How to Build A Patio Wall Corner    Print this Document

Building Patio Walls with corners

Build a Patio Wall with Corners

Download (.pdf) How-To Sheet #180

Patio wall panels are designed to let you easily build corners using the Corner Block. These basic steps will help you learn how to build a simple wall panel either on an existing patio or on soil. Once you have the basics steps in hand you can build everything from seating walls, and outdoor rooms to kitchens, backyard bars and more.

Start Building at the Corner

Start at the Corner

place the cut side against the Corner Block to create the corner

Build Pattern A

Use pattern B to build second course of corner

Build Pattern B

Build Wall Away from Corner

Build out from Corner

Start Installing Wall Cap

Place Cap at Corner

Installing Wall Caps from Corner

Slide Caps to Match

Adjust Wall Caps

Adjust Caps

Glue Caps to Top Course

Secure Caps

Place Caps together to form the corners

Caps for corner (optional)

Installing on Existing Patios or Pavement

If you will be building in an area that does not have an existing patio or pavement, see the instructions on How-to sheet #120: How to Build a Wall Panel on Soil.

Step 1: Mark Your Layout

When bulding a wall with corners, keep in mind that you will need to cut blocks on every course. See How-to sheet #210: Modifying Blocks for more information.

Courtyard Corner For Building Posts

Corner Block

Walls that have corners in the design will need to be built starting at the corner. Determine the location of the corner and place a Corner Block. Installing the first two courses at the same time will ensure proper alignment of the entire project.


Step 2: Build the Corner

Using Cut Blocks Patterns A & B

Cut an AB Dublin to achieve a quarter (1/4) and three-quarter (3/4) length piece, see Pattern A. Place the cut end against the Corner Block to create the corner, see Pattern A. Cutting the block creates a straight edge so there will not be a gap where the blocks meet. An AB York cut to create a half (1/2) length block will also work.

See How-to sheet #210: Modifying Blocks for more information.

Step 3: Stack a Second Course

On this course, alternate the position of the Corner Block to face the opposite direction of the one on the first course, see Pattern B. Use the remaining cut piece and place it with the cut side against the corner to finish the corner.

Step 4: Continue Building Out from the Corner

Build the remaining wall out in both directions in the pattern chosen. Use the above process for any additional courses or corners in the project. To aid in fitting the cut blocks, try flipping them over so the raised rings are down.

Step 5: Wall Caps First Direction

Wall Cap

Wall Cap

Finish the corner with Wall Caps. Starting at the corner, place the first two Wall Caps following the wall in the same direction. Place the first Wall Cap with the long end facing the outside of the wall. Alternate the direction of the second Wall Cap for a straight wall.

Step 6: Wall Caps Second Direction

Next place a Wall Cap on the other side of the corner. Place the short end of the Wall Cap facing the outside of the wall. Make adjustments to the first two Wall Caps to ensure they line up properly at the corner.

Step 7: Finish

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.



Cutting Caps for the Corner (Optional)

Finishing the corner with Wall Caps can be done as shown above, or by modifying the cap slightly gives the corner a more refined look.

Step 1: Mark and Cut Caps

Cut caps along the marked line

Step 2: Place Caps

Mark the caps for cutting

Step 1: Mark & Cut Caps

Using a tape measure and straight edge, mark the cut line on two cap blocks as shown. Use a masonry saw with a dry cutting diamond blade to make a complete cut.

Step 2: Place Caps on Corner

Place the cut caps on the corner as shown. Continue stacking additional caps out from the corner.

Step 3: Finish

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.