1. Always start with a smooth base, joint lines in the walls can only be as straight as the base on which they are placed. A six inch blanket of granular material, compacted and raked or screeded smooth is normally a sufficient base.

2. If possible, prepare the entire base before placing retaining blocks so that a visual inspection can be made to minimize bumps and hollows.

3. If the location is not level or has a stepped bottom surface, place the lowest blocks first, taking care to align the front face of the wall.

4. As the surface finish of the blocks is variable, the best face of the block should be turned out.

5. IMPORTANT - Begin placing the second layer after no more than 5 or 6 bottom layer blocks have been placed, again takingcare to align the front face of the retaining wall. (Remember, there is approximately 1/2' of clearance in every direction in the fit of the key ways.)

6. Should the clearance become tight for the second row of blocks, merely place the next block along the bottom row of the wall, with a slight gap (1/4"), the second and subsequent rows will then have sufficient clearance. Continue placing subsequent rows, taking care to align the front face.

7. Non right-angle comers, or comers where walls have different batters are achieved more easily by building the 2 walls independently and pouring the corner afterwards. Chamfer strips attached to the inside of the formwork will blend the corner in with the rest of the wall.

8. If desired, walls can be curved either vertically, horizontally, or both.

9. For speed & convenience a track mounted hydraulic excavator is the best machine to place the blocks.

10. Pressure washing & sealing the surface will minimize algae growth and prolong new appearance.

11. Some useful tools to have on the job-site include:

• A transit to lay out a level base. - Shovels and rakes for base preparation.
• A lifting jig to hold blocks at the correct batter.
• A broom to clean the keyways before placing the next layer.
• One or more 5 foot pry bars for jostling the blocks into position.
  
  
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