Hardscapes - Keystone Blocks
About Keystone Blocks
Introduction
| The landscaping industry is filled with many innovating ideas that continue to make it grow. With the many choices available to both professionals and homeowners, it is not too difficult to come up with a dream landscape whether it’s for your home or business. You can find many landscaping materials and products that will embellish your property and at the same time meet with all your expectations. |
|
Retaining walls
 |
One of the most popular landscaping implementations that homeowners, landscape designers and builders opt for is the retaining wall. Retaining walls have a decorative and aesthetic effect and can be quiet functional too. The materials used for these retaining walls come in many different shapes, sizes and colors. But what’s more important is that these materials need to be strong, long-lasting, weather resistant and should not require a lot of maintenance, if none at all. |
Choosing Keystone Blocks for Retaining Walls
| An ideal choice for the majority of retaining wall projects is to use keystone blocks. A keystone block is an individually segmented concrete unit which is specifically designed for retaining wall applications. The standard shape of each keystone block contains a fiber glass pin. This pin exists to interlock the units together to form a sturdy and stable structure. Because of these pins, no mortar is required, which is why these keystone block retaining walls are often referred to as dry stacked. |
|
 |
Keystone blocks are highly recommended as retaining wall systems particularly for vertically sloped land because of their strength, solidity and the fact that they can last for a long time. They are also popular with tall and large retaining walls because of their height-to-depth ratio. Bear in mind, to avoid water damage, a decent drainage system should be built before constructing the retaining wall for best results. |
Types of Keystone Blocks
| This man-made concrete sculpted block is available in many different types of brands, made by different manufactures, each offering different types. You are ought to find the right keystone block to suit your existing landscape and give the aesthetic appeal you are after. They come in different colors, shapes, sizes and surface textures, for example, flat, 3-sided or tumbled. Mentioned below are the most popular types of keystone blocks: |
|
Standard Unit
 |
The original keystone block that started the retaining wall industry and is still the leader. Its height-to-depth ratio makes for a structurally sound, engineered retaining wall system with stability, strength and durability. Great for tall walls and critical structures.
|
Compac Unit
| A keystone block ideal for smaller walls where the deep embedment is not necessary. The compact unit has a lighter weight and shorter tail making it easier to handle for the installer. |
|
Mini/Cap Unit
 |
Also ideal for smaller walls with non-critical applications. It is easy to handle and install, and is very attractive with its smooth top surface without openings that gives a well-handled appearance. |
Keystone Wall System Design
There are marvelous designs that can be achieved from using keystone blocks in a retaining wall system. Listed are some suggestions:
- Concave curves
- Convex curves
- Curved lines
- Circular design
- Semi circular
- Zig Zag
- Straight line
Back to Retaining Walls
