Building an AB Courtyard Wall Panel
How to Build a Patio Wall Panel
Patio wall panels can be used to build a wide variety of projects in your own backyard. These basic steps will help you learn how to build a simple wall panel either on an existing patio or on soil. Once you have the basics steps in hand you can build everything from seating walls, and outdoor rooms to ponds, fire pits and garden walls.
Building Wall Panels in Soil or on Existing Patios or Pavement
Step 1: Layout
If building on an existing surface, determine the location of the wall panel. To ensure that the placement of the wall is straight, and in the desired location, use a string line. Go to Step 5.
Determine the location of the wall panel and lay the first course of block to determine the shape of the wall and to establish where to dig the trench. AB Dublin, AB York or both blocks together can be used for the base course.
Step 2: Build Foundation*
Mark the location of the wall with a shovel, remove the blocks and dig a level trench 3 in. deep (75 mm) and 7 in. wide (178 mm).
Step 3: Fill
Place 3 in. (75 mm) of base rock in the trench and compact using a hand tamper.
*NOTE:
The soil beneath the foundation pad must be a good quality compactible material. If soft soils are encountered, they will need to be removed and replaced with additional base rock. A good foundation will ensure a stable wall for years to come.
Step 4: Level
Level the base rock. We recommend using a 2x4 and a level to ensure the entire base is level. Make any adjustments as needed by adding or removing the base rock.
Step 5: Build
Install the first two courses of block at the same time, tamping and leveling into place. Place 3-5 blocks in the trench, level, then place 3-5 blocks on the second course. Installing the first two courses at the same time will ensure that the blocks line up properly. The raised rings on the top of the blocks lock the courses together by fitting into the blocks above.
Step 6: Continue Building
Continue stacking courses of blocks in the pattern you have chosen until the desired height is achieved. Remember to offset the block seams on each course of blocks from the course below. See the Helpful Tips below for additional information.
Step 7: Finish
Finish the wall with Wall Caps. On straight sections alternate the direction of the Wall Cap. On curved walls, place the short side of the caps on the inside of the curve. Secure the Wall Caps in place with a bead of flexible concrete adhesive along both sides of the raised rings and along the side of each Wall Cap.
For more information see How-to sheet #120: Building a wall panel on soil or an existing patio.
HELPFUL TIPS:
AB Dublin Block- Install the same angled block one after another, to switch to the other angled AB Dublin Block, place an AB York Block in between. (see photos at right).
AB York Block- For a straight panel, rotate every other block to create a straight section. For a curved panel, place the short side of the block facing the inside of the curve.
Additional Information:
If taller wall panels are desired, see the additional construction information to ensure stability.
If building your wall panel with posts/pillars, interlock them together for added stability.
For more information see How-to sheet #230: Interlocking Walls & Posts
For more information see How-to sheet #110: Wall Panel Tips & Tricks
Adding Strength to Patio Walls
The AB Courtyard Collection is designed to let you build a variety of wall types. For taller walls you may find it desirable to add reinforcement to increase the stability of your patio walls. The 4 options below to show how this can be achieved.
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How-To Sheet #150
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Install Guide
Option 1: Adding Strength With Metal Pipes
Adding metal posts within your wall panels will provide hidden reinforcement and resistance to overturning. The pipe adds overturning stability to the wall.
Step 1: Plan - Measure
Determine the length of the metal pipe by adding the height of the wall - not including the cap - and approximately 1-2 feet (300-600 mm) additional for the amount of pipe that will be pounded into the ground below.
You Will Need:
- 1 3/8 in. or smaller metal piping
(like that used for the horizontal pipe in chain link fences) - Large diameter pipe cutter
- Small sledge hammer or fence post driver
Step 2: Place Pipe
After cutting the pipe to the appropriate length, slide the metal pipe down through the hole in the top course of wall blocks. Remove the top course of blocks as you drive the pipe to its desired depth. This provides room for the pipe to be driven into the ground.
Step 3: Drive Pipe
Pound the pipe into the ground using your sledge hammer or fence post driver approximately 1–2 feet (300–600 mm) deep or until desired stability is achieved.
Video: How to Build a Taller Patio Wall
Trim the pipe to length
Place the pipe into the wall panel
Drive pipe into place
Option 2: Adding Strength With Adhesive
Securing the caps and top course of the wall together with flexible concrete adhesive increases the stability of the wall. Secure the Wall Caps in place with a bead of flexible concrete adhesive along both sides of the raised rings and along the side of each Wall Cap.
Secure Wall Caps into place with adhesive
Option 3: Adding Strength With Curves, Corners or Posts/Pillars
Designing curves, corners, or posts/pillars into the wall panels will add additional stability to the wall panel without any added steps.
Curves
Corners
Add Posts
Option 4: Adding Strength by Interlocking the Panels into the Posts/Pillars
Use Corner Blocks to tie the wall panels into the posts/pillar structures, by placing a Corner Block half on the wall panel and half within the post/pillar. This will interlock them together adding stability to the wall panel. See How-to sheet #230: Interlocking Walls and Posts.
Interlock walls and posts