Telluride Wall Installation Instructions
Step 1, Project planning
Use stakes, string line and a line level, stake out the project outline. Run the string line between stakes at the desired
finished wall height. The maximum height for Telluride wall is 30” above grade. Ensure consistent finished height
through the entire project by leveling the line between stakes.
Step 2, Determine quantities
Measure down from the string line to the ground to determine the number of courses of wall block needed. Remember
to include 2” for caps. A portion of the base course wall block should always be buried. For wall heights between 12”
and 24” high, 4” of the base course should be buried. For walls between 24” and 30” high, bury an entire course, or 6”,
of wall. Example: If the desired finished project height is 16” above grade, 4” of the base course will be buried, leaving
2” above grade. Two additional courses will bring the wall to 14” above grade. Add in 2 more inches for the cap to
achieve the desired height of 16” above grade.
Step 3, Excavate and prep base
Starting at the deepest point of the project, dig a trench at least a foot wide. Depending on the projects’ finished height
a trench will be dug from 6” to 12” deep. Fill the bottom of the trench with compacted road base between 4”-6” deep
(4” for walls below 18”, and 6” for walls above 18” tall). Compact the road base in 2” lifts using a hand tamper. If the
wall runs up a hill, dig the trench into the hill until the trench would bury more than one course of wall. At that point
step the trench up the hill and continue as before.
Step 4, Install base course
Lay the base course on the compacted road base. Use a level to ensure each wall unit is level from front to back, side to
side and level with the unit next to it. Telluride wall is designed to be installed straight or on a curve. Ensure the corners
are touching at the front of the wall during installation.
Step 5, Lay additional courses and backfill
Install additional courses in a running bond (a full unit sits atop the joint of the two units below it). Half units will be
necessary for the end of the wall to create the running bond. A demolition saw with a diamond blade is recommended
for cutting. Use a heavy duty construction adhesive to adhere each layer of Telluride block to the layer below. For walls
that are intended to retain soil, or batter is desired, line up the back of the units as each course is installed, thus creating
a batter at the front of the wall. For walls intended to be used for seating, benches, or shorter planters, Telluride wall
can be installed with no batter for a vertical face. Line up the face of each successive layer rather than the back for
vertical installations. Back fill your wall with drain rock and soil as each course of wall is installed. Use a ¾ to ½ inch
granular rock material as a drain rock placed directly behind the wall units for the first 6” of fill on each course of wall.
Step 6, Install cap Units
Install caps in the same running bond fashion as the wall. Use heavy duty construction adhesive to adhere caps to the
wall blocks. A demolition saw, or circular saw with a diamond blade will be required to make cuts for curved walls.