Allan Block - www.allanblock.com

I saw an advertisement for these blocks on HGTV. Basically, they fit into each other like Legos and you can build it yourself. You just need adhesive caulking to put on the top stone caps.

The only authorized dealers are in New Jersey. Anyone know of something similar - a do it yourself stone retaining walls and such? Also, if it's more expensive since you don't need a contractor to do it?

http://www.allanblock.com/Flash/PhotoAlbums/PhotoInfo.aspx?UID=73

Message edited 3/27/2007 4:15:49 PM.

Re: Allan Block - www.allanblock.com

oh my god....you are savior. I saw this commercial over the weekend, and forgot the name of the site. I want to see what they got to offer. I liked the fact that you can do it yourself.

Thank you

Re: Allan Block - www.allanblock.com

Check this out - I think it is what you are looking for

Lowe's do it yourself

I'll see what I can find for you with brands.

Message edited 3/27/2007 9:10:40 PM.

Re: Allan Block - www.allanblock.com

Glad I could help Karina

D, those look similar, but they're flat on the top and bottom. The Allan Block stones have indentations so they actually lock into each other so there's less danger of them shifting.

I was think of this for a water feature, porch, or fountain in a backyard. I love the idea of doing it myself but I don't think I would try it with a retaining wall. You're getting into all sorts of concerns like the weight of the soil behind the wall, drainage for water, etc.

For a retaining wall, I'd definitely hire professionals.

I think I like stone more than my wallet will allow though.

Re: Allan Block - www.allanblock.com

there are many versions of those, nikolock makes some that have a lip on top so they can't move. There is another kind that has sort of a ball on top & a hole on bottom.
My DH has done tons of paving stone & retaining wall work & I've seen many different styles.
I like the design of the one you posted.

Re: Allan Block - www.allanblock.com

Nicolock is a big name. Home Depot and Lowes both have similar blocks with a lip on the back edge, so they can't slide. I did my front retaining wall with the Home Depot ones. Quite a few people in my neighborhood have them. As long as the wall is less than 4', you don't need permits or structural support, etc, it's just considered cosmetic.

Re: Allan Block - www.allanblock.com

Very cool. Sounds like we'll have some options there. If anyone wouldn't mind FM'ing me an approximate cost, I'd love to know what I'm dealing with.

I honestly have no idea how much this stuff costs! They show you all this beautiful stuff on garden/landscaping design shows but don't give you the break down of cost.

I can't help but think that's because it's

Re: Allan Block - www.allanblock.com

Lowes retaining wall blocks Most of the blocks are a little over $2, and they are about 12" each and 4" high, so you should be able to do the math to figure out the length and height you need. Figure $2.50 per linear foot, for every 4" in height (the first course needs to be buried a little bit),

Re: Allan Block - www.allanblock.com

If you are doing it for landscaping, you could probably do it yourself. If you the wall is going to be a load-bearing wall, you might want to consider hiring someone to do it. If the wall isn't that high, drainage might not be a problem, but you can put some gravel behind the wall to help the drainage, and ease the pressure that saturated soil will place on the wall.

Nicolok is a good product. Many of the retaining wall blocks don't have interlocking grooves, but have pins that you insert into holes in the blocks to interconnect them. If you look at the Colonial style on the nicolok site, it looks like one of those that has pins.

You also have to remember that there is a lot of labor involved in preparing the bottom layer. You have to level and compact the area. Many of the block systems recommend that you have a layer of gravel below the bottom block and as the above poster mentioned, it is a good idea to have one block buried.

Message edited 3/28/2007 11:20:15 AM.