Landscape Newsletter Issue 26 |
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A Welcomed Transformation |
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For homeowner Brian Thornton of Erie, Colorado the blank
canvas of his un-landscaped backyard was an opportunity to
create a warm and inviting outdoor living space that he could
enjoy with family and friends.
The first step in the transformation was to decide how the space was going to be used. What kind of outdoor living did the Thornton’s need to fit their lifestyle? |
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Since entertaining, cooking, and relaxing were all important to
the Thornton’s, a plan was set in place to create a patio with an
enclosure to separate it from the rest of the yard, an outdoor
kitchen with a bar for grilling and entertaining and a fire pit area
for sitting and relaxing.
Working with Basalite, the local Allan Block manufacturer, the Thorton’s decided to use two Allan Block product lines to construct their new retreat. |
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The AB® Collection by Allan Block® was used to build the
raised patio area to distinguish the patio from the rest of
the yard. The AB Courtyard Collection™ was chosen to
create many of the other patio features because of its
seamless ability to blend with the AB Collection blocks
used to build the raised patio.
The amazing versatility of the AB Courtyard Collection allowed the Thornton’s to construct the patio surround, fire pit, seating areas, light posts and outdoor kitchen using the same product. |
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The Thornton’s added lighting to the AB Courtyard
posts/pillars, concrete pavers to create the raised patio
and a custom counter top to their outdoor kitchen to
finish the space off with style.
Now their backyard is a warm and inviting place to entertain, relax and unwind. This change from bare to beautiful is a welcomed transformation that the homeowners will enjoy for years to come. |
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Patio Enclosures: Surrounding Your Patio with Style |
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Outdoor living spaces have become a
common trend for homeowners. Adding
beautifully designed areas for entertaining,
relaxing and extending the living space
beyond the home’s four walls, can really
add to the value and enjoyment of the
property.
Patio enclosures are the framework to a beautiful outdoor retreat. Add privacy or separation between landscape elements and add additional seating to any patio design. No matter the size, scope or design of your patio, the AB Courtyard Collection by Allan Block has a beautiful and maintenance-free solution to surrounding your patio with style. |
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Basic Steps for Building a Patio Enclosure:
Before you begin constructing your patio enclosure, you will need to determine the style and layout of your enclosure. What is the purpose of your enclosure? Do you want to incorporate curves, corners, posts or pillars? How many entrances or openings are needed? In this example, we are enclosing an existing patio using posts/pillars and corners with one exterior entrance (for complete details see How-To Sheet #260). |
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Determine Project Layout:Start by measuring the existing patio and mark the approximate location of the posts/pillars, wall panels and any openings to exit the patio. |
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Build the Wall Panels:Start your wall by building out in both directions from the corner, stacking two courses at a time. Continue building in both directions to where the posts/pillars will be located. The last block on every course of the wall panel next to the post/pillar or the house will be a split block. Using a split block allows the panel to be square with the post/pillar. If a standard angled block shape is used there will be a gap where the panel and the post/pillar meet. If additional adjustments to the wall panel are needed, make them here before building the post/pillar. |
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Build the Posts/Pillars:Build the posts/pillars starting with the first course using 4 Corner Blocks with their long sides facing out. Be sure to center the post/pillar with the wall panel to have even spacing on each side of the wall panel. Stack up additional courses on the posts/pillars alternating the pattern so that the vertical seams are offset. |
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Build Additional Walls and Posts/Pillars:Continue building any additional wall panels and posts/pillars within your design. Install the remaining courses, alternating the pattern every other course until you have reached the desired height. |
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Finish with Capstones:Add the finishing touch with Post Caps. Simply apply a bead of masonry adhesive to the outside edge of the top course of the post and set the caps into place (adhesive optional). Finish the wall panels with Wall Caps. Placement of the Wall Caps will depend on your wall layout. When capping a straight wall, alternate caps to create a straight line. To cap curves, place the caps facing the same direction to create flowing curves. Capping corners will required some additional steps (see for more information). Once all the Wall Caps are in place, secure them with a bead of masonry adhesive along both sides of the raised rings and along the sides of each Wall Cap (optional). |
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Now that your patio surround is complete, accessorize with lighting, furniture and plants. Or go big, with the addition of an outdoor bar, kitchen or grill surround to spice up your patio even more. In no time at all you can be sitting on your patio surrounded by your new outdoor living space. |
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Landscaping with Fire & Water |
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Let Your Landscape Sizzle with a Fire Pit by Allan Block.In just a few short hours, you can be sitting in front of a roaring fire, with your feet up, enjoying the evening. |
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To build a Fire Pit you will need AB York blocks and Wall Caps from
the AB Courtyard Collection.
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Add Tranquility to Your Landscape with a Water Feature by Allan Block.Enhance your yard or garden with a beautiful water feature. Whether you choose to build above or below ground, you can easily create a dramatic new look. |
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To build an Above Ground Pond or water feature you will need AB York blocks and Wall caps from the AB Courtyard
Collection.
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To build a Below Ground Pond or water feature you will need
AB York blocks and Wall Caps from the AB Courtyard Collection.
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