Retaining wall coping is a crucial element in creating beautiful and functional outdoor spaces. It's a cap or edge that's placed on top of a retaining wall to prevent erosion and water damage.
A well-designed coping can make a retaining wall look like a beautiful architectural feature, rather than just a functional element. This is because it can be made from a variety of materials, such as stone, brick, or concrete.
The coping also helps to prevent water from seeping behind the wall, which can cause damage and erosion over time. This is especially important in areas with heavy rainfall or flooding.
In addition to its functional benefits, retaining wall coping can also add visual interest to a space. By choosing a coping material that complements the surrounding landscape, you can create a cohesive and harmonious look.
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Types of Retaining Wall Coping
Retaining wall coping is a crucial aspect of completing your outdoor project. It adds a finishing touch to your wall project, just like a crown on a building.
You can choose from manufactured concrete wall caps, pre-cast concrete wall caps, or natural stone wall caps to match your retaining walls. These wall caps are available in various sizes, with approximate dimensions of 12"x Various Lengths.
Allan Block Capstones are a popular option for finishing the top of a retaining wall. They can be modified to fit any retaining wall shape, making them a versatile choice.
Exterior cap tiles are another great option for adding elegance to outdoor walls. They come in a variety of colors and finishes, such as grey mist sandstone and ebony black sandstone, which can add unique character to your space.
These exterior cap tiles are not just visually appealing, but also durable and crafted to endure. They can be used to finish the tops of walls, providing a protective and decorative cap that complements your outdoor living area.
Discover more: Concrete Forms
Design and Installation
Design and installation of retaining wall coping requires careful planning to ensure a safe and durable structure.
The first step is to choose the right materials, such as concrete, brick, or stone, which are durable and resistant to weathering.
A slope of 1:1 or 1:2 is recommended to prevent erosion and ensure the coping remains in place.
The coping stone should be set on a bed of sand or mortar to provide a stable base and prevent shifting.
A minimum thickness of 2-3 inches is recommended for coping stones to withstand weathering and erosion.
Capping Walls
Capping walls is a crucial step in finishing your outdoor space. It adds a polished, finished look to garden walls, retaining walls, and other exterior features.
Wall caps are available in various materials, including pre-cast concrete, natural stone, and manufactured concrete. RCP provides a selection of manufactured concrete wall caps to match their line of retaining walls.
Retaining wall capstones can be modified to fit any retaining wall shape, making them a versatile option. Allan Block Capstones are available for finishing the top of the wall.
Related reading: Build Concrete Steps
Exterior cap tiles offer a variety of colors and finishes, allowing you to choose the ideal match for your exterior décor. From delicate hues to striking presence, each option brings its unique character to your space.
Wall caps not only add aesthetic appeal but also play a crucial role in protecting the wall structure. They shield the underlying material from weather elements, contributing to the longevity of the wall.
A wide range of styles and colors is available, enabling you to create a cohesive and attractive outdoor area. From natural elegance to warm tones, each material brings its unique charm.
The finishes available, such as flamed and brushed or natural cleft, add another layer of texture and interest to these tiles. They are ideal for finishing the tops of walls, providing a protective and decorative cap.
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Replies
Replies from the community offer some great insights on how to achieve a clean cut for coping stones. You can get a nice cut with a demo saw, but it may be hard to get a cut exactly where you want it if you're not smooth with the throttle.
One way to do it is to miter each side, butt them together and then run the saw down the miter one more time. This method gives excellent results but is definitely more time-consuming.
A masonry saw with a sliding table is much more accurate and therefore easier to get good results with. For example, the MK BX-3 with a 14" diamond blade is a popular choice.
If you only have a few stones to cut, it might be quicker to use a 6" angle grinder and a dry diamond blade. Just mark and cut from both sides, and if the cuts aren't deep enough, you can whack the block with a brick hammer to bust it apart.
Here are some options to consider when choosing a saw:
Renting a saw may be worth considering if you have a bunch of stones to cut. It's definitely worth the investment for a professional-looking finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you finish the end of a retaining wall?
To finish the end of a retaining wall, use a smooth flowing curve that turns back into the hillside. This helps prevent erosion and creates a seamless transition.
What should I put behind my retaining wall?
Behind a retaining wall, ideally leave a foot of space filled with gravel and drainage piping to ensure proper water flow. Weep holes can also be added for additional drainage support
Sources
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