How to correctly use retaining wall corner blocks

It is important, both from a structural and aesthetic perspective, to correctly install retaining wall corner blocks. Retaining walls play an important role in making construction possible across a site with sloping areas. The corners of retaining walls need to be constructed accurately to provide a strong bond whilst creating the desired visual finish that fits in seamlessly with the appearance of the whole retaining wall.

Modular retaining walls are a popular choice for residential sites as their mortarless construction offers a cost-effective, quick, and robust retaining wall solution. In this blog we will discuss why using pairs of modular retaining wall corner blocks is the best way to maintain both the form and function of the external corners of a modular retaining wall. We also explain how the corner blocks should be installed.

What are the benefits of using retaining wall corner blocks rather than standard blocks?

Retaining wall corner blocks are specially designed so that both faces of the block used at the corner will have the same textured and coloured finish as that of a standard block used on the rest of the retaining wall. This gives the external corners a seamless, aesthetically pleasing finish.

If standard blocks are used there will always be an unfinished surface on show as the standard block turns the corner. This will detract from the overall visual appeal of the retaining wall. For this reason, the use of specifically manufactured retaining wall corner blocks is recommended to deliver the optimum appearance to complement the housebuilder’s aesthetic requirements.

What is the procedure when installing retaining wall corner blocks?

Here is a quick guide to the steps required when installing corner blocks for a modular retaining wall such as Secura Grand:

Use the retaining wall corner blocks in pairs

Corner blocks are supplied in pairs as left-hand and right-hand blocks. Enough pairs should be ordered for all the corners of the modular retaining walls required on-site.

Corner blocks are longer than standard blocks and the left-hand and right-hand blocks will have the external finish extended around the corner of the block, so this runs around the corner of the finished retaining wall.

Start from the corner of the retaining wall

Start construction of the modular retaining walls from the corner block outwards, using left and right corner blocks alternately. Remove the rear nibs on the base course blocks.

Maintain a running bond on the retaining wall

As the corner blocks are longer than the standard Secura blocks, this, combined with the corner effect, means that action is required to maintain the running bond. To do this, as you work away from the corner, place a block in a position with a full running bond, laying further blocks back towards the corner. This will leave a space beside the corner block which you should measure and fill with a cut block as illustrated in this diagram.

Add extra strength to retaining wall corner blocks

Additional strength in the corner bond can be achieved by fixing the corner and cutting the block in position with construction adhesive.

Finish off the retaining wall

To make the installation of 90-degree corner copings easier they can be supplied as a kit by the manufacturer. There are four individual copings in each kit which have been precut in the factory to fit perfectly.

Where can I learn more about retaining wall corner blocks?

Secura Grand modular retaining walls by Tobermore are available in a variety of finishes and matching corner blocks are available to enhance the visual impact of the external corners of these interlocking retaining walls. This is just one of the many ways in which Tobermore ensures that its customers can install quality retaining walls for housebuilding projects.

Alex Walther, Head of Retaining Walls at Tobermore, explains more:

“The functionality and visual appearance of our products are important both to the groundworkers who install our modular retaining walls and for their clients, the housebuilders. Our bespoke retaining wall corner blocks demonstrate our attention to detail that, along with the comprehensive support package we deliver throughout a project’s lifespan, enable the delivery of quality modular retaining walls time after time.”

If you would like to learn more about Tobermore products and services that can help groundworkers deliver cost-effective retaining wall solutions, we have a free Groundworker eBook download available. If you would like to discuss your project, get in touch with our sales team who would be happy to offer guidance and support.