What's New: AB Advanced Residential Contractor Certification Program
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Becoming an AB Certified Contractor is an achievement to hold in high esteem. Though the program focuses on your expertise in building segmental retaining walls, don’t forget it’s equally important to build your sales promotion skills as well. To help you move the needle in your homeowner sales communication, Allan Block has created the next step, the AB Advanced Residential Contractor Certification Program. Completing this course provides you with a professional approach and gives you knowledge on how to polish your big proposals to make you stand out from the competition
In this class you will:
- Master the 3-step approach to selling a project
- Learn to understand customer needs and tailor your proposals with a professional look
- Learn how to efficiently utilize the Allan Block tools and website
- Incorporate patio packages into retaining wall proposals to expand your sales opportunities
Much like the AB Contractor Certification Program, there are three levels to progress through: Qualified, Professional, and AB Expert. To move up the ranks of the Advanced Residential Program, the focus is on developing the various submittals available to demonstrate to the homeowner a level of professionalism that is not often experienced in our industry. If you are interested, please contact your local AB sales rep for any upcoming classes, or visit the Contractor Portal on our website for more information.
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AB Retaining Wall Estimating Tool
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What is the first thing a potential customer asks you, the contractor, for? What is this going to cost!! And we know that completing a proper estimate is one of the most time-consuming tasks a contractor must deal with. Having an accurate estimate can make or break a contractor’s ability to make a profit on the project. Fortunately, Allan Block has provided a solution to the task of completing a proper estimate.
That’s why the AB Retaining Wall Estimating Tool is here! If you haven’t tried it yet, now is the perfect time. This tool makes estimating retaining walls simple, saves time, and helps you give your customers the exact details they need. The tool is developed to work for contractors new to retaining walls while providing the detailed ability to refine your bid for the seasoned veteran. The basis of the AB Estimating Tool starts with the premise that we will help to Educate the user to be able to develop a concept design estimate based on industry accepted Best Practices. Following the clearly defined steps allows you to develop a detailed Estimate for the concept design you are using to provide a solution to your customer. And then the output has been structured to help you communicate what you are proposing to your potential client so you can Sell the job and grow your business.
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But that’s not all! We’ve also introduced the AB Layout Tool, which works perfectly with the AB Estimating Tool. Together, they make estimating faster, easier, and much less stressful. This allows you to trace over a wall on any drawing or pdf document to accelerate the work of inputting the layout of the walls on your project.
How Do These Tools Work Together?
By using the AB Estimating Tool and AB Layout Tool together, you can easily start your project in the Estimating Tool, select soil and wall conditions, then switch to the Layout Tool to trace your wall. After importing a PDF or image of your project and setting your wall heights, you can quickly send the data back to the Estimating Tool to complete your project and generate a professional report. This easy process allows you to efficiently design and estimate your retaining wall all in one flow.
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Why Use These Tools Together?
These tools are built to save you time and make your work easier:
- Faster: Trace walls and gather accurate data quickly—no complicated math needed!
- More Accurate: Data is sent straight to the Estimating Tool, so there are no mistakes.
- Easy to Use: Simple steps make it great for beginners and experts alike.
Why wait? Try out our AB tools today and see how much easier estimating can be! If you have questions or want a training session, call us at 800-899-5309 or email salessupport@allanblock.com.
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Do You Know What Training Level You're At?
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We’ve been working behind the scenes to bring you something exciting - the AB Contractor Outreach Program! This new program is designed to help your trained and certified AB Team progress through the AB Contractor Certification Program with ease.
What is the AB Contractor Outreach Program?
This program helps contractors move through the AB Contractor Certification Program and Rewards Programs by simplifying progress tracking, project submissions, and documentation—so you can focus on your work.
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How It Works
Allan Block will be sending out access to direct you to a personalized page that tracks your progress in the AB Contractor Certification Program and AB Contractor Rewards Program. This allows you access to the Contractor Resource Page to do the following:
- Project & Photo Submission- Raise your certification level and submit for AB Conrtactor Rewards
- AB Estimating Tool– Plan and estimate projects quickly.
- Submittal Builder– Create project proposals with ease.
- Resume Builder– Showcase your projects with a professional resume.
- Custom Catalog Builder– Present your products and services professionally.
- AB Workshop Videos– Stay updated with training and industry standards.
This new AB Contractor Outreach Program will help you to become a Master Wall Builder faster by controlling the projects you submit and being able to record projects for your crew to earn them rewards and move them on the path to becoming an AB Certified Contractor.
Take advantage of the AB Contractor Outreach Program and make your job easier! Sign up today!!!
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Application Highlight: Base Trench Installation
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The most important part of the retaining wall installation process is having a proper base foundation. Since an Allan Block wall is more flexible than many rigid retaining wall structures, having a foundation that will work with segmental retaining wall blocks is essential. Check out our retaining wall base trench video and more, for an in-depth overview.
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- Stake your wall layout and use a string line to mark out the length of the wall
- Excavate in front and behind the wall, removing vegetation and organic soils
- Consider how far back your grid lengths will run
- Dig the base trench at the lowest elevation specified on the approved plans.
- Minimum width for the trench is 24 in. (610 mm) and the minimum depth is 6 in. (150 mm)
- Use a plate compactor and make 2 passes in the trench to compact material
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If your approved plans require drainpipes, install them at the lowest possible point toward the back of the trench that will be vented to daylight every 50 ft (15 m). That could be below the wall or alternatively through the block face itself. See our installation guide for more on installing drainpipes and placement.
- Put minimum of 6 in. (150 mm) of wall rock in the trench – rake and compact to achieve level
We can now proceed to go ahead and start laying the base course of block. For questions on the process or clarification, give us a call at 800-899-5309 or send the engineering department an email at engineering@allanblock.com.
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Featured Collection: AB Metropolitan Collection™
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Ready to upgrade your outdoor space? The AB Metropolitan Collection by Allan Block is here to give your landscaping a sleek, modern makeover! These blocks are all about clean lines, bold design, and making your walls the talk of the neighborhood. Whether you're working on a garden project or tackling something bigger, this collection has you covered.
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Why You'll Love It:
- Architectural look and style offering a minimalistic style with smooth face
- Main focus is on functionality and affordability
- Available in the AB Metro Classic, Cap and Corner and can be integrated in with our other collections of retaining walls.
- Same installation process as our other retaining wall collections
- These blocks are manufactured to last through whatever nature throws at them, keeping your walls looking sharp for years to come.
The AB Metropolitan Collection is all about blending style, durability, and simplicity. So, why not treat your outdoor space to a little upgrade? After all, a backyard deserves to look as good as your inside decor!
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Contractor Talk: When Do You Need a Fence Above a Retaining Wall?
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Retaining walls help prevent erosion and create level ground, but they can also pose safety risks. In many cases, adding a fence on top is necessary to protect people, vehicles, and property. Regulations often require fences for walls:
- Taller than 30 in. (750 mm)
- Near walkways or driveways
- Commercial properties
Checking local building codes before starting a project is crucial to ensure compliance.
Even when not legally required, fences add an extra layer of protection. They help prevent accidents by keeping children and pets from falling, blocking vehicles from rolling over the edge, and providing security in high-traffic areas. Choosing the right type of fence, whether metal railings for visibility, wood or vinyl for privacy, or chain-link for affordability depends on the project’s needs. Proper installation is key. Use stable footings, ensure proper drainage, and consult an expert for taller structures. Ultimately, a well-planned fence enhances both safety and aesthetics, making it a smart addition to many retaining walls.
For more information on installation of fences above walls, refer to our Fences Above Retaining Walls tech sheet.
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Contractor Program: Plan for Rewards in 2025
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Every contractor who attends one of our AB Contractor Certification classes is automatically eligible for our AB Rewards Program.
How do you get a reward? Attend an AB Contractor Certification class and build a wall(s) to meet the minimum requirements (below). Then, let either your local sales rep know or send the project information into Allan Block. If already certified, submit information the same year wall built.
How many rewards can you get a year? Once certified, up to 3 each year, like the Olympics we have a Bronze, Silver, and Gold reward.
What are the requirements for each reward? Each level of reward has slightly different requirements:
Bronze: 1 wall(s) with a minimum of 300 sq ft (90 m) and 3 ft (1 m) tall.
Silver: 3 additional walls with a minimum of 500 sq ft (150 m) and 3 sq ft (1 m) tall.
Gold: 3 additional walls (after Silver) with a minimum of 600 sq ft (180 m) and 3 sq ft (1 m)
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Send your project information to info@allanblock.com to get your 2025 rewards! Check out the AB Rewards Program flyer for more information.
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Hot Topic: Considerations for Planting Above a Retaining
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Adding plants on top of a segmental retaining wall is a popular way to prevent erosion and improve its appearance. Allan Block, in collaboration with the Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association, has created a tech sheet to guide you through the process. Below are some key tips from the SRW-FAQ-003-24 technical sheet. However, it's important to review the full document, as these points don't cover everything recommended.
- The tree shrub size, type, and location should be selected based on the size of the mature plant so that it does not affect the wall negatively
- Trees should be placed so that the drip line of the mature plant does not hang over the wall face
- If permanent irrigation is installed consult with the design engineer
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Another way to enhance the look of your wall is to use the core of the top block as a planter. The resulting look is a living wall like the image you see on the right. Check out the technical detail, AB-15 Plantable, for information on how to achieve this earthy look.
If you have any questions about planting above your retaining wall or within the cores, give us a call at 800-899-5309 or send the engineering department an email at engineering@allanblock.com.
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We Want to See Your Projects!
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Send us pictures of your projects from all over the world!
Have you worked on any Allan Block projects? Share your photos with us and get your work noticed!
It’s a great, easy way to grow your business and build your reputation. Plus, you might even score some AB swag! Send your project photos today and let your work shine!
Send us your project photos for an option to be featured in our materials. Share them with us via email, Dropbox or wetransfer.com to gerri@allanblock.com.
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Allan Block Corporation
7424 W. 78th Street, Bloomington, MN 55439
Help & Support Center: (800) 899-5309
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