Landscape Newsletter Issue 21
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Think Outside the Box with Allan Block
Since the creation of the first AB retaining wall block, Allan Block has always been on the cutting edge of technology, design and style. Its mortarless, modular design makes it possible to take building hardscape projects to the next level. Certified AB Contractor Terry Rissmiller of CRISS (Creative Residential Ideas & Solutions) from Pennsylvania did exactly that. Rissmiller’s outside-the-box thinking allowed him to create and build a beautiful retaining wall and outdoor fireplace to match.

Retaining wall with Fire place

 “The homeowners were thrilled with the finished project and very glad that they decided not to build a wooden deck. The minimal maintenance and long-term durability of using Allan Block far outweigh the added cost. The AB walls provide a strong, beautiful support for the hillside in the background.”
- Terry Rissmiller
The homeowners of this quaint home in Hummelstown, PA were looking to replace a time-worn wooden deck and create a nice outdoor living area that was functional and inviting. After meeting with the contractor, the plans were finalized for the project. The design called for an in-ground pool, a patio and a retaining wall to hold back the slope above the pool. As an added touch the contractor suggested an outdoor fireplace as a focal point for the space.

Known to be engineered to withstand the toughest of surcharges, Rissmiller recommended Allan Block retaining wall products to be used for the walls that would extend and curve around the back side of the pool and patio area. The AB Europa Collection was chosen to give the project that old country feel and matched perfectly with the style of the house and patio.

The custom fireplace added elegance to the project. The contractor used AB Old Country Courtyard on the hearth and chimney facade to continue the feel and style created with the retaining walls. With just a few modifications to the blocks and the addition of the fire brick lining, the contractor was able to bring his out-of-the-box thinking for Allan Block to life.

curved retaining wall

Now the homeowners have a beautiful outdoor living space that is functional and exciting. The contractor’s creativity and versatility of Allan Block products made their dream backyard a reality.

Wall and fireplace around pool



Attention Contractors: AB Certified Contractors Get All the Rewards
Allan Block has two great programs for contractors that build walls with Allan Block, the AB Contractor Certification Program that certifies contractors at different levels to build quality AB walls, and the AB Rewards program that rewards AB Certified Contractors for doing the quality work that they do.

Become an AB Certified Contractor
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.

Its As Easy As 1...2...3!

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
  • Basic design methodology
  • Why walls fail
  • AB Walls 2007 design software outputs and wall estimating tools
  • Proper methods for constructing an Allan Block wall.
  • Complete and pass a written test on building walls with AB products
  • Participation in a hands-on workshop to learn some of the finer points of AB wall installation
 Curved wall
Step 2 - Following step 1, 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 Representative so that they can submit the appropriate paperwork to Allan Block Corp. to receive your Allan Block Certified Wall Installer Certificate and AB Rewards.

Click here or ask your local AB Sales Rep. how to qualify as an Experienced or Master Wall Builder.
 Curved retaining wall with planter

Build with Allan Block Walls and Reap the Rewards
The AB Rewards Program recognizes AB Certified Contractors for their commitment to building top-quality Allan Block projects. Each reward level is filled with valuable AB merchandise. It’s easy! The more walls you build, the more rewards you can receive and the rewards get bigger at each level. Here is all you need to do to bring home the rewards:

AB Rewards
AB Reward - Bronze Level

  • Build ONE (1) Allan Block project
AB Reward - Silver Level

  • Build an additional THREE (3)
    Allan Block projects

AB Reward - Gold Level

  • Build an additional THREE (3)
    Allan Block projects

Additional Requirements:
  • All contractors must be AB certified by the requirements of the AB Contractor Certification Program.
  • All eligible AB walls must be built in the same year and be inspected during or after construction by an AB Sales Rep.
  • All AB Rewards will be sent to the local AB sales representative to be delivered by them to the AB Certified Contractor.
  •  Each AB Certified Contractor that works on a project is eligible to receive AB Rewards.
  •  One AB project can consist of multiple walls on the same jobsite, only one jobsite counts as an AB project.
  • Each AB project can be made up of AB Retaining walls, AB Courtyard, AB Fence or any combination.
  • Prizes for each reward level are subject to change.
Click here for more information on the AB Rewards Program, or contact your local AB Sales Rep.

Tips and Tools For Estimating AB Projects
The Allan Block estimating tools make it quick and easy to determine the amount of materials you will need for your project. Estimating tools for AB Landscape walls and the AB Courtyard Collection are available in two formats, a Microsoft Excel based estimating tool you can download here and a rotating wheel tool you can use for fast, on-the-go, estimates (see your local Allan Block representative for details).

Helpful Hints - Landscape Walls

 AB Estimating Tool
  •  When estimating, remember to include buried block in your total wall height. Bury 1 in. (25 mm) of block for every 1 ft. (3 m) of wall height.
    • Projects with a slope below the wall will require additional buried block.
  •  Order 2-5% extra materials to allow for step ups, curves and minor project changes that can occur as you build.
  • Wall rock quantity should include the material to fill the block cores and 12 in. (300 mm) behind the block.
    • When building with any of the Allan Block Collections, take the square footage of your wall and multiply by 1.4 to give you the cubic feet of wall rock you will need (sq. m by 0.42 for cubic meters).
  • Use a two-course pattern on AB Ashlar or AB Abbey Blend walls that have curves or corners.
  • Drain pipe should be included in your AB landscape wall estimates when needed.