How To Build A Wall Block

If you are looking for a way to add curb appeal, building a wall block can be a great option. There are several different types of blocks that you can choose from depending on your needs. Whatever type of block you choose, the basic steps will be the same. Let’s examine how to build a wall block.

Choose the type of wall block you would like to install.

Choose the type of wall block you would like to install. There are a variety of options available, including:
Concrete masonry unit (CMU) blocks
Face brick or natural stone
Glass block (glass-reinforced concrete)

There are many different sizes and shapes in each category, so be sure to select one that fits your needs.

Measure where you are going to build the wall.

To make sure you build the wall correctly, you will need to measure where you are going to build the wall:

The length of the wall (from one end to another)
The width of the wall (where there are no corners or intersecting walls)
The height of your finished wall
The depth of each individual block (measured from front to back)

Next, measure how steeply you want your finished product to slope:

Dig a trench as determined by the manufacturer.

When digging the trench, it is important to ensure that you are digging at the correct depth and width.

The depth of the trench can be determined by using a tape measure, ruler or other measuring device. For example, if you are building a wall block with 2×4 lumber and plan to use 2×4’s for your block walls, then your trench should be 8″ deep. If you were planning on using 3/4″ plywood for your block walls, then your trench should be 6″ deep as opposed to an 8″ depth. A good rule of thumb is that if you want one wall in each course of blocks to have an even height (i.e., not staggered), then half of those blocks should go into each layer of wall so that they are equal heights at all times throughout construction – again assuming all materials used are the same thicknesses!

Place gravel in the bottom of the trench, below frost line.

Gravel keeps water from seeping into your foundation, and it allows for drainage as well. It’s important to have this layer because if water gets into your foundation it could cause structural damage to your house. The frost line is a term used to describe where ground freezes during winter months; when you’re building a wall block, make sure not to place any dirt above this point so that you don’t cause an ice dam on top of your wall block (which could lead to drainage problems inside).

The gravel will also help make sure that your wall block is level and straight when finished installing it

Place your first block and work your way around.

Place your first wall block into the trench and make sure that it is level. The top of the block should be 1/8″ below grade (or ground level). Use a 3-foot level to check both sides, front and back.
Check all four sides of each block by placing a trowel or spade flat on its surface (not sharp) then lift upward across the four corners; if any part rises above 1/8″ remove excess dirt from under that area and try again until level is achieved at all points.
Check for plumb by pressing against two adjacent corners until you get an even response throughout: if only one side presses down evenly then use caution when applying mortar as it may cause uneven pressure in other areas which could lead to cracks forming later on after curing has taken place

Install corner blocks.

Now that you have the wall frames in place, you can add the corner blocks.

Once installed, a corner block will connect two walls together and provide lateral support. It’s important to make sure these corners are level with each other, so they look nice and straight when you walk around your house looking at them from every angle. You’ll also want to make sure they’re plumb (perpendicular or vertical) so everything lines up perfectly as well! Once installed correctly, this is what a corner block looks like:

Level each course and use a level on the sides, front and back.

Level each course and use a level on the sides, front and back.
Check for plumb by holding your level against the side of the wall. If it is not plumb, use your hammer to tap it into place until it touches along its entire length.
Check for levelness by holding your level against both ends of a block and checking if they are touching or leaning in opposite directions. If they are not touching, tap them together with your hammer until they do so.

Determine where you want to install your wall blocks and install them.

Now that you have determined where you want to install your wall blocks and how many there will be, it’s time to get started. First, choose the type of wall block that is best for your situation. Next things first: measure where you are going to build the wall and dig a trench as determined by the manufacturer (it will most likely be “dig 2 feet deep”). After this step has been completed, place gravel in the bottom of your trench below frost line so that when it rains or snows, water won’t seep into your trenches and freeze them over wintertime—this could cause an avalanche! Next place your first block on top of all this gravel and work around until complete.

Conclusion

When you are ready to start the installation of your wall block, the most important step is determining how long it will take you to finish. This way, you can plan ahead and allow time for any problems that may arise during installation. Once you have determined this, choose the type of wall block you wish to install and then measure where on your property this will be. Now sit back and enjoy.