Title: Frequently Asked Questions: Retaining Walls, Fences and Patio Walls
Headings: FAQ's
FAQ's
Have Questions? We Have Answers!
Why Should I Use Allan Block for My Retaining Wall Project?
How High/Tall Can I Build a Retaining Wall with Allan Block?
Are Concrete Footings on a Retaining Wall Required?
How long will Allan Block last?
Is Allan Block Safe for the Environment?
Can I Cut a Block?
How Does Allan Block Stack Up?
Why Does Allan Block Set Back as it is Stacked Up?
What Does Allan Block Cost?
Where do I buy Allan Block?
What Do I Need to Know as I Plan my Retaining Wall?
How Do I Choose the Right Allan Block Product for My Project?
How Strong is an Allan Block Retaining Wall?
What if the Base is on Sloped Ground?
Do I Need a Permit to Build a Retaining Wall?
Can I Build a Concrete Wall in Water?
Can I Plant a Garden or Landscape Around the Blocks?
Can I Build a Fence on Top of a Retaining Wall?
How Many Blocks do I Need?
How Much Do Allan Block Wall Blocks Weigh?
What Tools Will I Need to Build a Retaining Wall?
What do I need to know as I design my wall?
What are my color and style choices?
Can I design and build stairs?
How tight a radius can I design and build?
What are terraced walls and how do they work?
How do I finish off the top of the wall?
What does the term "Gravity Wall" mean?
What does the term "Reinforced Wall" mean?
How do I know if I need reinforcement?
What is AB Reinforcement Grid?
Can I use lighting in the wall?
How do I find a professional Certified Allan Block Contractor?
How do I get started?
What are some good layout ideas?
What kind of material should I use for the base?
Is compacting the base important?
Is leveling the base block important?
Why should I bury some of the base block?
Do I need to stack in “running bond”?
What kind of material should I use to fill the blocks and for the drainage behind the blocks?
When do I need to backfill?
How do I use AB Reinforcement Grid?
How do I end a wall?
How do I build corners?
How do I make a corner cap?
How do I cut the blocks?
Do I need an Engineer?

Content: Yes. Although a better question to ask is “how do I avoid cutting the blocks?” Good planning and design, and the use of compatible block sizes during construction not only save time, but also reduce the need to cut block. However, if necessary, Allan Block is just about as easy to cut as timber, with the right tools. We recommend a masonry cut-off saw with a diamond-tipped blade. These saws operate like chain saws and the blades last. To split blocks yielding a rough cut, you can use a hammer or masonry saw and a chisel. Score the block with a shallow cut on the front and back and snap in two with light blows on the chisel. The break will be a little rougher than making a complete saw cut, but you can still get a good fit. A diamond blade power saw is typically used to give a clean cut.