Browse Forums Landscape & Garden Design 1 Jun 25, 2007 3:44 pm Hi,
I wanted to build a retaining wall out of hebel blocks. (Inspired from from Backyard Blitz) Does anyone know a supplier of these blocks within Melbourne,Victoria. Anyone who has experience, building with this material provide any advice? such as durability, i'm worried about the wall breaking down due to water, rain, etc. Thanks Re: Hebel Blocks 2Jun 25, 2007 5:20 pm Peter Clarkson - AusDesign Australia www.ausdesign.com.au This information is intended to provide general information only. It does not purport to be a comprehensive advice. hebel blocks 3Jun 30, 2007 1:47 pm Personally i'm not a real fan of hebel blocks.
On the upside they are light and easy to cut. The downside is due to the fact they are aerated concrete, this means less concrete per sq mtr. The problem with this is like the difference between softwood and hardwood. Hardwood has more wood fibers per sq mtr and therefore is stronger and more durable. Hebel blocks will tend to and erode chip easier. They will also be less secure in the structure you build. I'm not having a go at Backyard blitz, they do some good work, but they tend to use the easiest to use products so they can get the job done within the weekend.... This does not mean the structure is going to last, or they are using best building methods. Often they take shortcuts; like putting stones around paver's to avoid making time consuming cuts and using light, preformed building materials. If you want the structure to last, use besa blocks. If the area is sheltered and well protected hebel may do the job well. Re: Hebel Blocks 4Jun 30, 2007 2:48 pm What about in a structural application such as a house John.
What are you're thoughts ? Peter Clarkson - AusDesign Australia www.ausdesign.com.au This information is intended to provide general information only. It does not purport to be a comprehensive advice. Re: Hebel Blocks 6Jul 05, 2007 7:27 am I think Hebel is fine as long as it's well protected. In structures such as houses they are protected with a roof, render, paint, etc.
Most landscaping situations are quite the opposite; constant and direct exposure to weather, wear and the environment. A previous post mentioned the Backyard blitz retaining wall, here we have a wall that is exposed to wear (a seat), direct weather extremes, constant moisture from the soil behind it and lateral forces. Most people will not want to dig up their garden every few years and re-seal the back of the wall. Hebel will work but without the mass of concrete it will not be as durable. Hebel blocks are a great building product for weight and workability but if it durability in harsh conditions you need then concrete is the way to go. I've seen BBQ's built out of them and they look good and work well. Feature walls, play houses and similar structure are good uses for this product. Some retaining wall may be fine as well, depends on the site,what the customer wants and of course budget. Re: Hebel Blocks 7Jul 05, 2007 9:33 am Hi Ewan,
Have you considered other options. There are various specially designed blocks that slot together (a bit like lego) and don't require cement. Ask at a pavers specialist shop - they should have a whole range. It sounds like you would like to give it a go yourself and I think this is a great idea. You will get a lot more satisfaction than paying someone else to do it. Have fun Those span tables can be pushed a little for a low deck if you dont mind a little flex. Last deck I did, I pushed it a little and it was still rock solid - no noticeable… 6 11341 I was looking at different options for a fence for my build and Hebel PowerFence seemed like a good option (one of the criteria was a solid wall look). However, I don't… 0 4845 1 5039 |