Do I need a concrete footing to support my wall?
No. Unless your soil is extremely weak and unstable, a compacted base of 5/8 minus or 3/4 crushed rock will be sufficient.
How tall can I build my wall?
StackStone can be used for gravity walls up to 2' (0.6 m).
Why do StackStone blocks have a molded tongue on the top and a groove on the bottom?
The design eliminates the need for pins and clips or mortar. It lets you quickly build your wall, ensuring that the next course lines up correctly on the one below. It also locks the blocks together, giving your wall strength and preventing it from tipping over.
Where should I begin building my wall?
You should start building at the lowest point of your wall.
What is backfill?
The material used to fill in the space behind the wall. We recommend using 3/4 drain rock.
What is the base?
The area where your first course will be laid. We recommend using 5/8 minus crushed rock or 3/4 drain rock compacted with a hand tamper.
Do I really have to bury part or all of my first course?
Yes. Compacting the base and burying or partially burying (see installation instructions for details) is necessary for a long-lasting, stable retaining wall.
How do I compact my base material?
Use a hand tamper available from your local home improvement or rental equipment store.
What is a course?
The horizontal layers of blocks used to build a retaining wall.
What is a gravity wall?
A wall that resists the forces of gravity through the weight and batter of the retaining wall units.
How do I split a block?
Use a chisel to score the block on all sides. Pound the chisel with a mallet along the score line until the block splits. If the blocks do not split easily, you may wish to use a circular cut-off saw with a masonry blade. Always wear eye protection when splitting blocks.
What is a terraced wall?
Walls placed in multi-levels.
If I'm building terraces, how far apart should they be?
The distance between terraces (face of wall to face of wall) should be at least two times the lower wall height. For example, if your lower wall is 2 feet tall, you need to go back 4 feet before building your next wall.
