AB Fieldstone Parapets

How to Build a Parapet or Double Sided Wall

Parapets can be built on an existing surface or to finish off the top of a retaining wall. It is now easy to incorporate patio enclosures, fencing or planters with the same product for the entire project.

When building parapets the AB Dogbone unit will be needed along with wall rock to fill the center void between the facing units to provide additional mass and pullout resistance. AB Dogbone units are half the height of the facing units. Two units are needed per 812 facing unit.

The AB Parapet Cap, with a finish on four sides, is a great option for capping or for creating substantial steps. At 18 in by 24 in (450 mm by 600 mm) this cap can be used in any orientation and also provides a great finish for corners.

Parapet Widths

Determining the width of the parapet will depend on what function it will perform, but there are two options.

Option A: Standard Parapet

(Opposing facing units attached to each other with the AB Dogbone unit) The AB Fieldstone parapets can be built with a standard width by installing the AB Dogbone units attached to both facing units. This standard width works well for straight walls and to build corners, but cannot accommodate curves. Typically, you will end the standard parapet with a post.

Standard Dogbone Interlocked Parapets with Corners

When building corners, a facing unit will need to be cut for each course to create the corner.

• Install the facing units up to the corner. Place the corner facing unit to create the outside corner.
• The facing unit on the inside will need to be cut to allow for the opposite facing unit to extend in to create the corner.
• Install AB Dogbones and wall rock. AB Dogbone units need to be installed in a staggered placement with the facing unit, one upper, one lower. Place the lower AB Dogbone units (one per facing unit). Backfill the wall rock in 4 in (100 mm) lifts to allow for staggered placement of the AB Dogbone units. Place upper AB Dogbone units in the opposite side of the facing unit, finish backfilling with wall rock. Two AB Dogbones are needed per facing unit and should have this staggered placement.

Posts and Standard Dogbone Interlocked Parapets with Posts

Stand alone posts are built using four corner facing units per course. These blocks have a textured side as well as a textured face. Larger posts can be built by adding cut or full length 812 units to each face.

• For Posts, every facing unit needs to have one AB Dogbone unit to secure in place. Fill posts with wall rock in 4 in (100 mm) lifts to allow for staggered placement of AB Dogbone units.
• For Parapets with Posts. Finish a standard width parapet to post location installing AB Dogbones that connect to both facing units. Install a post at end of parapet panel.
• When building Posts within the wall, the corner facing units do not need to be used where the wall meets the post as the textured side is not visible. Use four corner facing units for each course that exceeds the height of the adjoining parapets.

Option B: Wider or Curved Parapets

This option accommodates any width since the AB Dogbone Units are not connecting the facing units. There are a few widths that make construction easier. A slightly wider parapet that requires no cutting uses two corner blocks to end the wall and works extremely well in straight, corner and curved applications.

Straight Parapets - No Cutting Needed

• Begin by placing the AB Fieldstone facing units on the base material or existing surface. Check for level and alignment.
• Install AB Dogbones and wall rock. Stagger the AB Dogbone units, one up and one down with the facing units to ensure each facing unit has two AB Dogbones securing it in place for every course. Install lower AB Dogbone units first, then backfill with wall rock in 4 in (100 mm) lifts. Place upper AB Dogbone units, finish backfilling with wall rock.
• Use care when backfilling with wall rock so facing units do not move out of alignment. External jigs or supports may be required.

Wider Parapets - Ending and Corners

To create a wider parapet end with minimal cutting, we recommend using two 812 corner facing units (A) on odd courses and one cut 824 facing unit (B) on the even courses. However, you can create your own parapet width because the AB Fieldstone parapet can be built with custom spacing between to create a wider planter or bar as examples.

Curved Parapets

• When building curved parapets, the parapet must be wider than the standard parapet application because the AB Dogbone units do not line up or attach to both facing units.
• To ensure equal spacing between the facing units remain correct and parallel to each other, level and plumb each course using a tape measure, jig or clamp.
• Stagger the AB Dogbone units, one up and one down with the facing units to ensure each facing unit has two AB Dogbones securing it in place for every course.