AB Courtyard Weekend Projects: Patio Enclosure & Light Post
Patio Enclosure
In no time you can be sitting on your patio and enjoying your new living space. For an added touch, install lighting features.

To build a Patio Enclosure you will need AB York, AB Dublin, AB Corners, Post and Wall Caps.
Step 1 - Measure existing patio and mark approximate location of posts/pillars, wall panels and openings to exit patio.
Step 2 - Starting at the corner, install 2 courses at a time.
Step 3 - Build out in both directions to the next post/pillar locations.
Step 4 - Build posts/pillars and continue with any additional wall panels.
Step 5 - Build additional courses.
Step 6 - Install Wall and Post Caps.
See How-to Sheet #260 for complete details.
How to a Build Patio Enclosure
Use the AB Courtyard Collection to create a beautiful, maintenance-free patio walls to surround your patio. This project demonstrates how to build a patio enclosure using posts/pillars, corners and wall panels on a hard, level surface, such as concrete or pavers. To build on soil, you must create a post foundation pad and a wall panel foundation pad.

Step 1: Choose Your Layout
Determine the layout of your enclosure and mark out a guideline for the placement of the walls and posts/pillars. This example incorporates corners and posts/pillars with the wall panels.
Step 2: Start at the Corner
If corners are in your design, always start the building process there and work out in both directions (Figure 1). Starting at the corner allows you to make adjustments if necessary at the end of the wall panels by splitting or cutting blocks. Adjustments should not be made at the corner or within the wall panels.

Patio Layout
Place a Corner Block along the guideline at the corner location with the long side facing out. Then, split an AB Dublin end-split block along the splitting notch and place the large piece with the split side against the Corner block (Figure 1). Splitting the block creates a straight edge so there will not be a gap where the blocks meet. Learn more about splitting blocks.
Next build the second course of the corner, alternate the position of the Corner block to face the opposite direction of the one on the first course (Figure 1). Use the remaining small piece of the AB Dublin end-split block and place it with the split side against the Corner block to finish the second course of the corner. Installing the first two courses at the same time will ensure proper alignment of the entire project. Learn more about building corners.
Step 3: Build the Wall Panel
Begin building the first two courses of the wall panel out from the corner in both directions in the pattern you have chosen. In this example we are using a combination of AB York and AB Dublin blocks (Figure 3). Continue building in both directions to where the posts/pillars will be located.
The last block on every course of the wall panel next to the post/pillar or the house will be a split block (Figure 4). Using a split block allows the panel to be flush with the post/pillar. If a standard angled block shape is used there will be a gap where the panel and the post/pillar meet. If additional adjustments to the wall panel are needed, make them here before building the post/pillar.
To end at the post/pillar, alternate the split blocks used on every other course. We used an AB Dublin end-split block on every other course. Place the small piece with the split side facing out toward the post/pillar location. On the alternate courses we used an AB Dublin center-split block. Place one half with the split side facing out toward the post/pillar location. Depending on your wall panel pattern you may need to reverse the order of the split blocks on each course.

Figure 1: Corner Layout

Figure 3: First Wall Panel Course Layout

Figure 4: First Wall Panel Layout

Build 2 courses at a time and build out from the corner in both directions

Build the Wall Panel

Split an AB Dublin Center-Split Block

Split an AB Dublin End-Split Block

Place Split Blocks in Wall Panel
Step 4: Build the First Post
Install the first course of the posts/pillars with 4 Corner blocks with the long sides facing out (Figure 5) centered with the wall panel. Then align them with a square making adjustments as needed. Shims can be used to help level the blocks if the existing surface being built on is not level.
On the second course, place the Corner blocks so that they overlap the blocks beneath them. This pattern will offset the vertical seams. Learn more about building posts/pillars.

Figure 5: Post/Pillar Patterns

Build the First Course of the Post

Offset the Vertical Seams
Step 5: Build the Next Wall
In this section, we are building the wall adjacent to the house (Figure 6). To do this we will repeat the same steps used when ending a wall panel at a post/pillar as shown in Step 2. To build a wall panel off any flat surface you will need to split blocks. Using a split block allows the panel to be flush with the house. Learn more about splitting blocks.
On every other course you will need an AB Dublin center-split block. On the alternate courses you can use either an AB Dublin end-split block or an AB York center-split block.
Use an AB Dublin center-split block to start the first course. Place one half with the split side against the house (Figure 7). Save the other half for the end of this course where it meets up with the post/pillar. Place the next block of the first course against the split block. We recommend installing the first two courses of the wall panel at the same time to ensure proper alignment.
On the second course, split an AB Dublin end-split block and place the large piece with its split side against the house. Save the small piece to use at the end of this course. Continue stacking the wall panel to the next post location using the pattern you have chosen, ending each course with the remaining split block used at the beginning of that course, with split side facing out.

Figure 6: 2nd Wall Panel Course Layout

Figure 7: 2nd Wall Panel Layout

Build Next Wall Panel

Build Second Course

Use Saved Split Blocks

Build the Next Post
Step 6: Build the Next Post/Pillar
At the end of the wall panel install the next post/pillar using the same layout as in Step 3. Then align them with a square. Place the next course of Corner blocks, making sure to offset the vertical seams from the blocks below.
Repeat steps 1-5 for any additional wall panels, posts/pillars or corners incorporated into your design.
Step 7: Build Additional Courses
Once the first 2 courses of the project are in place, stack additional courses on the posts/pillars and wall panels. Alternate the pattern on every other course until the desired heights are achieved. In this example we have built the posts/pillars 5 courses high and the wall panels 3 courses high.

Build Additional Courses

Install Post Caps
Step 8: Finish with Caps
Finish each post/pillar with two Post Caps. To secure the Post Caps in place, apply a bead of masonry adhesive along the outside edge of the top course of Corner blocks and then set the Post Caps in place.
Finish each wall panel with Wall Caps. Starting at the corner place the two Wall Caps following the wall in the same direction. Place Wall Cap (A) with the long end facing the outside of the wall (Figure 8). Alternate the direction of the Wall Cap next to it for a straight wall.
Next place Wall Cap (B) on the other side of the corner. Place the short end of the Wall Cap facing the outside of the wall. Make adjustments as necessary to ensure they line up properly at the corner.
Secure the Wall Caps in place with a bead of masonry adhesive along both sides of the raised rings and along the sides of each Wall Cap.

Finished Patio Enclosure

Figure 8: Wall Cap

Cap the Corner

Secure Caps with Adhesive
Tools Needed
- Square
- Measuring Tape
- String Line
- Saw with a Masonry Blade
- Hammer & Chisel
- Safety Glasses & Work Gloves
Materials Needed
- Corner Blocks
- AB York Blocks
- AB Dublin Blocks
- Wall Caps
- Post Caps
- Masonry Adhesive
These are the exact numbers based on our installation. We would recommend purchasing additional block to accommodate for design changes, shipping or breakage.
Light Post
Illuminate your entryway or landscape with a light post. The additional light will accent your surroundings and make a great impression with your guests.

To build a Light Post you will need AB Corners and Post Caps.
Step 1 - Determine location and mark out with a shovel.
Step 2 - Run electrical wiring per code.
Step 3 - Prepare foundation pad and level.
Step 4 - Build 1st course of post/pillar, level and adjust.
Step 5 - Install additional courses to desired height.
Step 6 - Modify and install Post Caps to allow for wiring.
Step 7 - Install light fixture.
See How-to Sheet #360 for complete details.
How to Build a Light Post
Building a light post is easy. Light posts can be built on existing patios or pavement, as well as on an unfinished surface such as soil or grass. If you will be building in an area that does not have an existing patio or pavement, see How-to Sheet #220 Building Posts for more information. To build on soil, you must create a foundation pad.
This project demonstrates how to build a light post that is 3 ft. (1 m) tall on an unfinished surface.
Step 1: Prepare the Foundation Pad
Prepare a foundation pad by removing the sod and soil creating a hole 24 in. square (600 mm) by 4 in. (100 mm) deep.
Poor soil conditions under the foundation pad may require additional attention. Learn more about adding strength to posts/pillars.
Step 2: Run the Conduit
Run the conduit from the electrical source to the center of the foundation pad. (Figure 1). We recommend placing the wire in plastic conduit for protection. Always follow local electrical codes for proper conduit installation depth and wiring requirements.
Step 3: Install Wall Rock
Lay 4 in. (100 mm) of base rock in the foundation pad and thoroughly compact with a hand tamper, leveling in all directions.

Figure 1: Foundation Pad
Step 4: Build the Base Course
To begin the post/pillar base course, place 4 Corner Blocks with the long sides facing out. Align the blocks with a square, and level with a dead blow hammer.
Step 5: Build the Second Course
Place the second course of blocks by alternating the pattern to offset the vertical seams. Continue stacking courses, alternating the pattern until the desired height is achieved. Add the final length of conduit and run the wiring to the top of the post/pillar, making sure that the wiring extends up past the post/pillar and post cap.

Post Layout Patterns

Install the Wall Rock

Install the Base Course Level & Align the Block
Step 6: Cap the Post
Finish the post/pillar with two Post Caps. Each cap will need a notch cut out of the center for the wiring. Using a skill saw with a masonry blade, in the center of both Post Caps make a 2 in. (50 mm) wide notch, by making several 1 in. (25 mm) deep cuts to score the area. Then with a hammer and chisel, knock out the small pieces. Once the notch is completed, place both Post Caps on the post/pillar so that the notches line up.
Step 7: Secure the Caps
Apply a bead of masonry adhesive near the outside edge of each corner block. Place the caps on top of the post/pillar, making sure that your conduit extends up through the hole in the Post Caps.

Light Post Assembly

Install the Second Course Offset the Vertical Seams

Score Cap with Saw
Step 8: Add the Light Fixture
To mount the light base, position it in the center of the post. Mark the position of the screw holes. Drill holes for the masonry anchors using a power drill with a masonry bit. Insert the anchors into the holes, add the light base and fasten to the Post Cap with screws. Once the light base is attached to the post/pillar, complete the wiring for your light using the factory instructions, then attach the light to the light base.

Light Post with Iron Fencing

Remove Scored Pieces From Notch

Mount the Light Base

Attach the Light Fixture
Tools Needed
- Measuring Tape
- Level
- Dead Blow Hammer
- Saw with a Masonry Blade
- Hand Compactor
- Hammer & Chisel
- Drill with a Masonry Bit
- Hammer & Chisel
- Safety Glasses
- Work Gloves
Materials Needed
- 24 Corner Blocks
- 2 Post Caps
- 1 Tube of Masonry Adhesive
- 3-50 lbs (23 kg) Bags of Base Rock
- Light Fixture
- Electrical Wiring
These are the exact numbers based on our installation. We would recommend purchasing additional block to accommodate for design changes, shipping or breakage.