Building a Dry Stack Block Wall with QUIKWALL

Building a garden wall, a planter, a mail box enclosure or even an outdoor kitchen can be as easy as “Stack and Stucco” with QUIKRETE QUIKWALL Surface Bonding Cement.

Project Instructions:
When working with QUIKWALL, rubber gloves and safety glasses should always be worn during mixing and placing procedures.

Step 1: Ensure a solid footing or base slab for both structural and non-structural walls.

NOTE: it is important to check local building codes for construction requirements in your area; footings should be a minimum of twice the width of the concrete block (for example, an 8″x8″x16″ block would require a 16″ wide footing) and extend below the frost line to prevent shifting during freeze-thaw cycles.

Step 2:
Stage the first course of block and snap a chalk line on each side of the block wall as a reference line to ensure corners are square and walls are straight.

Step 3
Mix QUIKWALL.

NOTE: each 50 pound bag of QUIKWALL will require about a gallon of water – additional water can be added in small amounts to achieve a workable mix. The proper consistency is achieved when the wet QUIKWALL will “hang” on a trowel held at a 90 degree angle.

Step 4:
Remove the blocks and lay a 1/8 inch bed of QUIKWALL on the footing – the QUIKWALL mix should be workable but firm enough to support the weight of the first course.

Step 5:
Set the bottom course.

TIP: check your alignment and level every 3 to 4 blocks.

Step 6:
Once the first course is set, dry-stack the remaining block in a running bond pattern to the desired height – all corners should use an interlocking pattern.

Step 7:
Thoroughly dampen the block wall with water – dry block will draw the water from the mix making it difficult to finish and can cause inconsistent color and cracking especially in hot temperatures.

Step 8:
Apply a consistent 1/8 to 1/4 inch coat of QUIKWALL to both sides of the block. Use a square finishing trowel held at a 45 degree angle and work from the bottom of the wall to the top covering the entire surface of the wall.

Step 9:
Cure the entire surface with a fine water mist.

What is needed for the job

Related Links