How Much Are Large Concrete Retaining Wall Blocks?
How Much Are Large Concrete Retaining Wall Blocks?
Large concrete retaining wall blocks are usually priced at $20 to $45 per square foot or $30 to $270 per linear foot. They are popular for retaining walls because of their cost-effective nature and weight capacity. This price includes the blocks and transportation.
They usually weigh 1,000 to 3,500 pounds each and come in sizes ranging from 2 cubic feet to 6-by-2-by-2 feet. Blocks can be purchased in bulk or smaller increments, depending on the size of the retaining wall project.
One of the benefits of using large concrete retaining wall blocks is that they are relatively easy to transport and install. They also have a relatively short lifespan, which is why they are typically only used on smaller projects.
What Are The Concrete Blocks For Decks Called?
The concrete blocks for decks are called precast concrete deck blocks. Precast concrete deck blocks are widely used in the construction of decks. Some are built with notches to hold standard-sized posts, beams, and joists.
Precast blocks sold at home improvement stores are typically 12 inches square and 8 to 12 inches tall, waterproof, and reinforced. The concrete deck blocks are made of different types of specialty concrete and have varying widths, sizes, and shapes to accommodate different projects.
What Kind Of Saw Do You Use To Cut Concrete Blocks?
Use a conventional circular saw with a corundum or diamond blade for simple operations. Cut through the top inch for slabs, then break off the remainder with a sledgehammer. The jagged edge left below the cutting line is a suitable rough edge to which the fresh concrete may attach.
It is important to note that concrete will bond better to a rough surface than a smooth one. For more advanced applications, use an angle grinder with a diamond blade.
The dust created by cutting may become airborne, so safety equipment such as goggles, face masks, and gloves are recommended.
Making blocks is an ancient technology that has not changed much over the years. The biggest reason for this is the nature of concrete itself since it is both a binder and a secondary “cement” in most cases.
However, recent advances have been made in self-compacting concrete (SCC), designed to replace traditional cement, allowing contractors to mix the concrete on-site rather than beforehand.
How Do You Attach Floor Joists To Concrete Blocks?
Place a brick between the first two joists. Use wood the same size as the joists and cut each block separately to the dimension between the joists. Then place a block between the next two joists offset from the first.
This permits you to nail through the joist and into the block. It is recommended that you pre-drill a hole and then drive a nail through all four pieces of a joist, allowing them to break off after being extensively nailed.
If the floor is covered with carpet or vinyl, take note that the extra nails can leave ugly gouges in the concrete, so make sure to remove them before installing the carpet.
How Do You Cut Concrete Blocks with A Circular Saw?
To cut concrete blocks with a circular saw, the following five steps are required:
1. Step 1: Strap on Your Safety Gear
All skilled artisans understand the value of safety equipment. Concrete blocks emit silica dust, which is hazardous to your health when heated.
2. Step 2: Mark the Cutting Path Using a Chalk Line
Using a chalk line, mark the concrete block you’re about to cut. The chalk line will direct your blade and circular saw during the cutting procedure.
3. Step 3: Adjust Your Circular Saw
Set your circular saw’s ripping size or cutting depth to 50mm. Once down, align your blade with the chalk line indicated.
Once everything is in place, start your saw and let it achieve its maximum speed or rate of rotation.
4. Step 4: Start Cutting Slowly
When cutting with a circular saw, your role is to guide your saw and blade rather than use pressure or effort.
In other words, trust your blade to accomplish its job of cutting and ripping the concrete block. Guide it down the chalk line without using excessive force or pressure.
Step 4.1 (Optional): Add A Stream Of Water To Your Blade
If you’re using a wet blade, this step is unnecessary. If you’re cutting a concrete block with a wet blade, have someone assist you in adding a stream of water to the blade as you’re cutting.
A trickle of water poured onto the blade will assist cool it and keep hazardous poisons like silica dust out of your system.
5. Step 5: Stop Cutting after 45 Seconds, Then Cut Again
The last thing you want is your blade to overheat and cut the concrete block incorrectly.
Stop every 45 seconds while cutting, then resume cutting. If you cut without stopping, your blade will heat up and generate unpleasant results.
