Landscape Newsletter Issue 20

Outdoor Living to Last a Lifetime

Once upon a time, backyard improvements meant concrete slabs, treated landscape timbers, maybe a wooden deck and a few plants to finish the job. Today, backyard improvements have limitless possibilities with the introduction of stackable retaining wall systems, like Allan Block. These outdoor living spaces can include anything from curved walls and columns to tiered gardens and raised patios. Homeowners are discovering new ways to turn their unused backyards into beautiful, functional and long lasting outdoor living areas.

“We used the same AB Collection blocks to build the walls and the patio surround to create a seamless transition onto the patio itself. The homeowners just love the look and feel the patterns create”.
- Contractor

This is exactly what the homeowners in Lakeville, Minnesota discovered when it came time to update their backyard patio. With their sloping backyard, they needed a solution that would manage the slope, give them more usable space for entertaining, and would enhance the beauty of their home without a lot of maintenance. Working with their contractor, the homeowners designed a usable raised patio with a lower terraced wall for planting flowers, a large functional staircase and a parapet to surround the top of the patio area.

Using the AB Collection in an AB Ashlar Blend pattern the contractor was able to give the project a random patterned look with a natural stone wall feel. By using the AB Collection products instead of a wood decking material, the contractor was able address the homeowners concerns about the sloping yard and maintenance issues while giving them a large patio with a built-in plantable wall.

Gone is the way of the concrete slab patio, wood decking and treated timber landscape walls, making room for the unlimited possibilities available using Allan Block retaining wall products. Now this family has a beautiful and functional new outdoor living space they can enjoy for years to come.

Building with Patterns

Wall Patterns

Allan Block has created patterns that can be used with any of our retaining wall collections. Our different sized blocks are made to fit together to form beautiful patterned walls that add curb appeal to any project.

To assist in block estimating and to ease the construction process there are pre-set patterns available. These patterns can be used repeatedly throughout the project by reversing or offsetting each pattern section as it is installed to help give the project a more random look.

When working with the AB Collection or the AB Europa Collection, check your approved plans for geogrid placement. Reinforcement grid is typically required on every other course, so using the 2 course pattern is required. When using a random pattern on a reinforced wall, a level surface is required on every other course for proper grid installation. See our Landscape Walls guide for more information and installation details.

Allan Block products are so versatile that you can blend the different sizes together to create projects with beautiful curb appeal.

Standard Patterns Uses all blocks in the collections

Two Course Pattern

AB Collection Blocks Required	AB Europa Collection Blocks Required
6 AB Classic or AB Stones	6 AB Dover
4 AB Jumbo Junior	4 AB Palermo
8 AB Lite Stone	8 AB Barcelona
8 AB Junior Lite*	8 AB Bordeaux

Three Course Pattern

AB Collection Blocks Required	AB Europa Collection Blocks Required
10 AB Classic or AB Stones	10 AB Dover
10 AB Jumbo Junior	10 AB Palermo
10 AB Lite Stone	10 AB Barcelona
4 AB Junior Lite*	4 AB Bordeaux

Lite Patterns Uses only smaller blocks in the collections

Two Course Pattern

AB Collection Blocks Required	AB Europa Collection Blocks Required
7 AB Jumbo Junior	7 AB Palermo
15 AB Lite Stone	15 AB Barcelona
12 AB Junior Lite*	12 AB Bordeaux

Three Course Pattern

AB Collection Blocks Required	AB Europa Collection Blocks Required
14 AB Jumbo Junior	14 AB Palermo
19 AB Lite Stone	19 AB Barcelona
18 AB Junior Lite*	18 AB Bordeaux

Note: A base course of full size blocks (AB Classic or AB Dover) needs to be included. For each 10 ft. (3.0 m) of wall length you will need 7 full size blocks. For 10 ft. (3.0 m) of wall length for AB Capstones, you will need 7 AB Caps.

Wall Pattern Examples

AB Collection Blocks Required	AB Europa Collection Blocks Required
17 AB Classic (including base)	17 AB Dover (including base)
10 AB Jumbo Junior	10 AB Palermo
10 AB Lite Stone	10 AB Barcelona
4 AB Junior Lite*	4 AB Bordeaux
7 AB Caps (optional/not shown)	7 AB Caps (optional/not shown)
49 ft³ Wall Rock (1.39 m³)	46 ft³ Wall Rock (1.3 m³)
10 ft Drain Pipe (3.0 m)	10 ft Drain Pipe (3.0 m)

Wall Rock used for base material, block cores and 12 in. (300 mm) behind the wall. The base material is based on placing 6 in. (150 mm) of wall rock in a trench 9 in. D x 24 in. W x 10 ft. L (230 mm D x 610 mm W x 3 m L). Finishing with an AB Cap will add 4 in. (100 mm) to the height the wall.

AB Collection Blocks Required	AB Europa Collection Blocks Required
25 AB Classic (including base)	25 AB Dover (including base)
12 AB Jumbo Junior	12 AB Palermo
24 AB Lite Stone	24 AB Barcelona
24 AB Junior Lite*	24 AB Bordeaux
7 AB Caps (optional/not shown)	7 AB Caps (optional/not shown)
79 ft³ Wall Rock (1.39 m³)	75 ft³ Wall Rock (1.3 m³)
20 ft Drain Pipe (3.0 m)	20 ft Drain Pipe (3.0 m)
Geogrid as needed per plan	Geogrid as needed per plan

Wall Rock used for base material, block cores and 12 in. (300 mm) behind the wall. The base material is based on placing 6 in. (150 mm) of wall rock in a trench 11 in. D x 24 in. W x 10 ft. L (280 mm D x 610 mm W x 3 m L). Install geogrid between patterns as needed. Drain pipe includes 10 ft (3 m) for both the toe and heel drains. Finishing with an AB Cap will add 4 in. (100 mm) to the height the wall.

Tips for Building Patterned Walls

Patterned walls resemble hand-laid stone walls, and will require a certain level of detail and craftsmanship to construct. Some custom fitting of blocks will be required. Plan on taking a little extra time to build, particularly when building one for the first time.

Cutting Blocks

When building a patterned project, an AB Junior Lite (AB Collection) will be needed. If these blocks are not available An AB Lite Stone block will need to be cut in half to create these smaller blocks. To help speed installation, pre-cut the desired number of blocks at the start of the project. Remember to follow saw manufactures guidelines and wear protective safety glasses and mask when cutting concrete.

Combining Patterns

Depending on the height and conditions, grid usage on the project, you can combine the patterns to achieve the desired height. As an example, a project 4 ft (1.2 m) tall - 6 courses of block - that requires 2 layers of geogrid, you will need to install two - 2 course patterns after the base course and a 1 course pattern at the top of the wall to reach the desired height. Install the geogrid on top of the base course and after the first pattern.

Offsetting Patterns

Offset each new pattern from the pattern below to maintain the “random” appearance.

Which Pattern is Right for Your Project?

Design your patterned wall to fit your style.Choose one of the patterns or a combination of the patterns below to create a cutom look for your patterned wall project.

Pattern Descriptions and Examples

1 course pattern

- Approximately 8 in. (200 mm) high - the height of a full size block. Use to finish off the top of a wall where taller patterns do not work.

2 course pattern

- Approximately 16 in. (400 mm) high. The best pattern to use for any straight or curved wall project. The use of this pattern minimizes cutting and fitting and is the correct pattern height to accommodate grid when required.

3 course pattern

- Approximately 24 in. (610 mm) high. This pattern should only be used on straight wall applications. It can be used along with other patterns at the top of the wall project where reinforcement is not required.

This project uses 4 two course patterns to complete the wall.

This project uses 2 two course patterns and a one course pattern to complete the wall.

This project uses a two course and a three course to complete the wall.

Retaining wall with an antique old world look

Finish Your Project with Style

Allan Block wall products allow you to finish off your project in style. With so many options to choose from it is easy to find the right option to finish off your project.

Ending Walls

The simplest and easiest method of ending an Allan Block wall is to use smooth flowing curves that turn back into the hillside. You can turn wall ends into the hillside with smooth flowing curves, corners or right angles. Wall step downs can be achieved in a variety of ways. No other retaining wall system gives you as many choices for finishing off your wall project.

Capping Walls

With so many options, topping off your wall is a breeze. You can choose to use AB Capstones to give that perfect finishing touch. Cutting caps for curved walls will be necessary for a smooth and continuous fit. If caps are not your style, try the natural look of a decorative rock or mulch. Use the patented raised front lip as a built-in edging for landscape rock, mulch, grass or soil. Want another option? Try planting creeping vines or colorful flowers within the top course for a unique finishing option the accentuates any garden. Or create your own finishing option to compliment the style and design of your project.

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