Mountain Blocks are wedge shaped to allow different effects to be achieved. Create internal and external curves of variable radii by adjusting the alignment of adjacent blocks. The minimum internal diameter that can be achieved is 1.4 metres and you will need to allow for the ‘set-back’ when building a circle with a number of courses. Where tight curves are required, you can easily reduce the length of the nib with a club hammer. Try and avoid creating straight lines with the false joints from one block to the next both horizontally and vertically by selecting your blocks carefully when laying.

Always ensure that when adding courses, particularly in a straight run of wall, that each block straddles the two blocks below. This may be made easier by using the cutting block to produce a half block.

Creating a right-angled external corner is easy with the corner block. This rectangular block is faced on three sides and you simply alternate the long and short faces of the blocks from one course to another to bond and create the corner.

A wedge-shaped coping for curved and straight walls giving a professional finish.

1. When building a retaining wall you must prepare the ground correctly. Start by removing the topsoil and dig a trench 400mm wide by 100mm deep. Firm the trench and line it with landscaping fabric to help prevent loose soil washing into the gravel back-fill.

 

2. Cover with a 75mm layer of sand/gravel sub-base. Compact this layer to achieve a firm and flat surface. Check your base is even with a spirit level. Place the first course of blocks in position and align them with the front edge of the trench. Tap down using a club hammer, and be sure that the retaining nib grips into the sand/gravel sub-base. Check that any adjacent blocks are level and aligned correctly.

 

3. Back-fill the blocks with gravel and check that any ‘v’-shaped voids between the blocks are also filled and firmed.

 

4. Having built a sturdy base, you can now add height to the wall with extra courses staggering the joints. Make sure that you place each block across the joints of the two blocks below and that the retaining nib always sits firmly behind the lower block. Before starting a new course, check that the previous course is level and is completely back-filled. Note: correct placement of the retaining nib will result in a ‘set-back’ of 15mm per course.

 

5. Once you have added the required number of courses pull forward the landscaping fabric to cover the gravel back-fill. There are two options for finishing the wall. Use a layer of Mountain Block coping to give your wall a thoroughly professional look. Secure the coping in position using Bradstone Walling Adhesive, taking care not to get the adhesive on the face of the blocks. Alternatively the last course of blocks can be left exposed and plants or grass used to cover the top of the wall, giving a rustic appearance.

 

CAUTION: Mountain Block is intended for garden use only and should not be used to retain ground that supports drives or buildings. The maximum height limit of your wall will depend on the individual circumstances and soil type in particular. However, if our installation guidelines are followed, Mountain Block can generally be used up to 6 courses high (approximately 600mm).