Enhance your yard by making walls with landscaping-blocks and bricks
There are a few things to consider when setting up a block wall. For instance, is the ground stable? I know that's a funny question, but in the cold areas we have frost heaves that wreak havoc on walls and foundations. In St. George, Utah, they have this innocent looking type of soil called blue clay. Once it gets wet, it starts to expand and has toppled many walls and caused a lot of problems with foundations. Once you have determined that your walls will stay put, you can get really creative.
The block used in this example is a very neat and organized style. It matches its surroundings and the maintenance is almost nothing.
This type of red block contrasts very nicely with the green lawn. The two-tiered walls is a nice touch also. The blocks actually have a subtle offset for strength and it looks fantastic. Making a concrete retaining wall is really quite easy apart from the fact that the blocks are dang heavy.
First we need to start out by digging a small trench and leveling the ground where we want to lay the block. It's also important to spread a shallow layer of gravel into the trench for proper drainage.
Most landscaping-blocks don't require cement or mortar because the weight holds them in place. If a dividing wall is put in, it's a good idea to use mortar to hold the blocks in place.
Concrete block or cinder block needs to be secured because they are hollow and they can fall over.
I like these block steps. It reminds me of the Mayan civilization where they had different levels everywhere. I'll bet the Mayans fell down the stairs a lot.
This is a nice contrast of brick and stone. Making walls with landscaping-blocks and bricks top of page
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