Building Curved Walls with AB Courtyard
Building Curves on Existing Surfaces
BUILD A CURVE
The AB Courtyard Collection is designed to let you easily build curved and serpentine walls. Simply install the AB York Blocks with the long side of the block facing the outside of the curve. When building curved walls it is best to build the first two courses at the same time. This helps align the blocks so additional courses continue to stack properly. If building on soil, see Building an AB Courtyard Wall Panel to ensure a proper foundation is installed.
BUILD A CIRCLE
It takes 28 AB York Blocks to make a complete circle. Install the AB York Blocks with the long side of the block facing the outside of the circle. A pre-designed diameter for the circle is 81 in. (2.0 m). See here for additional options on larger flowing curves and radii.
BUILD A CURVE IN A WALL PANEL
Step 1: Make Adjustments
Before beginning the curve check to make sure both courses are angled correctly. Both courses need to be parallel with each other and angled toward the direction of the curve. If one block is angled the opposite direction, remove the last block and slide the entire course over one block to correct.
Step 2: Start of the Curve
On the first course, install an AB York Block by placing the long side of the block facing the outside of the curve. On the second course, where the wall changes from a curve to a straight section, an AB Dublin Block will need to be cut in a half (1/2) length to be used at the transition. This transition piece will be needed on every other course. See Building AB Courtyard Walls and Posts/Pillars Together or How-to sheet #210 for information on modifying blocks.
Step 3: Build the Curve
With the curve started, stack additional courses using the AB York Block and placing all of the blocks with their long sides facing the outside of the curve.
Step 4: End of the Curve
To change the direction back to a straight wall, on the first course at the end of the curve, turn the AB York Block around so the short side of the block is facing the outside of the curve. On the second course use the other AB Dublin half (1/2) length piece with the cut side facing out and toward the next section of the wall panel.
Step 5: Additional Courses
Repeat this same process as described in Steps 2-4 for any additional courses. Every odd numbered course will be laid out exactly the same with block layout and where the cut blocks will be used. The same is true for all even numbered courses.
Step 6: Finish
Finish the wall with Wall Caps. On curved walls, place the long end of the Wall Caps facing the outside of the curve. For proper alignment, start capping the wall at the curve and place the Wall Cap centered over two AB York Blocks with their long ends facing out. To transition the Wall Caps back to a straight section, alternate the direction of the Wall Cap. 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.
Larger Curves
Building Larger Curves
If a larger curve (radius) is part of your patio wall project, cutting some AB Dublin Blocks in half will be required, which allows just about any radius to be built. The easiest way to create a smooth curve is to alternate between an AB York Block and a half (1/2) AB Dublin Block through the entire curve. Limitless curves can be created by combining the various patterns shown here. AB Wall caps will need to be cut to follow any custom radius as well.
Step 1: Cut AB Dublin Blocks in Half
Cut 6 AB Dublin Blocks in half to start to assist with building the larger curve needed.
Step 2: Layout Larger Curve
Layout your curve building 2 courses at the same time to ensure proper fit. Combine the patterns shown here to create a custom flowing curve.
Step 3: Continue Building
Cut additional half AB Dublin Blocks as required and continue using the combination of patterns to achieve the curve required.
NOTE: By adding small gaps at a maximum 0.125 inch (3 mm), you can tighten the wall or feather it wider. When AB Dublin Blocks are angled in the opposite direction, use those half AB Dublin Blocks in Option C.
