everything about it-with the exception of the big, ugly hill in their front yard.

Every time they drove into their driveway they knew they had to do something to improve the appearance. Ben Stoltzfus, sales manager of Goldglo Landscapes, came to their rescue with Allan Block. Goldglo Landscapes, located in Millersburg, PA has an excellent reputation for building durable, high-quality, attractively designed retaining walls and other hardscapes.

Several Goldglo employees have attended Allan Block Contractor Certification classes, and the company has been using Allan Block products produced by Nitterhouse Masonry Products, LLC, located in Chambersburg, PA, for over five years.

Terraced retaining walls in front yard
Three walls to create a terraced application with shrubs and plants Ben met with the homeowners to discuss the design and to show them the various Allan Block products, shapes, and colors available. Allan Block offers a variety of styles from a classic cut stone look to an Old World appearance. They chose the AB Classic block in an Earth Tan color to complement their home and attached garage. It took Goldglo a little more than two weeks to install the handsome 3-tiered retaining walls. They started excavating the area from the bottom and worked their way to the top.

According to Ben Stoltzfus, "When you have a quality, affordable, beautiful product such as Allan Block, the designs are limited only by your own creativity. There's a unique solution for any type of wall the customer is looking for. Allan Block walls are possibly the easiest and fastest walls I've ever installed." Aside from aesthetics, there were several other reasons why the Travitz's wanted to build the retaining walls. The hill in the front not only looked unattractive, but it was difficult to mow and maintain, and created drainage problems.
Front yard with concrete retaining wall blocks used to create terraces to remove unruly slope The beautiful, permanent, new Allan Block 3-tiered retaining walls instantly solved all of these problems and added lots of curb appeal and color with the addition of a variety of plants, flowers and accent lighting. The Travitz’s love the finished product, from design, to construction, to the end result. Every time they pull into the driveway the Allan Block walls welcome them home.

"When you have a quality, affordable, beautiful product such as Allan Block, the designs are limited only by your own creativity."
Ben Stoltzfus, Goldglo Landscapes

In-Wall Planters and Terraces

Design the Shape for Beauty and Function
Landscape designs are often more attractive when they include smaller terraced walls or in-wall planters rather than one large wall. Terraced walls can create more usable space, build raised gardens, help prevent erosion and add interest to your landscape.
Design the shape of terraced walls to compliment the surrounding architecture and landscape. You should always consider what will fill the space between terraced walls. Will it be used for plantings, filled with decorative rock or covered with sod? Allan Block’s built-in top lip provides built-in edging that minimizes trimming and maintenance. Backyard retaining walls using multiple block sizes with plant area in between
Terraced retaining wall using multiple block shapes to create a pattered with planted flowers between walls
  • Straight walls create a formal,structured look.


  • Flowing curves have a more natural feel and create a softer look.

In harmony with nature.

Always Build on Solid Ground
  • The most important element in building terraces is soil compaction. Building on poor, uncompacted soil will result in settling of the upper walls. Although lower terraced walls are typically built on solid ground, upper walls are often built on soils that have been disturbed in the construction process. To ensure the stability of these soils, they should be removed down to solid ground and carefully reinstalled and compacted.

 Improper wall compaction when multiple walls are close together will result in settling
Proper compation of retaining wall when two walls split off to form a terraced walls
  • To achieve proper compaction there are two different methods that work well. One way is to remove soft or poor soil and replace them with wall rock and compact in 8 in. (200 mm) lifts. Another way is to compact the soils in shorter lifts. When using infill or approved on-site soils, we recommend no more than a 4 in. (100 mm) lift. Good compaction is the key to minimizing settlement over time.

Terraces and Structure

Building a series of walls on a slope requires careful planning. Follow this simple set of rules:

When the walls are spaced far enough apart they are engineered as two independent walls.

  • The height of the upper wall should be less than or equal to the height of the lower wall.
  • The distance between the walls must be at least twice the height of the lower wall. As the upper wall moves closer to the lower wall, it adds pressure (surcharge) to the lower wall.


The lower wall will need to be engineered to account for the added weight and pressure, and extra reinforcement may be required.

Backyard terraced wall with plantings surrounding a pool

Terraced wall line art showing proper rules to follow when designing multiple walls
Irrigation is often included when incorporating a planter. Ensure that your plan includes provisions for water management.

Sprinkler graphic

Terraced walls often require engineering and building permits. Be sure to check with your local building officials. 		Frontyard tiered retaining wall with no cap block with decorative rock used for finishing

Choose the Look you want from our Collection of Retaining Wall and Patio Wall Products
The Allan Block Collections of different retaining wall and two sided wall styles give you a choice to meet your site and design requirements. Choose the look that best accents your home and lifestyle. The design possibilities are endless. Use the interlocking blocks individually or blend them together to create stunning patterned wall landscapes. Simplicity, quality and lasting value is what you get with the products from Allan Block.
AB®Collection
If your looking for the perfect blend of performance and style, choose the AB Collection. A favorite for years, it stacks beautifully and creates a smooth, fluid finish for every wall and promises to deliver maximum performance. Use the blocks individually or add a graceful definition to your home by combining the multiple shapes together to create AB Ashlar Blend Walls. 		Patterned terraced retaining wall with planting and stairway
AB Europa® Collection
 The AB Europa Collection offers an infinite variety of ways to successfully capture the rich, hand-laid stone effect. Use one block or a combination of the blocks to bring Old World charm and distinction to any landscape project. 		Backyard patio with curved patterened retaining wall and pavers
AB Courtyard Collection™
From elaborate patio enclosures to simple weekend projects, the AB Courtyard Collection allows you to easily create beautiful and durable stone-like structures. This two-sided versatile system can meet any design need. Create elegant and stylish surroundings for any landscape, custom kitchens, ponds, fire pits and more.

 Small patio enclosure with seating, lighting and umbrella

Watch for us on HGTV



Watch for the Allan Block Commercials on HGTV. Allan Block is currently running 2 minute commercials on HGTV promoting 4 easy weekend projects. Watch for these spots to see just how easy it is to give your landscape a makeover.
  • Build a Patio Enclosure
    You can use the AB Courtyard Collection to create a design that compliments your patio using straight or curved walls. AB Courtyard walls can also work well as additional seating areas.

    See How-To sheet #260 for detailed instructions.

Backyard courtyard patio surround with plants and lighting
AB Courtyard BBQ Grill Surround with countertops
  • Build a BBQ Surround
    Instead of having the grill just sit on the patio, blend it into the surroundings with the AB Courtyard Collection. By building on an existing patio you can just stack the blocks, glue the caps and you are done. Simple enough to complete in a weekend.

    See How-To sheet #290 for detailed instructions.

  • Build an In-Ground Pond
    In just a weekend you can easily add a water feature to the landscape. Mark the location, prepare the foundation, stack the blocks and add water. Its sure to add style and an architectural element to any landscape.

    See How-To sheet #310 for detailed instructions.

AB Courtyard In-Ground Pond with water fountain
Small retaining wall in backyard with a plantable area and curves finished with mulch
Watch for these commercials during the best shows like Curb Appeal, Landscape Smart and Gardening by the Yard just to name a few.