What is backfill?
The material used to fill the excavated area behind the wall. This can sometimes be the original excavated soil. We recommend using 3/4" (19.1mm) minus aggregate with no fines as your backfill material.

What is the base?
The area in which you will lay your first course of block. We suggest using 3/4" (19.1mm) minus aggregate with fines as your base material.

How do I prepare my base?
Lay 6" (152mm) of compactable aggregate (sand and gravel) in the bottom of the trench and compact. We recommend using 3/4" (19.1mm) minus aggregate with fines as your base material and the use of a hand tamper to compact.

Do I really have to bury the first course?
Yes! Compacting the base and burying and leveling the first course are necessary for a long-lasting, beautiful wall.

How many cap units do I need?
Diamond Caps - Convert the total linear feet of your wall to inches and divide by 14.5
Windsor Caps - Convert the total linear feet of your wall to inches and divide by 10.5

What colors are available?
Contact your local distributor to find out what colors are available in your area.

What is compaction and how do I compact?
Compressing or densifying the soil material used for the base and backfill. Use a hand tamper to compact.

What is a course?
The horizontal layers of blocks used to build a wall.

What is drainage aggregate?
The material used to refill the void between the back of the block and the native soil. It is recommended aggregate be placed directly behind the blocks and acceptable native (original) soil be used for the remaining void.
 
What is grade?
Ground level.

What is a gravity wall
A wall that resists the forces of soil through the weight and batter of the segmental retaining wall unit.

How high can I build my wall?
Diamond: 3 1/2' (1.2m) or 8 courses of block, which includes a buried base course.
Windsor: 20" (508mm) or 6 courses of block, which includes a buried base course.
Oxford: 27" (686mm) or 4 courses of block, which includes a buried base course.
Border Stone: 12" (305mm) or four courses, which includes a buried base course.
Sahara: 20" (508mm) or 6 courses of block, which includes a buried base course.
 
What holds the wall in place?
An integral rear lip is molded into every Anchor block unit. The lip automatically guides each new course; ensuring proper alignment and precise setback. No pins and no mortar.

What is the running bond?
A staggered vertical alignment used to create a consistent pattern.

What is reinforcement?
A sheet material made from high-tensile strength polypropylene, polyethylene or polyester that is specifically made to support the soils behind the wall. Note: This must be installed by a contractor.

What is slope?
The angle that the backfill makes with a horizontal line.

How do I split a block?
Use a hammer and chisel to score the block on all sides. Pound the chisel along the score line until the block splits. If the block does not split easily, you may need to use a circular cut-off saw with a masonry blade. Read and understand the operating manual before using the saw. Always wear eye protection when splitting blocks. Partial blocks should always be adhered with a concrete adhesive.

What is a terraced wall?
Walls placed in a multi-level arrangement.

Can I build multiple or terraced walls in order to stay at or under the maximum wall height?
Terracing is one method of retaining areas with a total wall height greater than 4' (1.2m). The site of the second wall should be located behind the first wall at a distance of at least or greater than 2 times the height of the first wall under ideal soil conditions. By using this method, the weight of the second wall has very little to no bearing on the first wall. This method should be used only if each wall does not exceed 4' (1.2m).

What tools do I need to build my wall?
You'll need a shovel, tape measure, hammer, chisel, carpenter's level, stakes, string line, safety glasses, glove, pencil and a square.

Why retaining wall blocks?
No pins or mortar! The Anchor Wall System is easy, the rear lip guides the block into place. Design and build curves, straight walls and terraces. High-quality concrete is low-maintenance. Natural rock face and warm earthtones enhance any environment.