Installation Guide

3-IN X 8-IN BASIC RETAINING WALL BLOCK
3-IN x 8-IN Basic Retaining Wall Block is perfect for garden
walls, planters, borders, tree rings, and straight or curved walls
up to 1 foot high (154.8mm). Rear lip connection provides a
consistent setback making installation simple and easy.
No special pins or connectors needed for installation. Rustic
textured face finish combined with natural color tones enhance
any landscape. DIY-friendly size and unit weight provides for
easy handling and installation.
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
Visit www.call811.com before any digging or excavation.
Dig a trench approximately 4"(101.6mm) deep by
12"(304.8mm) wide to your desired length and shape,
(straight and/or curves) being sure to remove large
rocks, roots, organic material, etc.. If the soils contain
organic loam, dig an additional 4"(101.6mm) deeper and
add a compacted gravel or sand leveling pad
4" (101.6mm) thick.
Use a vibratory plate compactor or hand tamper to
compact the freshly excavated subgrade material
and sand/gravel leveling pad (if required). Add
leveling pad base material in 2” layers, spraying
with water to keep moist while compacting.
Repeat process until final thickness of base is
reached. (4” (101.6mm))
Always start installing your retaining wall at the low-
est elevation working to the highest. Place first block
on compacted base being sure to level block from
front to back and side to side. Place additional block
on base course, ensuring that edges are touching and
level in both directions. For walls that have both
curved and straight areas, start the straight area
first and then add curved area. Finish placement of
all base blocks before moving to the second course.
NOTE: Removal of rear lip on first course of block can
make installation and leveling of first course easier.
Begin placing the second course of block at straight wall
areas being sure to center each unit over the joints of the
blocks below in a “running bond” or 1 over 2 pattern.
Lips on rear of block should be facing down. Fill backfill
area behind wall (see cross section) with clean, crushed
stone/gravel for proper drainage. Do not use pea gravel.
Proceed to the next course of block, backfilling and
compacting as you progress. Repeat until final height is
reached to complete wall.
To remove rear lips of wall
block place unit tail first on
ground at an angle striking
the lip firmly with hammer/
mini-sledge & safety chisel.
Always wear safety glasses
and safety gloves.
Building Curves: A radius as small as 1'6" can
be built with 3-in x 8-in Basic Wall block. The
bond pattern of convex & concave curves will
adjust sideways. If a stack bond situation
occurs, remove the rear lip as shown or cut
units to return back to running bond pattern.