Yardstone Installation

• Download PDF Yardstone Installation Instructions

• 

  Tools Needed

  • Measuring tape
  • Shove
  • Level
  • String
  • Tamper
  • 3/4" gravel
  • Construction adhesive
  • Splitter
• 

  Step 1: Estimating and Ordering

  Estimating is easy with Yardstone. The same size block is used for the base, the wall block and the capstone block. The recommended maximum wall height for a Yardstone wall is 20" (above ground).
  
  

  Front Faced
  Wall Length	Height 4" (10.16cm)	Height 8" (20.32cm)	Height 12" (30.48cm)	Height 16" (40.64cm)	Height 20" (50.8cm)
  5' (1.524m)	8	16	24	32	40
  10' (3.048m)	15	30	45	60	75
  15' (4.572m)	22	44	66	88	110
  20' (6.096m)	30	60	90	120	150
  25' (7.62m)	38	76	114	152	190

  
  

  Alternating
  Wall Length	Height 4" (10.16cm)	Height 8" (20.32cm)	Height 12" (30.48cm)	Height 16" (40.64cm)	Height 20" (50.8cm)
  5' (1.524m)	10	20	30	40	50
  10' (3.048m)	19	38	57	76	95
  15' (4.572m)	28	56	84	112	140
  20' (6.096m)	37	74	111	148	185
  25' (7.62m)	46	92	138	184	230

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  Step 2: Excavation and Base Preparation

  Excavate a trench for the base course to a depth of 4" to 6" below finished grade or to firm soil. The trench width should be 8" to 12". Spread 3" to 6" of crushed gravel in the trench, leveling and compacting it to provide a firm base for the wall.
  
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  Step 3: Base Course and Wall Construction

  Start placing the base course at the lowest grade point. Check alignment and leveling of base course and adjust if necessary. Base course will end up being barely visible once construction is complete, as it will be buried. Continue with additional courses, backfilling behind the wall with granular fill as you go. Fill after every second course. (Remember, when wall layout requires gaps between pieces the cap stone pieces will also have gaps.)

  HELPFUL HINT
  Blocks are designed to construct curves without cutting. Each piece is reversible and therefore works for inside or outside curves. 

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  Step 4: Curves and Corners

  Just curve it! That’s the beauty of Yardstone. To eliminate the amount of blocks requiring cutting, we recommend playing with the block in the design stage to determine how best to work with the block angles.
  
  Simply gap the back of the blocks as desired to create larger radius curves and desired wall alignment.
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  90º Corner

  The Yardstone corner is a one-piece corner unit and is reversible for greater utility and versatility. The corner unit can be used for inside and outside corners and in the construction of pillars. Alternate the corner units on each subsequent row and glue corner unit in place with construction adhesive. Use Yardstone cap units/blocks on each side of the corner piece.
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  Step 5: Cap Stone Installation

  Using the smooth top, place construction adhesive along the last course and secure the cap stone in position.
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  Step Construction

  Curved or half-round steps can be achieved by filling the tread with paving stones or concrete. See step 4 "Curves and Corners" for curve details.
  
  CONSTRUCTION TIP
  For walls with steps, build the main wall and returns first, then construct steps.