DIY Network

Wall, Column and Courtyard Wall, Column and Courtyard From "Grounds for Improvement" episode DGFI-108

It's Day Two. Wasting no time, the crew continues laying the second course of blocks to the wall. Adding the layers is easy. After stacking the new blocks on the existing base course, secure the second layer with pins. Once it's down, it's time to go back to the columns. The columns can't be pinned down because they don't line up like the wall, so you need to use a generous amount of adhesive instead. The column is lined up so the exposed sides of its blocks are the same texture as the exposed sides of the wall's block. Once the columns are stable, you can add the remaining blocks around the wall and secure with adhesive. Retaining walls are a great addition to backyards. It's a great place to sit, and it makes for a wonderful planter.

advertisement

	Figure A
	AFTER: Back patio is full of character.
	AFTER: Looks great!

Next it's time to cap the columns. First you put a layer of adhesive on the column (figure A), and then check to make sure the cap is evenly placed on all edges. You'll want to press on the caps after they've been placed on top of the columns, in order to secure them. After the column caps are on, you can cap the entire wall with regular blocks. Now that the boundary of the courtyard has been built, it's time to work on the courtyard itself!

First things first: add soil to the existing beds and mark the area where you'll create new beds. Using standard metal edging as a border for your new beds will help define them from the patio flooring. Edging can be found at home-improvement and garden centers. Use stakes to secure the edging around the beds, placing them on the inside part of the edging and hammering them in. If your new flowerbeds have several types of lengths and widths, chances are you'll need 90-degree connectors or a way to bend the edging. Dean shows our homeowners a neat trick by turning a strip of edging upside down, cutting a small slit midway through, then bending it so there's a clean bend. You'll now have a natural 90-degree corner when you're ready to position it around the flowerbed.

Two-by-two Pennsylvania bluestones are going to be used to create this courtyard. Be sure always to level pavers before walking on them -- they crack easily when they aren't balanced. Once the stones have been placed, you'll need to go back over all the cracks and joints with fine gravel. The stones are simply placed onto the ground with the gravel all around them.

After all the gravel is in place, everyone begins planting, adding mulch and working on the final touches. As the day winds down, the project is complete. In just two days the Silvermans removed the confusing sidewalk and created a courtyard with a wall border in their backyard. After saying their goodbyes, the GFI team heads off.

RESOURCES :

Black and Decker tools
Website: www.blackanddecker.com
Black & Decker, Inc. (Corporate)
Website: www.bdk.com/main_bd.htm

Porter-Cable Tools
Porter-Cable Corporation
Website: www.deltaportercable.com

Delta Woodworking Tools
Deltak Power Tools
Website: www.deltamachinery.com

Irwin Industrial Tool Company
Website: www.irwin.com

Ames True Temper Tools
Ames-True Temper
Website: www.ames-truetemper.com

Weathered Standard interlocking stone
Versa-Lok Retaining Wall Systems
6348 Highway 36 Blvd., Suite 1
Oakdale, MN 55128
Toll-Free: 800-770-4525