Installing on Soil
For building a base see How-to Sheet numbers 120 and 220. When installing courtyard walls, you can build on existing patios or pavement as well as on soil. The following example shows you how to install a wall and a post on a flat, grass-covered area.
Let’s begin with the wall panel. Temporarily lay out the first course of blocks on the location of your wall. This will be your guide for installing the base. Now, use a shovel to cut around the block, marking where the grass and soil will be removed to construct the base. Remove the blocks and set them aside. Then remove the grass and soil in the area marked out, approximately eight inches wide and three inches deep.
Next, install the foundation pad. When installing on soil, the base course must be laid on a bed of compacted crushed rock. Place the crushed rock in the excavated areas up to grade. Then compact thoroughly with a hand tamper. Using a level in a two by four, make adjustments to ensure that the foundation pad is leveled. Add or subtract crushed rock as needed. Then re-level and adjust as necessary.
Once your foundation pad is leveled, begin the wall panel by placing three or four blocks on the base in the pattern that you have chosen. Check the blocks for level from front to back and side to side making adjustments where necessary. For high areas, tamp the block down. For low areas, add a little crushed rock under the block.
Next, place a few blocks on the second course. Always build the first and second courses at the same time to ensure that the blocks line up properly. Continue building the first and second courses leveling the first course as you go. Finish your wall by adding additional courses until the desired height is achieved. For tall walls, added reinforcement may be needed. See How-to Sheet #150 for more information.
Now, let’s build the courtyard post. Lay out the blocks on the location of your post. Then use a shovel to cut around the block marking where the grass and soil will be removed to construct the base. Remove the blocks and set them aside. Then remove the sod and soil in the area marked out approximately 24 inches square by four inches deep.
Next, install the foundation pad. Place crushed rock in the excavated areas up to grade. Then compact thoroughly with a hand tamper. Level the foundation pad in both directions and make adjustments as necessary. Start the post by placing the corner blocks with their long sides facing out.
Corner blocks have a long side and short side. The long sides are always placed at the outside of the post. Once all the blocks are in place, align them with a square and level making adjustments where necessary. On the second course, place the corner block so that they overlap the two blocks beneath them. This pattern will all set the vertical seams. Continue building to the top of your post alternating the first and second course patterns as you go. Posts must always be built on a good foundation. When you have softer soils or require taller posts, use one of these reinforcement options.
See How-to Sheet #140 for more information. Now, you can build on soil to enhance the design and style of your project. For complete library of Courtyard How-to Sheets, visit us at allanblock.com.
