ARTICLE:

Yardscaping with concrete pavers, interlocking retaining walls and light & sound systems.

— By Dan Beers and Bill Cribari,
Gault, Inc., Masonry and Landscape Division.

More and more homeowners are using concrete pavers and retaining wall systems to improve the value of their homes. Durable "yardscaping" products are easy for contractors to install, they last for years and can create dramatic effects. Applications include retaining walls, terrace walls, tree rings, and flower bed borders.

Interlocking retaining walls work by the principle of gravity. When stacked together, the weight and friction of the blocks combine to resist the lateral pressure of the earth. The units are made with high-strength concrete and lock together without mortar for better drainage and resistance to freeze-thaw damage. In addition, the dense concrete mixture is designed to withstand New England's harsh winter climate and provides years of performance. They are environmentally safe and won't rot or decay. The units are simply set on a gravel base. When stacked, they lock together and automatically step back.

The different styles make straight or curved walls that adapt to the natural contours of the landscape. The units have a textured face and are available in warm earthtone colors that suggest the look of natural stone. Colors include Granite Gray, Rustic Brown, Vineyard Blend, Quarry Blend, and Rosewood Blend.

For a different look, a company called Stonewall introduces a beveled or straight textured face that suggests the finished appearance of a natural quarried stone wall. It's rustic character blends beautifully with any landscape style.

Stonewall features a hollow core design, which is filled with aggregate as the wall is built. This makes the unit easy to handle during installation. Pins, made of non-deteriorating nylon, align the units as they are stacked together for consistent and accurate construction. Walls 4' and higher can be constructed with this geogrid.

A single unit provides most of the dramatic construction details within the system. Dramatic convex or concave curves and serpentine lines are achieved effortlessly, and Stonewall can be used to build attractive tree rings as small as 6' in diameter. You can also construct straight or terraced walls, 90 degree corners, and stairs.

For innovative light and sound systems in retaining walls, Pisa Lite and Pisa Sounds creates a wall with distinct horizontal lines that accentuate the shadows of the day's changing light. As you build your wall, simply replace a standard Pisa II block with one of these specially made, matching units wherever you want a light or speaker!

Pisa II is a full component system with a textured straight face that complements any setting with an elegant simplicity that gracefully conforms to the natural contours of the landscape. An off-set tongue and groove automatically steps Pisa II back and securely locks the units together. Use your imagination and creativity to design classic walls, curves, terraces, tiers, stairs, and 90 degree corners. With proper engineering, walls over 20' high also can be constructed.

For additional information or a complimentary design consultation, you can call Bill Criberi or Dan Beers at (203) 227-5181.

Or e-mail to masoninfo@gaultinc.com

Pictured: Bill Cribari, Bud Passoni and Dan Beers of Gault, Inc. Their Masonry and Landscape Division offers homeowners and trades people expert advice and consultations for their outdoor home design masonry and stone projects.