Instructions / Assembly

Step 1 - Dig the Foundation
Excavate a trench that is 10" deep and 16" wide to
accommodate a 6" depth of base material and the
base course. Compact the base material and level
with a tamper.
Step 2 - Install the First Course
Set and level each unit of the base course front-to-
back, side-to-side across three-blocks. Align the
base course units with a string line behind the tail
of the blocks.
Step 3 - Add More Courses
When building successive courses, center the first
block on the two blocks directly below it. Using
crushed drainage rock, backfill 12" behind each
course and between the blocks. Compact the
backfill as each course is installed.
Step 4 - Finish the Installation
Position the Mini Caps and adhere in place with
Super-Stik
TM
.
Tiered Walls
Base Material ................ 3/4" aggregate with fine
Drainage Rock ............... 3/4" to 1" clean aggregate
Hammer and Chisel ...... For splitting units
Masonry Saw ................ For cutting units
String Line ..................... Use to align units
Level ............................... To insure first course is level, front-to-back and side-to-side
Shovel ............................ Excavation
Ta m p e r ........................... Compaction
Super-Stik
TM
Adhesive ... To secure split and cut units
Rubber Mallet................ For leveling block
Gloves ............................ Protective hand-wear for positioning block
Safety Glasses............... Protective eye-wear when splitting block
Radius Curves
Maintain a Running Bond on a Convex or Concave Radius Curve
When building multiple courses on a radius curve, begin installation with a block in the middle of the
curve, that is centered on two blocks directly below it. Build the wall from the center block out, in both
directions. Cut and adhere Mini Caps to follow the contour of the wall.
Convex Curve
Concave Curve
90º Corners
Add More Courses
For an outside corner, begin the installation from the corner out. Alternate the direction of the Half Units
for each succeeding course. For an inside corner, position a block so part of it is exposed and the other
part recedes in the wall. Alternate the direction of the block for each succeeding course. Cut Mini Caps at
the corner and adhere in place with Super-Stik.
Rockwood Tip: Fines are the smaller sand-like particles of aggregate that make compaction possible.
Independent Wall Spacing: The 2:1 Ratio
As a rule of thumb, maintain a 2:1 ratio when
building a tiered wall. If the height of the first wall
is 2', the distance back to the second wall needs
to be equal to or greater than 4'. If surcharge
loading, global stability and/or poor soil conditions
are present, consult an engineer in regard to the
wall design.
Rockwood Tip:
If a mechanical plate compactor is
being used, excavate a trench that is 24" in width
so the compactor fits.
Getting Started
Tools and Materials You Will Need
Creating a Half Unit
Building a
Cottage Stone
Wall
Building a
Cottage Stone
Wall
Rockwood Tip: Inside corners with multiple courses have an accumulated setback that will require
“wedge” block to fill the gaps.
www.rockwoodwalls.com
TM
Half-Unit
Mark a score line on the middle of the block and
split the unit on both top and bottom sides, as
shown.
Rockwood Tip:
A rubber mallet may be used to
level and align the blocks.
Inside Corner
Outside
Corner