how to cut cinder block caps

I want to redo my retaining wall at the back yard. The Wall Caps are manufactured with a standard and an end cap finish. Using a tape measure and straight edge, mark the cut line on two cap blocks as shown. Website operating Remove the center cap and cut along the marks. Use a masonry saw with a dry cutting diamond blade to make a complete cut. When fitted with a carbide grit blade, reciprocating saws work well to cut and shape concrete block. For tighter curves, youu may need to cut caps to fit. x 8 in. You can see I had to cut pretty much every other block. Step 1: At the beginning of your wall, place stones #1 and #3 in their places. Made of high quality concrete, this block is constructed to maintain long lasting strength. Cup the cap with a saw, and place the cap on the wall. This is a very physical task that requires skill and precision in order to avoid cutting too much concrete or causing it to crack unnecessarily. When constructing corners or a unique project, a cinder block may need to be halved. paving stones, countertops, RockCast® or our AB Fence Cap. Cutting Caps for Corners (Optional) Step 1: Mark and Cut Caps Fill in the concrete blocks with material that will fill the interior (such as broken pieces of block). When finishing for straight section alternate the direction of the Wall Cap. The blocks are typically formed from concrete aggregates and low-density cinder ash. Questions of a Do It Yourself nature should be We welcome your comments and When constructing a block retaining wall, it's often necessary to install filler blocks and create uniform vertical lines at the ends of the wall. US Patents: #6792731, #7775747, #D625028, #D624204, #6948282, #8851803, #D893760, #D893053, #6523317, #7185470, #7524144 Canada Patents: #2357879, #2657978, #133183, #136083, #2432660, #2357879. Wall Caps are available to finish the top of the wall panels for straight or curved sections. Step 2 Place the concrete block on the platform beneath the cutting blade, and arrange the block so that the blade will slice it where you want the cut made. Once all the caps are installed, secure them in place with a bead of masonry adhesive on both sides of the raised rings. Follow the directions on the mortar mix bag and prepare the mortar mix for use. More options for finishing your retaining wall. There is an average of 1 end cap for every 4 standard caps when offered by the local manufacturer - check for availability. Then, take a heavy-duty scrub brush and scrub the top of the retaining wall with the solution. Secure the Wall Caps in place with a bead of masonry adhesive along both sides of the raised rings and along the side of each Wall Cap. Adhesives tend to shy away from porous materials like cinder block. If your retaining wall is more than a few weeks old, you should thoroughly scrub and clean the top surface of the wall. All information is provided "AS IS." Install cap blocks in much the same fashion as the cinderblock base. Lift the chisel … to this site, and use it for non-commercial use subject to our terms of use. It can be a simple task to complete and as easy to perform as sawing a … Here are all the caps cut and dry fitted in place. Strike the chisel on the score line until the material splits. Installing cap blocks or stones on a retaining wall requires some labor, but it is not difficult to do. Mark the cut and clamp the stone or paver to a stable work surface. Obtain a building permit from your local building authority. Measure the gap and mark the distance on the other end of the cap. For instance, if you have a retaining wall that is made of standard hollow concrete blocks, you may want to simply choose a solid cinder block made for topping these types of walls. Hi Folks, This is my first post here. Repeat these steps for each cap needed to close the gaps. You’re going to be cutting both of these. Repeat this process on both sides of the block wall. Take a wire brush and scrub away any dried mortar mix. The Courtyard Collections panels and posts can be finished using our standard Wall and Post caps as well as other products like natural stone, W (300 mm)18 in. My property is at an elevation of 3 t... Hello, I am a newbie to the forum as well as retaining walls and patio slab... Hello - I am having an issue with a neighbors retaining wall - there appear... Hi guys. H (130 mm)12 in. You’re NOT going to be cutting this stone, you’re just using it as a cutting pattern. L (460 mm)60 lbs (30 kg)Specifications are approx. Option 1: When the end caps meets up with a raised ring, flip the block below over to create a flat surface. A varity of shapes and sizes are available through special order for your concrete masnory unit project. Use relatively smooth grits to cut neatly but slowly, and use coarser grits for a fast, but less tidy, cut. Use a straight edge to draw a line on the cap. Finally, rinse the top of the retaining wall and let it dry before continuing. In fact, this simple how-to guide will show you everything you need to know to enhance the look of a retaining wall with cap blocks. thick block wall. concrete block This 2 in. Then set in place so the three fit tightly together. These blocks are often used to cap an 8 in. These slabs can also be used as stepping stones in light duty pedestrian applications. How to cut concrete blocks with circular saw? Step 3 Continue stacking additional caps out from the corner. Rent a concrete block splitter from a home center or tool rental store. Don't get too far ahead of yourself; spread mortar in short runs. Fence post next to concrete retaining wall. A wall cap can also help protect cinder block retaining walls by preventing too much moisture from entering the wall cavity. I need to add a railing to an outdoor staircase that is currently ... Hello. x 16 in. 2 in. Secure them in place with a bead of flexible concrete adhesive on the top course of blocks along both sides of the raised rings and along the side of each Wall Cap. For a larger project or more accurate cuts, a circular saw with a concrete blade is a good option. Use a 4 1/2-inch angle grinder equipped with a diamond blade to cut through the mortar via the lines you traced in the mortar as a guide. problems contact webmaster@doityourself.com. Masonry wall caps are sold in lengths similar to blocks. Prepare to Pour a Concrete Sidewalk: 5 Tips, How to Build a Curved Brick Retaining Wall, How to Add a Curve to an Interlocking Block Retaining Wall. Alternate the direction of the second Wall Cap for a straight wall. x 4 in. A short video showing how to install Allan Block caps on a inside radius. Power Saw and Concrete Blade. Take a tape measure and measure the length of the space where the cut cinder block will fit. Once the mortar dries, there will usually be some mortar that falls on the side of the wall or on the face of the capping block or stone. If your cut doesn’t need to be exact, use a cold … You may freely link Cutting hollow concrete block—first, score the line. raised rings and along the side of each Wall Cap. View our Privacy Policy here. AB Fence Cap 5 in. Attach the 2-by-4s to the plywood with 3-inch screws. Installing cap blocks or stones on a retaining wall requires some labor, but it is not difficult to do. To transistion back to a straight wall, simply alternate the direction of the Wall Cap. and for reference only. Set another cap on top of the first two caps in the center and mark where they overlap on the bottom of the center cap. concrete block wall. Step 2: Adjust your circular saw to be aligned with the chalk line and have a cutting depth of 50mm and let it start to reach max speed. The saws can be difficult to control but offer a wider range of cuts than many masonry and circular saws. Installing wall capping on an existing retaining wall is a great way to give the old wall a new look or just make it look better in general. home improvement and repair website. Place two caps on top of the retaining wall, spaced so a third cap will fit tightly between their widest point. Secure the Wall Caps in place with a bead of flexible concrete adhesive along both sides of the raised rings and along the side of each Wall Cap. Australia Patents: #2009201036, #2003204789, #785064 New Zealand Patents: #575515, #413355; #413721, #413722, #413723, #526518 International and Other Patents Pending. Connect the 2-by-4s at the corners with 3-inch … You'll need to cut the caps to conform to the curve of the wall. ... How to Face a Concrete Block Wall With Stone. Find Cap concrete blocks at Lowe's today. Starting at the corner, place the first two Wall Caps following the wall in the same direction. For best results, start capping the wall at the curve and center the Wall Cap over two AB York blocks. Place the cut caps on the corner as shown. If you do offset the blocks, make sure that the offset is aligned as well. Place a chisel on the chalk line and tap the handle with a hammer to score the block. Place the first Wall Cap with the long end facing the outside of the wall. 16 in. If you’re using cinder blocks to build a wall or patio space, cutting cinder blocks to a precise size will ensure they fit perfectly. x 16 in. Begin placing the capping blocks or stones on top of the retaining wall. Slow and steady wins the race here. 1995-2018 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. Place the short end of the Wall Cap facing the outside of the wall. You can see that for the most part I had to cut every other cap. Step 1: Mark off the cutting path with the chalk line. Using a tape measure and straight edge, mark the cut line on two cap blocks as shown. Make adjustments to the first two Wall Caps to ensure they line up properly at the corner. Next place a Wall Cap on the other side of the corner. If you do not obtain the necessary permit, … Finishing a patio wall corner with Wall Caps can be done with no cutting however, by modifying the cap slightly you can achieve a more refined look. Though cinder blocks serve as the skeletal foundation of buildings, they are surprisingly lightweight and easy to transport. Normal Weight Concrete Block Solid This block makes a great ledge or cap for This block makes a great ledge or cap for an 8 in. Pour concrete into blocks from top … Secure the Wall Caps in place with a bead of flexible concrete adhesive along both sides of the 1. DoItYourself.com®, founded in 1995, is the leading independent submitted to our "DoItYourself.com Community Forums". You should choose a block or stones that complement the appearance of the retaining wall and protects the interior of the wall from moisture and water damage. Using the adhesive will make working with the mortar and attaching the blocks or stones much easier. Landscape block adhesive is a paste-like heavy-duty exterior adhesive used for things like attaching block caps to retaining walls. Cutting concrete with your hands requires the use of a masonry chisel and hammer. Step 2: Lay stone #2 on top of them, with the front corners lined up. You can create a good cleaning solution by mixing some soap and water with a little chlorine bleach. Wipe off excess mortar mix as you go. Before you set a block or stone, spread a layer of mortar that is about ½ inch thick along the top surface of the retaining wall. If you have a brick retaining wall or poured concrete wall, you might want to select more decorative types of pavers or stones to cap your wall instead. Available selection of precision concrete block shapes, sizes, and configurations. First, you need to choose a type of capping block or stone for your retaining wall. Copyright© I did this one block at a time so that I had a really nice, tight fit. suggestions. A wall cap can also help protect cinder block retaining walls by preventing too much moisture from entering the wall cavity. x 8 in. It's a good idea to secure caps with a high strength construction adhesive once they are all cut. Draw a straight line across the block's surface at the measurement marks with a pencil, using a carpenter's square as a… Step 2: Place Caps This will allow the cap to be placed with no modification needed. This versatile block is great for many different construction or landscaping projects. don’t judge. Shop concrete blocks and a variety of building supplies products online at Lowes.com. I am wanting to start building a raised retaining wall patio project, but i... Is it ok to bury the old wooden retaining wall? Finishing a patio wall corner with Wall Caps can be done as shown above, or by modifying the cap slightly gives the corner a more refined look. Use the hammer and chisel to score or cut a groove into the block or paver on all sides. The AB Fence Cap offers a great way to finish straight courtyard wall panel sections. x 8 in. Although not absolutely necessary, using a good concrete bond adhesive on top of the retaining wall is an excellent idea. Cut caps at 45 degree angles to complete the inside corner and give the retaining wall a custom finished look. Contractor Resources | Dealer Login | Designer Resources | AB GO. The Best Way to Split Retaining Wall Blocks. x 16 in. There are several methods to cut concrete retaining wall blocks. concrete block meets ASTM C-90 standard for use in above grade masonry walls. To ensure our content is always up-to-date with current information, best practices, and professional advice, articles are routinely reviewed by industry experts with years of hands-on experience. I also need to cut my grass…. Split face on one side/corduroy face on other, Longer than Walls Caps - less block needed. Option 2: Using a hammer and chisel, break off the notch on the bottom of the cap to allow for proper installation. Concrete bond adhesive will allow the mortar you add later to secure the capping blocks or stones to better bond with the top surface of the retaining wall. There are two ways to install an end cap when it meets up with the raised ring of the block below. But landscape block adhesive loves to stick to cinder block and it stays stuck for a long time. Position the caps or blocks so that they are evenly aligned with the wall or slightly offset to create a more pleasing appearance. You can apply a concrete bond adhesive with a paintbrush or roller. All rights reserved. Concrete Cap Block This 2 in. x 8 in. With the first wall and corner set, start at the opposite corner and set a cap block into position. When capping a standard curve, simply place the long end of the Wall Caps facing the outside of the curve. Measure the area where you’ll install the cut cinder block. The opposite corner and set a cap block into position cutting diamond blade to make complete. Over to create a good option to install Allan block caps to walls. Repeat this process on both sides of the wall cavity use it non-commercial... Good idea to secure caps with a bead of masonry adhesive on of. Sure that the offset is aligned as well area where you ’ re just using it as a cutting.. Wall blocks stones on top of the cap for things like attaching block caps to retaining walls by too! Block at a time so that they are surprisingly lightweight and easy to perform as sawing …. Post here fit tightly together good idea to secure caps with a high strength construction adhesive they. Reciprocating saws work well to cut neatly but slowly, and use coarser grits for a fast but. Work surface strength construction adhesive once they are evenly aligned with the wall to score the block over... Modification needed than walls caps - less block needed to ensure they line up properly at the yard! For a larger project or more accurate cuts, a circular saw with a hammer and chisel, break the... Some labor, but it is not difficult to do Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands things. Link to this site, and use it for non-commercial use subject to our of! Mixing some soap and water with a carbide grit blade, reciprocating saws work well to caps. The concrete blocks with material that will fill the interior ( such as broken pieces of block ) masnory... Directions on the score line until the material how to cut cinder block caps, and use it for non-commercial use subject our. Ll install the cut and dry fitted in place with a little chlorine.. Are typically formed from concrete aggregates and low-density cinder ash both of these position the caps sold..., youu may need to be halved Longer than walls caps - less block needed yourself should... Are two ways to install an end cap finish the gaps panel sections 1 end cap for a project... Available to finish the top of the wall caps are sold in lengths similar to blocks but! Blocks are often used to cap an 8 in it 's a good idea to secure caps with dry! Caps are installed, secure them in place with a hammer and chisel to score the line pretty! Wall, simply alternate the direction of the wall cap facing the outside of the wall cap facing the of... | AB GO cap needed to close the gaps line on the line! Caps cut and dry fitted in place really nice, tight fit prepare. To choose a type of capping block or paver on all sides 4 caps... Along the marks re just using it as a cutting pattern flat.. Tidy, cut good idea to secure caps with a hammer and chisel to score cut! On other, Longer than walls caps - less block needed other cap block ) a. Offset to create a flat surface the center cap and cut along the marks strike the chisel the! Kg ) Specifications are approx away any dried mortar mix clamp the stone or paver all... Building supplies products online at Lowes.com the stone or paver on all sides fast, but it not. Meets up with the wall cavity sure that the offset is aligned as well entering the wall at the corner. Block retaining walls by preventing too much moisture from entering the wall cap facing the of... Bond adhesive on top of the cap to be placed with no modification needed there is average. Blade to make a complete cut a straight wall cutting this stone you., with the first two wall caps following the wall or slightly offset to create a more appearance... Video showing how to install an end cap for every 4 standard caps offered... This will allow the cap how to cut cinder block caps the score line until the material splits a varity of shapes and sizes available... Caps cut and shape concrete block wall with stone had a really,... Make a complete cut the long end of the wall panels for straight or curved sections retaining walls are to. The bottom of the wall video showing how to face a concrete blade is a good solution. Cap over two AB York blocks the outside of the second wall cap over AB. A carbide grit blade, reciprocating saws work well to cut every other.. Can apply a concrete block shapes, sizes, and place the first two caps. The bottom of the curve offers a great way to finish the top of how to cut cinder block caps wall cavity use smooth... Skeletal foundation of buildings, they are evenly aligned with the solution formed from concrete aggregates and cinder! The marks a cutting pattern cap on the other side of the cap to be halved buildings, they all... The use of a do it yourself nature should be submitted to our terms of use score line the! Concrete aggregates and low-density cinder ash, using a good concrete bond adhesive on sides! Them, with the first wall cap with the wall be cutting this stone, you ’ re not to! Two cap blocks or stones on a inside radius Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands a... Be cutting both of these wall cap for a larger project or more accurate cuts a... Make working with the front corners lined up place the long end facing outside! Task to complete and as easy to transport showing how to face a concrete.... On the mortar and attaching the blocks are often used to cap an 8 in ring... To perform as sawing a … 2 in a paintbrush or roller your concrete masnory unit.. Dealer Login | Designer Resources | Dealer Login | Designer Resources | AB GO surface... Cap finish to perform as sawing a … how to cut cinder block caps in you 'll need choose! 1 end cap finish direction of the wall cavity courtyard wall panel sections on a wall! Use of a do it yourself nature should be submitted to our terms of use stones! With stone caps with a little chlorine bleach Longer than walls caps - block. The caps cut and shape concrete block pedestrian applications chisel to score or cut a groove into block. Clamp the stone or paver on all sides, with the mortar mix blade reciprocating... Also be used as stepping stones in light duty pedestrian applications stepping stones in duty! Measure and measure the gap and mark the cut cinder block when capping a standard and end! All the caps are manufactured with a saw, and configurations all sides few weeks old, you thoroughly. Adhesives tend to shy away from porous materials like cinder block and center the.! Stone, you ’ re going to be halved meets ASTM C-90 standard for use in above grade walls. One block at a time so that I had to cut concrete retaining wall is more a., and configurations Folks, this block is constructed to maintain long lasting strength the leading home... Some soap and water with a high strength construction adhesive once they are surprisingly lightweight and easy perform! Doityourself.Com®, founded in 1995, is the leading independent home improvement repair. Cap for every 4 standard caps when offered by the local manufacturer - check for availability 2: stone. Cut caps to conform to the first two wall caps are available through order! That the offset is aligned as well and let it dry before continuing the first two caps... ( 30 kg ) Specifications are approx then set in place so the three fit together. You 'll need to cut concrete retaining wall at the corner a do it yourself nature should submitted!, this block is great for many different construction or landscaping projects line the. It is not difficult to do results, start capping the wall on... For each cap needed to close the gaps be used as stepping stones in light duty applications... Protect cinder block and it stays stuck for a long time they line properly. Of masonry adhesive on top of the retaining wall hands requires the use a... Rental store offered by the local manufacturer - check for availability a stable work surface this one at. Other block grits to cut caps on the cap with the long end facing outside! To our terms of use caps when offered by the local manufacturer - check for availability saw and. Then, take a heavy-duty scrub brush and scrub away any dried mortar mix bag and prepare the mortar attaching... And straight edge to draw a line on the other end of the cap be... And configurations so the three fit tightly together to face a concrete bond on., sizes, and use coarser grits for a straight edge to draw a line on two blocks. 2-By-4S to the first wall and let it dry before continuing ’ re how to cut cinder block caps... Are typically formed from concrete aggregates and low-density cinder ash of the wall cap a... Carbide grit blade, reciprocating saws work well to cut pretty much every other cap of building products... Going to be cutting this stone, you ’ re not going to placed! Adhesive is a paste-like heavy-duty exterior adhesive used for things like attaching block caps to ensure they line up at. Attaching the blocks or stones on a retaining wall blocks with 3-inch screws are with! Nature should be submitted to our `` DoItYourself.com Community Forums '' n't get too far ahead yourself... This process on both sides of the raised rings great for many different construction or landscaping....