Modular Blocks Give You More Bang for your Block

Modular blocks are a fashionable, functional and flexible building material widely used in residential, commercial and industrial landscaping. These high-strength, precast concrete units give you more bang for your block since that are structurally more sophisticated than standard concrete bricks and provide a more aesthetically appealing finish.

Interlocking and offset stacking modular block systems are engineered for easy installation and for resistance to external forces such as lateral soil pressure, hydrostatic pressure or surcharge and seismic load in the ground. This makes modular blocks a popular choice for constructing heavy-duty retaining walls and even for larger building projects in landslide-prone and earthquake-prone areas.

The main components of modular block systems include the block units themselves, foundation soil/the base, drainage, backfill/retained soil, and wall reinforcement such as geogrid or geotextile. While there is a highly technical aspect to these sophisticated systems, integrated modular block solutions are available for quick and simple installation in any weather conditions. Ultimately, modular block systems reduce land take and can be installed with minimal site disruption.

Modular blocks are more natural-looking than concrete blocks, marrying the geometric affordances of brick with the textured look of natural stone. This makes modular blocks a stylish option for freestanding walls including sitting walls, planter walls, garden walls, privacy walls and boundary walls. The blocks also make for safe and attractive outdoor fire pits. They come in a variety of patterns, sizes, colors and textures to complement the aesthetics of any landscape. Beautiful decorative designs add substance and style to your straight, curved or terraced wall.

Modular blocks are truly the crème de la crème of low-cost building materials. They are less expensive than poured concrete walls, easy to maintain and handsomely complement other landscape features like walkways, courtyards and arbors. Whether you are building a functional retaining wall or bordering a pergola, consider using stately modular blocks for a quality that lasts.

Modular Block Retaining Walls

Do you have one of those sloping backyards that looks nice, but you can’t do much with it?  If you have been thinking about how to use that backyard for your children’s playground, a swimming pool, workshop, or patio, consider installing an attractive, functional retaining wall. 

Retaining walls can make an attractive addition to any landscape.  Retaining walls are both functional and beautiful.  They can be used to create a flat area in a sloping yard, or to control erosion, improve drainage, or to create a division between two areas such as your lawn and a flower bed.  Retaining walls can be built from many materials including timber, poured concrete, masonry blocks, stone, and other such materials. 

The design and installation of poured concrete retaining walls or retaining walls more than three feet tall are best left to a professional landscaper.   Improperly designed or installed retaining walls are a safety hazard because they can collapse, causing personal injuries and property damage. 

For retaining walls less than three feet tall, modular blocks offer an excellent alternative for the do-it-yourselfer to create attractive, functional retaining walls.  Modular blocks are a flexible and easy to use.  They rely on the weight of the blocks to hold them in place so you don’t need to use any mortar. 

Modular blocks are made with an interlocking system to add strength to the structure and they are molded with tapered sides so it is easy build smoothly curving walls.  Your local landscape supply store will have a wide variety of modular blocks to choose from and can help you design and install a great looking retaining wall.