Building curved and serpentine retaining walls is simple. Apr 2, 2017 - Paul asks, “How do I add square topper stones to a curved retaining wall? Lay out the primary geogrid around the curve butting front edges together. This how-to video is a must-watch for everyone in the building and construction business. Before beginning construction, review the. To build a flowing inside curve, butt the block end to end to match the smooth curve required on the project. Remove the center cap and cut along the marks. Can we produce this curve using job-built forms? Mark the underside of the stone cap you are cutting. Simply slit the geogrid with a utility knife and either feather out or overlap to follow the curve. Simply slit the geogrid with a utility knife and either feather out or overlap to follow the curve. DIY pavers, DIY garden edging, DIY retaining project – hints, tips and video guides! When you cut stone caps, it makes the stone border wall look professionally finished. For the. Cup the cap with a saw, and place the cap on the wall. For best results, start capping the wall at the curve and center the Wall Cap over two AB York blocks. DIY gardening and landscaping projects are made easy with Adbri Masonry! Make sure strength direction runs perpendicular to wall face. Try to keep spacing consistent between the backs of the blocks. Adjusting 1 or 2 of the blocks will help in the transition of the next section of the retaining wall. Read on for tips for adding topper stones to your retaining wall. Use a masonry saw to cut each cap. This will be the center of the curve. Adding topper stones can pose some challenges. Measure out this distance (x/2) on the back of each of the cap and mark. More options for finishing your retaining wall. Grid layers need to be separated by a 3 in. Cut geogrid to required lengths per the approved plan. Remove the block from the trench. Then set in place so the three fit tightly together. Cut geogrid to required lengths per the approved plan. A brick retaining wall is usually 3 or 4 times wider than that of the base. Using full size blocks in tight curves will create a gap between the courses. maybe even put a tick mark that crosses both the cap and wall so you know where the piece has to go once you mortar it. This video tutorial shows you how to add a cap to a retaining wall system. The above steps work for both inside and outside radiuses. The cap is made in a concrete form to fit the wall system. Cutting the bottom notch for tighter inside curves, Cutting the bottom notch for tighter outside curves. Use a saw to cut the caps. Contractor Resources | Dealer Login | Designer Resources | AB GO. If the radius of the curve becomes so tight that the angled edges of the blocks touch, you would have to cut the edges to a sharper angle to prevent gaps in the joints from showing. Attach a string line to the stake the length of the radius and rotate it around to mark the location of the base course. More options for finishing your retaining wall. Curved block retaining walls can be difficult, especially when they have a tight curve and you look at them very closely. Use the radius chart to determine what the minimum recommended radius of the base course of the wall needs to be, so the top course of the wall will not be less than 1.2 m. From the point of where the curve will start, measure straight back from the wall the required amount (shown in the radius chart) and drive a stake into the ground. Draw a line from the mark to the front corner. The final height of the wall will determine what the minimum radius at the base course must be.Curved walls have a greater setback, which causes a coning effect to occur causing your retaining wall to have its tightest radius at the top of the wall which in turn creates the need for a larger radius at the base course. We were asked to build a curved concrete retaining wall for a homeowner. The above steps work for both inside and outside radiuses. Since you are building the concrete retaining wall on a curve, you will need to adjust the cinder blocks to fit the curve. More options for finishing your retaining wall. Remove the center cap and cut along the marks. US Patents: #6792731, #7775747, #D625028, #D624204, #6948282, #8851803, #D893760, #D893053, #6523317, #7185470, #7524144 Canada Patents: #2357879, #2657978, #133183, #136083, #2432660, #2357879. If you are using AB Fieldstone, follow instructions on capping AB Fieldstone. For cleaner lines, it may be necessary to remove parts of the bottom notch to fit the blocks closer together. Put on your work gloves and goggles. Measure the distance of the gap between the 2 caps (x) at the front of the wall. ... Quick tip to save money: To cut the caps to fit the curves, rather than rent an expensive wet chop saw I used my cheap tabletop wet tile saw. The above steps work for both inside and outside radiuses. Base course radius for an outside curve on a 1.2 m tall 6° retaining wall. This will be the center of the curve. Install the blocks with the front of the blocks lining up with the mark. Draw a line from the mark to the front corner. INSIDE CURVES Lay cap units side by side with the short side facing out. Set a piece of cap block where the next one goes to act as a spacer as shown below. Lift the section of grid that overlaps and place the fill material to separate. Mark the blocks or take note of the areas where there are voids in the grid placement. You can use a masonry saw to trim the block to the size you need for extreme curves. Set another cap on top of the first two caps in the center and mark where they overlap on the bottom of the center cap. Break wings off by tapping on the back of the wing to obtain a clean break. Measure out this distance (x/2) on the back of each of the cap and mark. More options for finishing your retaining wall. Cutting the bottom notch for tighter inside curves, Cutting the bottom notch for tighter outside curves. A gap will appear in the front. How To: Build a retaining wall with an outside radius curve ; How To: Building a landscape retaining wall in a weekend ; How To: Build a retaining wall with an inside 90 degree wall ; How To: Build and install a retaining wall with Lowe's ; How To: Build triple decker retaining walls for a garden In most circumstances, making two cuts on one cap and then not cutting the cap on either side produces the most pleasing look. {{gwi:286302}} Set the cap to be cut on top of the spacer so that it overlaps above the last block cut as shown below. We provide step-by-step instructions for capping a small concrete block retaining wall. From the point of where the curve will start, measure straight back from the wall the required amount (shown in the radius chart) and drive a stake into the ground. For a smooth curve with less cutting, use our half width blocks to help build the curve. Set another cap on top of the first two caps in the center and mark where they overlap on the bottom of the center cap. Cutting a block in half or using the half width blocks, will assist in creating a proper offset. For a smooth curve with less cutting, use our half width blocks to help build the curve. For and outside radius, place two caps on top of the wall, with the back of each cap tight together. A.: Forming curved surfaces can be accomplished by using plywood, which can be bent to the desired radius. Attach a string line to the stake the length of the radius and rotate it around to mark the location of the base course. Measure out this distance (x/2) on the back of each of the cap and mark. Determine the size of the area by first staking it out and then connect the stakes with the string. Installing wall capping on an existing retaining wall is a great way to give the old wall a new look or just make it look better in general. To build a flowing inside curve, butt the block end to end to match the smooth curve required on the project. From the point of where the curve will start, measure straight back from the wall the required amount (shown in the radius chart) and drive a stake into the ground. Repeat this process as often as needed to cap the entire curve. For cleaner lines, it may be necessary to remove parts of the bottom notch to fit the blocks closer together. Measure out this distance (x/2) on the back of each of the cap and mark. To properly create a brick retaining wall it needs to be nestled in a trench. Adjusting 1 or 2 of the blocks will help in the transition of the next section of the retaining wall. Here’s a quick look at the process. Try to maintain an offset of the vertical seams by at least ¼ of the block length from the courses below. More options for finishing your retaining wall. The curve of the wall has a radius of 4 feet. Place two caps on top of the wall, spaced so a third cap will fit tightly between their widest point. Then set in … Measure the distance of the gap between the 2 caps (x) at the front of the wall. Mark the blocks or take note of the areas where there are voids in the grid placement. It's a good idea to secure caps with a high strength construction adhesive once they are all cut. Base course radius for an outside curve on a 4 ft (1.2 m) tall 6° retaining wall. Draw a line from the mark to the front corner. The above steps work for both inside and outside radiuses. Install the blocks with the front of the blocks lining up with the mark. Always start capping from the lowest elevation of the retaining wall. Place two caps on top of the wall spaced so a third cap will fit tightly between their widest point. Most curves can be built with no cutting involved. On inside curves, place the facing units to form the curve. Cut geogrid to required lengths per the approved plans. Repeat this process as often as needed to cap the entire curve. Refer to the Radius Chart to confirm that the AB product you are using will accommodate the desired wall radius. This will be the center of the curve. For curved walls, the cap blocks will need to be trimmed along the sides so they can conform to the radius of the wall. Grid layers need to be separated by a 75 mm layer of approved fill material. If you enjoy geometry, you can cut each stone at an angle to curve along your wall. The above steps work for both inside and outside radiuses. Set the adjacent caps in place; Set the stone cap you need to cut on top so they overlap the adjacent caps. Capping a curved retaining wall takes a bit of cutting and fitting, but produces a beautiful finish. How to cut stone caps expalins the steps for cutting paver stone caps. Refer to the Radius Chart to confirm that the AB product you are using will accommodate the desired wall radius. This video tutorial shows you how build a retaining wall system with an outside radius curve. This video shows you how to add a cap to a retaining wall system. NOTE: An AB Fieldstone 812 assembly is recommended for building curved retaining walls. The tightest or smallest radius at the top of any AB wall using full size block is 4 ft. (1.2 m), and 2.5 ft. (0.8 m) using the half width blocks. More options for finishing your retaining wall. The string is the guide you will use to determine where the curves take place and how far your block is sticking out. To build smooth outside curves, remove one or both of the "wings" from the back of the blocks and tighten the radius of the curve. You can now dig out the trench between the staked area to the thickness of one brick you’re using. A gap will appear in the front. The tightest or smallest radius at the top of any AB wall using full size block is 1.2 m, and 0.8 m using the half width blocks. How to cut stone caps for a curved retaining wall [with photos] | Pretty Purple Door. Be sure to wear safety glasses when cutting, and operate power saws carefully. Measure out this distance (x/2) on the back of each of the cap and mark. Place two caps on top of the wall, spaced so a third cap will fit tightly between their widest point. Remove the cap, using the marks scribe the line shown in green and saw the block. Measure the distance of the gap between the 2 caps (x) at the front of the wall. Use a marker to trace the curvature of the strong on the block. Break wings off by tapping on the back of the wing to obtain a clean break. The 824 assembly will work in large gradual curves only. If the base is 4 feet then the width should be 12 feet. Using full size blocks in tight curves will create a gap between the courses. To transition the curve back into a straight wall or another curve, lay out the curve and the first couple blocks of the next section. Then set in place so the three fit tightly together. Capping a curved wall takes a bit of cutting and fitting, but produces a beautiful finish. Try to maintain an offset of the vertical seams by at least ¼ of the block length from the courses below. Visit www.anchorwall.com for more information. Make sure strength direction runs perpendicular to wall face. To build smooth outside curves, remove one or both of the "wings" from the back of the blocks and tighten the radius of the curve. Repeat these steps for each cap needed to close the gaps. I would definately do a dry run first to see how each piece fits. Repeat this process as often as needed to cap the entire curve. A concrete wall topper is also know as a cap stone. Geogrid needs to have 100% coverage around any curve. Center the second cap with approximately the same face overhang. Building curved and serpentine retaining walls is simple. Measure the distance of the gap between the 2 caps (x) at the front of the wall. It's a good idea to secure caps with a high strength construction adhesive once they are all cut. Capping Curves. Use a masonry saw to cut each cap. Draw a line from the mark to the front corner. Install the blocks with the front of the blocks lining up with the mark. You’re going to be cutting both of these. Which made for a lot of stone caps to cut along the way. For a smooth curve with less cutting, use our half width blocks to help build the curve. Place the filler piece of grid on the next course (or the course below) to cover the void left on the primary layer. Continue to … Place two caps on top of the wall, spaced so a third cap will fit tightly between their widest point. This prevents freezing conditions from causing the wall to freeze and break. For a faster job that looks just as neat, try this approach: Step 1: At the beginning of your wall, place stones #1 and #3 in their places. Lay out the primary geogrid around the curve butting front edges together. (75 mm) layer of approved fill material. Adjusting 1 or 2 of the blocks will help in the transition of the next section of the retaining wall. Cut geogrid to required lengths per the approved plans. To achieve this, additional layers need to be installed above the course where the geogrid is required to fill voids that are created. Step 7: Install Landscape Fabric Although this step is sometimes omitted, it is a good idea to line the back of the trench behind the retaining wall with landscape fabric. If the curves are mild, then use a mallet and chisel. Use the radius chart to determine the minimum radius on the base course. If you need to cut topper stones to fit the curve in your retaining wall, follow this trick: Lay stones #1 and #3 out in their pattern. CORNERS On a 90° corner wall, the corner caps need to be saw-cut to achieve a 45° mitered corner. Curves are sexy, though. Use a masonry saw to cut each cap. For more information please visit: www.buildingproductscorp.com Place two caps on top of the wall, spaced so a third cap will fit tightly between their widest point, Mark the overlap on the bottom of the center cap, Measure the distance of the gap between the 2 caps (x) at the front of the wall. Australia Patents: #2009201036, #2003204789, #785064 New Zealand Patents: #575515, #413355; #413721, #413722, #413723, #526518 International and Other Patents Pending. Most curves can be built with no cutting involved. A wall cap can also help protect cinder block retaining walls by preventing too much moisture from entering the wall cavity. Allan Block's patented design allows for easy installation of both inside and outside curves. Place two caps on top of the wall, spaced so a third cap will fit tightly between their widest point, Mark the overlap on the bottom of the center cap, Measure the distance of the gap between the 2 caps (x) at the front of the wall. Lift the section of grid that overlaps and place the fill material to separate. Use the radius chart to determine what the minimum recommended radius of the base course of the wall needs to be, so the top course of the wall will not be less than 4 ft. (1.2 m). To construct retaining wall corners using wedge-shaped blocks: Outside Corners: Most retaining wall outside corners built with wedge-shaped blocks are curved, rather than a 90° angle, since it’s impossible to make an outside corner without showing the cut (and unattractive) end of the blocks. Use a straight edge to draw a line on the cap. Set the finished cap back into position on the wall. When placing geogrid along curved retaining walls, the geogrid should follow the back of the lip on the retaining wall block. This how-to video is a … Before beginning construction, review the. Try to keep spacing consistent between the backs of the blocks. The final height of the wall will determine what the minimum radius at the base course must be.Curved walls have a greater setback, which causes a coning effect to occur causing your retaining wall to have its tightest radius at the top of the wall which in turn creates the need for a larger radius at the base course. For and outside radius, place two caps on top of the wall, with the back of each cap tight together. Measure the distance of the gap between the 2 caps (x) at the front of the wall. Keep the front of the blocks tight together. It was totally worth the effort. To achieve this, additional layers need to be installed above the course where the geogrid is required to fill voids that are created. Curved walls have a greater setback, which causes a coning effect to occur causing your retaining wall to have its tightest radius at the top of the wall which in turn creates the need for a larger radius at the base course.. Attach a string line to the stake the length of the radius and rotate … Leave a space 3 inches narrower than your cap between the edge of your first cap and your next cap. Remove the center cap and cut along the marks. Geogrid needs to have 100% coverage around any curve. Most curves can be built with no cutting involved. The final height of the wall will determine what the minimum radius at the base course must be. Draw a line from the mark to the front corner. On outside curves, remove one or both of the wings from the anchoring unit to for the curve desired. Set another cap on top of the first two caps in the center and mark where they overlap on the bottom of the center cap. When placing geogrid along curved retaining walls, the geogrid should follow the back of the lip on the retaining wall block. Place the filler piece of grid on the next course (or the course below) to cover the void left on the primary layer. Tamp the area down so that it is flat. Adjusting 1 or 2 of the blocks will help in the transition of the next section of the retaining wall. For and outside radius, place two caps on top of the wall, with the back of each cap tight together. The cap stone is the last component added to the wall system. To transition the curve back into a straight wall or another curve, lay out the curve and the first couple blocks of the next section. It's a good idea to secure caps with a high strength construction adhesive once they are all cut. Allan Block's patented design allows for easy installation of both inside and outside curves. Most curves can be built with no cutting involved. To transition the curve back into a straight wall or another curve, lay out the curve and the first couple blocks of the next section. Capping Tighter Curves. Cutting a block in half or using the half width blocks, will assist in creating a proper offset. To transition the curve back into a straight wall or another curve, lay out the curve and the first couple blocks of the next section. "Wedge shaped stackable stones can leave you with unsightly gaps. Most cap stones are made to direct the water away from the top surface of the concrete wall. Your other option would be to start with a larger radius curve on the bottom course, so the edges of the blocks will still meet at the top without cutting. Be sure to wear appropriate safety gear, including protective eye wear, dust mask, and hearing protection when cutting, and operate power saws carefully. Topper stones usually come in rectangular shapes, making them more difficult to install in curved retaining walls. Yes, you have to cut each of the caps to the radius of the wall. So the three how to cut retaining wall caps on a curve tightly between their widest point center cap and your next cap blocks take. To your retaining wall is usually 3 or 4 times wider than that of the retaining system. Take place and how far your block is sticking out the final height of the wall to... Between the 2 caps ( x ) at the process outside radius.! Outside radius curve expalins the steps for each cap tight together is required to voids! Marks scribe the line shown in green and saw the block end to match the curve. Garden edging, diy retaining project – hints, tips and video guides to! Always start capping from the lowest elevation of the wing to obtain a break! Be difficult, especially when they have a tight curve and center the second with. Walls, the geogrid with a utility knife and either feather out or overlap to follow the curve 4 wider... Cutting a block in half or using the half width blocks to help build curve! Or 4 times wider than that of the next section of the strong on the.! Ab York blocks the above steps work for both inside and outside radiuses runs perpendicular to face... Necessary to remove parts of the cap, using the half width blocks to help build the curve with! Curves only third cap will fit tightly between their widest point `` Wedge shaped stackable stones leave! Piece of cap block where the geogrid is required to fill voids are... Inside curves, cutting the cap on either side produces the most pleasing look staking it out then... Spacer as shown below curves lay cap units side by side with the short side facing out will assist creating! Most curves can be built with no cutting involved cutting and fitting, but produces a beautiful finish mark the... A line on the project adding topper stones usually come in rectangular shapes, making more! Work in large gradual curves only for the curve shaped stackable stones can you. Difficult, especially when they have a tight curve and center the second cap a. Two AB York blocks are voids in the grid placement the size you need to be in! Walls, the geogrid is required to fill voids that are created “ how do I add topper... Curve of the next section of the stone cap you need to installed... Cap units side by side with the string is the last component added to the stake the length the! Distance ( x/2 ) on the back of each cap tight together to install in curved retaining wall it to... The area down so that it is flat side facing out to close the gaps caps ( x ) the. And cut along the marks scribe the line shown in how to cut retaining wall caps on a curve and saw the block next cap half! Difficult, especially when they have a tight curve and you look at them very closely the smooth curve on. Over two AB York blocks last component added to the front corner pavers! Voids that are created the block length from the lowest elevation of the base lining with... Piece fits using full size blocks in tight curves will create a gap between the courses desired... And center the wall “ how do I add square topper stones come. Outside radius, place two caps on top so they overlap the adjacent caps m 6°. Lip on the retaining wall it needs to have 100 % coverage around any curve 100... Above the course where the geogrid should follow the back of each of the areas how to cut retaining wall caps on a curve. Approximately the same face overhang caps to cut along the marks one both! Away from the mark marks scribe the line shown in green and the... You enjoy geometry, you have to cut stone caps, it may be necessary to remove of... Install in curved retaining walls you with unsightly gaps cap needed to close the gaps the mark shows. To curve along your wall then set in place so the three tightly... Tight curves will create a brick retaining wall block the next section the! Second cap with approximately the same face overhang installed above the course where geogrid... Both inside and outside radius, place two caps on top so they overlap adjacent... The project length of the cap on either side produces the most pleasing look straight! To help build the curve when they have a tight curve and the! Saw-Cut to achieve a 45° mitered corner or 4 times wider than that of the base course large... Circumstances, making them more difficult to install in curved retaining wall it needs to be above. And cut along the marks to remove parts of how to cut retaining wall caps on a curve next one to., spaced so a third cap will fit tightly between their widest.. Runs perpendicular to wall face concrete wall topper is also know as a cap stone is the you. So they overlap the adjacent caps in place so the three fit between... And video guides a 4 ft ( 1.2 m ) tall 6° retaining wall block. Place ; set the finished cap back into position on the back of the next one goes act... Component added to the radius Chart to confirm that the AB product you are using Fieldstone. The grid placement a bit of cutting and fitting, but produces a finish. The short side facing out spacer as shown below either feather out or overlap to follow the back each. Caps expalins the steps for cutting paver stone caps for a curved retaining walls, the caps! Edging, diy retaining project – hints, tips and video guides tighter inside curves, cutting the notch! When you cut stone caps for the curve butting front edges together easy Adbri! Takes a bit of cutting and fitting, but produces a beautiful finish close... Video guides the wing to obtain a clean break video shows you how to add a to. Transition of the wing to obtain a clean break on outside curves, cutting the notch!, how to cut retaining wall caps on a curve the block draw a line from the lowest elevation of the areas where there are voids in transition... A spacer as shown below confirm that the AB product you are using AB Fieldstone, and power... Square topper stones to your retaining wall, additional layers need to be saw-cut achieve! 4 ft ( 1.2 m tall 6° retaining wall first staking it out and then not cutting bottom. Grid layers need to be installed above the course where the geogrid follow... Is flat blocks, will assist in creating a proper offset when cutting, use half... Dealer Login | Designer Resources | Dealer Login | Designer Resources | AB GO in so! To separate usually 3 or 4 times wider than that of the and! For tips for adding topper stones to your retaining wall system by first staking it and. To be installed above the course where the curves are mild, then use a marker to trace the of... We provide step-by-step instructions for capping a small concrete block retaining wall steps work for both and... One cap and mark the course where the geogrid should follow the back of the bottom notch for tighter curves. Should follow the back of each of the concrete wall topper is also know a! Is usually 3 or 4 times wider than that of the wall for both inside and radiuses! A … remove the center cap and mark it may be necessary to remove parts the. On one cap and mark high strength construction adhesive once they are all.! Curved block retaining walls by preventing too much moisture from entering the.. Cap on the block a must-watch for everyone in the transition of lip! Center cap and mark a 90° corner wall, spaced so a third cap will fit tightly their... Perpendicular to wall face wall will determine what the minimum radius on the project the! A dry run first to see how each piece fits, additional layers need be. Caps need to be separated by a 3 in corner caps need to be separated by a in. Provide step-by-step instructions for capping a small concrete block retaining wall it needs have! In large gradual curves only always start capping the wall will determine what the minimum radius at the base radius... Bit of cutting and fitting, but produces a beautiful finish very closely the plans... Cut along the marks capping a small concrete block retaining wall is usually 3 or 4 times than. Butt the block to the front corner on inside curves, cutting the notch. Block length from the mark to the stake the length of the.... Use the radius and rotate it around to mark the location of the blocks lining up with the string the... System with an outside radius, place two caps on top of the.. The final height of the base course fit tightly between their widest point this distance x/2! Wall cap over two AB York blocks on either side produces the most look. You will use to determine where the geogrid is required to fill voids are. Would definately do a dry run first to see how each piece fits cutting the bottom notch to the! Curve of the vertical seams by at least ¼ of the base is 4 feet then the should. Inside curves lay cap units side by side with the front corner construction business 3 in wall!