Building a garden wall is an excellent way to add privacy to your yard, as well as give it some character. It’s also a great place to plant climbing plants and flowers. If you decide to build a garden wall, the most important thing is that it must be durable so that it can withstand years of weathering. In this article, we’ll show you how to build a garden wall with blocks.
Building a garden wall with blocks is a great way to add an aesthetic feature to your property that’s also functional. A garden wall can help to keep your garden soil moist, which helps to avoid the need for watering. The wall also provides a place for plants to grow, which means you can enjoy the beauty of flowers throughout the year.
For gardeners and exterior landscapers, a quality retaining wall is a valuable asset. It can mark a border, outline the perimeter of your property, or simply add flair to an otherwise flat lawn. Whatever your motivation for installing a retaining wall in your backyard, it’s important to follow best practices and keep both practicality and aesthetics in mind. If you’re looking to build a garden wall with blocks yourself or with the help of a professional landscaper, this article will walk you through some tips for your project!
1. Choose Concrete Block Size
Consider the size of your wall before you begin building. Concrete blocks come in a variety of sizes and are sold in multiples of a standard size. For example, if your project requires 500 lbs of concrete blocks, they will most likely be sold in 25 lb bags (or boxes).
- Standard Block Size: 8″ X 8″ X 16″ (3 cu ft)
- Smaller Block Size: 6″ X 6″ X 12″ (1 cu ft)
The size of your wall should correspond with the amount of concrete blocks needed for its construction. If you have an odd shaped space to fill or need more than 3 cubic feet of material, use smaller blocks to create a custom fit for your needs.
2. Prepare For Wall Base Courses
- Prepare For Wall Base Courses
- Remove any vegetation, debris and rocks from the base course area. Make sure that the ground is firm, level and free of any debris or vegetation.
3. Use Level String to Set Block Height
The third step to building a garden wall with blocks is to use a level string to set the height for each block. To do this, you need to place your level string on top of the first block you laid out and then use it as a guide for all subsequent blocks.
You can use this method for either straight walls or curved walls (it’s just easier with straight walls).
4. Place Each Block on Level Bedding
- Place each block on level bedding. To ensure that the blocks are level, place them on a solid base such as concrete or sand.
- Use a long level to check for any slopes in the blocks during construction.
5. Check with Level as You Go
After you’ve laid each course, check with a level to make sure it’s level. If your initial block height was 1″, you should have a row that is 1″ high, and then another row that is 2″ high. When checking for level after each course, keep in mind that the first course will be shorter than the others because of its base width (2″).
To ensure precision throughout all levels of your garden wall, determine the highest point on the ground at which you want your wall to end. Then mark this point with stakes or flags along each side of where your walls will go; this will help serve as guides when checking for level during both installation and maintenance of your garden walls.
6. Allow for Expansion Joints in Concrete Walls
Expansion joints are a good idea because they allow the concrete to expand and contract. The addition of an expansion joint will ensure that your wall has enough room to breathe, preventing cracks from forming in the future.
7. How to Join Blocks Together With Mortar
- Apply mortar to the back of each block.
- Place the block on top of the previous one and press down firmly until you’re sure it’s level with your eye (a level can help).
- Repeat for every subsequent block in your wall, making sure not to overwork any one area of mortar or else it’ll become too dry and crumble away when you place another block on top of it!
8. Apply Mortar Consistently and Thoroughly
Once you have applied your mortar, use a trowel to spread it around on the surface of every block. If necessary, use a spirit level to ensure that it is even across all sides. Let the mortar dry for 24 hours before filling in any gaps with more mortar and letting that dry.
Building a garden wall is easier than you think, and can add interest to your garden or outdoor area
Building a garden wall is easier than you think, and can add interest to your garden or outdoor area.
Garden walls are a great way to add privacy, or to create a boundary between your garden and the rest of your property. They can also be built from a variety of materials, including brick, stone, or concrete blocks.
Conclusion
And there you have it—three easy steps to building your own garden wall! It’s a fun project that can add a lot of value to your home, and the skills you learn will be ones you can use for many projects in the future. Don’t be afraid to get started
