Browse Forums General Discussion 1 May 04, 2022 12:44 am I am considering Besser block for a retaining/raised garden bed. The garden beds will run down a slight slope. Approx 800mm drop over 5 meters. So they will be cut in. Max height 3 tiers, majority will be 2 tier. Decent footing, double the width and depth of the blocks with Rio every 3rd core. Would I need to worry about mortar joins or could I dry stack them and just fill with grout? I plan on finishing in Dulux Texture paint. And waterproofing the inner walls. Just thought a dry stack might make the texture coat look better that and the fact I've never layed Besser block before as I've always used dry stack retaining blocks. What do you think? Re: Besser block retaining garden beds 2May 04, 2022 8:57 am Yes you need to put in mortar joints, Otherwise it will be a wasted effort, the blocks will crack and the textured finish will look ugly. Unless, on the other hand you like the distressed/falling over look.. ? Designer,Engineer (Civil,Const & Envir),Builder,Concrete & Masonry Contract.Struct Repairs Re: Besser block retaining garden beds 3May 04, 2022 3:07 pm second that, you need mortar. I assume it is stepped? You could also consider cast insitu, Form in up and pour all at once, footing can be included in the one pour if the slump is not too high. Re: Besser block retaining garden beds 4May 04, 2022 3:28 pm Thanks for the advice! I saw a few videos on YouTube where some low level block walls were mortar joined for the first course then dry stacked and filled with concrete, but these were free standing garden beds. Mine is stepped, probably 3 blocks length in each step. Not into the distressed look so I'll give the mortar joins a go. At least I can cover any unsightly work with the texture paint. I'd like to try the cast insitu, but the form work skills, with step downs might be above my diy skill level. Re: Besser block retaining garden beds 5May 04, 2022 6:35 pm Spoonman I am considering Besser block for a retaining/raised garden bed. The garden beds will run down a slight slope. Approx 800mm drop over 5 meters. So they will be cut in. Max height 3 tiers, majority will be 2 tier. Decent footing, double the width and depth of the blocks with Rio every 3rd core. Would I need to worry about mortar joins or could I dry stack them and just fill with grout? I plan on finishing in Dulux Texture paint. And waterproofing the inner walls. Just thought a dry stack might make the texture coat look better that and the fact I've never layed Besser block before as I've always used dry stack retaining blocks. What do you think? Spoonman Also don't forget to waterproof them and install some drainage ( aggpipe) Cheers Simeon Architectural Homes & Duplexes - specialising in custom designing homes to your budget Get a Free Onsite Consultation Today or send a PM for information, questions or advice. there is a standard besser block wall pdf somewhere online with footing sizes, also have a look at dincel. 1 3259 Sand cement and lime in 1:1:6 proportion (approximately) should work really well, thickness around 10 mm. I would purchase sand cement and hydrated lime from Bunnings: 1 307 |