Building landscape structures from blocks makes the structures feel lavish and permanent, capable to withstand the elements and the ravages of time. Contemporary landscape block products achieve that permanent feel when incorporating new materials and designs to create the blocks easier to install and more affordable than conventional landscape stone and masonry materials.
Retaining Wall Blocks
Landscaping blocks especially intended for the construction of retaining walls have been designed for fast, simple installation. Typical retaining wall socket systems consist of concrete blocks that are forged using a projecting lip at the back of the block; when the blocks have been set up, this lip matches over the back edge of the block below, allowing for quick alignment of the blocks and supporting to lock the blocks together to make a stable wall. The blocks are installed with no glue or mortar; the burden of the backfill behind the wall pushes the interlocking blocks together and keeps them in position. The blocks can also be equipped with a tapered profile on the sides so that they could more readily follow the contour of a curved wall.
Free-Standing Wall Blocks
Landscaping blocks intended to be used in free-standing walls have been built similarly to retaining wall blocks, however unlike a retaining wall, a freestanding wall will be viewed from either side, so free-standing wall blocks don’t have a casting lip at the back of the block. Because of the lack of the interlocking lip and also the fact that there is no backfill to hold the blocks together, free-standing wall blocks have to be secured with construction adhesive, either between the top two courses of blocks or, for a stronger wall, between all courses.
Building Blocks
Some landscaping stones are not meant for particular wall-building applications; they’re designed rather to be versatile and suitable to a huge array of landscape building projects. These blocks have been cast in a range of sizes so that they can be assembled, with construction adhesive, in various configurations to construct structures such as posts, vandalism, fire pits, benches, tree rings and mailbox skins.
Pavers
Pavers are landscape blocks that are generally utilized as a difficult surface for trails, walkways, driveways and patios and are also occasionally used as competition for lawn beds. Blocks intended to be used as pavers are made in a huge selection of styles and out of several distinct materials. Natural stone paving blocks are attractive but expensive. Brick pavers made of fired clay are less costly, but they deteriorate over time and need regular maintenance. Cast-concrete paver blocks are less costly than other paver types, and they’re often made to mimic the look of expensive stone or brick pavers.