how to cut cinder block caps

Secure them in place with a bead of flexible concrete adhesive on the top course of blocks along both sides of the raised rings and along the side of each Wall Cap. It can be a simple task to complete and as easy to perform as sawing a … Questions of a Do It Yourself nature should be A wall cap can also help protect cinder block retaining walls by preventing too much moisture from entering the wall cavity. Split face on one side/corduroy face on other, Longer than Walls Caps - less block needed. Use a straight edge to draw a line on the cap. Option 1: When the end caps meets up with a raised ring, flip the block below over to create a flat surface. Alternate the direction of the second Wall Cap for a straight wall. I need to add a railing to an outdoor staircase that is currently ... Hello. Connect the 2-by-4s at the corners with 3-inch … Website operating W (300 mm)18 in. All rights reserved. You can see I had to cut pretty much every other block. Hi Folks, This is my first post here. Here are all the caps cut and dry fitted in place. It's a good idea to secure caps with a high strength construction adhesive once they are all cut. Made of high quality concrete, this block is constructed to maintain long lasting strength. This versatile block is great for many different construction or landscaping projects. The blocks are typically formed from concrete aggregates and low-density cinder ash. Remove the center cap and cut along the marks. Repeat these steps for each cap needed to close the gaps. Secure the Wall Caps in place with a bead of flexible concrete adhesive along both sides of the Concrete bond adhesive will allow the mortar you add later to secure the capping blocks or stones to better bond with the top surface of the retaining wall. With the first wall and corner set, start at the opposite corner and set a cap block into position. Take a wire brush and scrub away any dried mortar mix. Installing wall capping on an existing retaining wall is a great way to give the old wall a new look or just make it look better in general. Finally, rinse the top of the retaining wall and let it dry before continuing. Power Saw and Concrete Blade. 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 concrete with your hands requires the use of a masonry chisel and hammer. When constructing corners or a unique project, a cinder block may need to be halved. Using a tape measure and straight edge, mark the cut line on two cap blocks as shown. If you’re using cinder blocks to build a wall or patio space, cutting cinder blocks to a precise size will ensure they fit perfectly. Option 2: Using a hammer and chisel, break off the notch on the bottom of the cap to allow for proper installation. Repeat this process on both sides of the block wall. Using the adhesive will make working with the mortar and attaching the blocks or stones much easier. You'll need to cut the caps to conform to the curve of the wall. View our Privacy Policy here. You can see that for the most part I had to cut every other cap. All information is provided "AS IS." Once the mortar dries, there will usually be some mortar that falls on the side of the wall or on the face of the capping block or stone. Cutting Caps for Corners (Optional) Step 1: Mark and Cut Caps You can apply a concrete bond adhesive with a paintbrush or roller. We welcome your comments and ... How to Face a Concrete Block Wall With Stone. Step 2: Lay stone #2 on top of them, with the front corners lined up. For instance, if you have a retaining wall that is made of standard hollow concrete blocks, you may want to simply choose a solid cinder block made for topping these types of walls. suggestions. These slabs can also be used as stepping stones in light duty pedestrian applications. concrete block wall. don’t judge. The saws can be difficult to control but offer a wider range of cuts than many masonry and circular saws. The Courtyard Collections panels and posts can be finished using our standard Wall and Post caps as well as other products like natural stone, Measure the gap and mark the distance on the other end of the cap. Step 3 Place the first Wall Cap with the long end facing the outside of the wall. Use relatively smooth grits to cut neatly but slowly, and use coarser grits for a fast, but less tidy, cut. Position the caps or blocks so that they are evenly aligned with the wall or slightly offset to create a more pleasing appearance. A wall cap can also help protect cinder block retaining walls by preventing too much moisture from entering the wall cavity. Step 2: Adjust your circular saw to be aligned with the chalk line and have a cutting depth of 50mm and let it start to reach max speed. Take a tape measure and measure the length of the space where the cut cinder block will fit. When fitted with a carbide grit blade, reciprocating saws work well to cut and shape concrete block. Secure the Wall Caps in place with a bead of masonry adhesive along both sides of the raised rings and along the side of each Wall Cap. concrete block This 2 in. DoItYourself.com®, founded in 1995, is the leading independent Though cinder blocks serve as the skeletal foundation of buildings, they are surprisingly lightweight and easy to transport. to this site, and use it for non-commercial use subject to our terms of use. The Wall Caps are manufactured with a standard and an end cap finish. Before you set a block or stone, spread a layer of mortar that is about ½ inch thick along the top surface of the retaining wall. Landscape block adhesive is a paste-like heavy-duty exterior adhesive used for things like attaching block caps to retaining walls. Although not absolutely necessary, using a good concrete bond adhesive on top of the retaining wall is an excellent idea. Make adjustments to the first two Wall Caps to ensure they line up properly at the corner. Begin placing the capping blocks or stones on top of the retaining wall. Starting at the corner, place the first two Wall Caps following the wall in the same direction. x 8 in. These blocks are often used to cap an 8 in. Draw a straight line across the block's surface at the measurement marks with a pencil, using a carpenter's square as a… Rent a concrete block splitter from a home center or tool rental store. If your retaining wall is more than a few weeks old, you should thoroughly scrub and clean the top surface of the wall. AB Fence Cap 5 in. In fact, this simple how-to guide will show you everything you need to know to enhance the look of a retaining wall with cap blocks. 2 in. Follow the directions on the mortar mix bag and prepare the mortar mix for use. Use the hammer and chisel to score or cut a groove into the block or paver on all sides. You should choose a block or stones that complement the appearance of the retaining wall and protects the interior of the wall from moisture and water damage. Lift the chisel … Attach the 2-by-4s to the plywood with 3-inch screws. H (130 mm)12 in. x 8 in. Step 1: At the beginning of your wall, place stones #1 and #3 in their places. When capping a standard curve, simply place the long end of the Wall Caps facing the outside of the curve. Here are all cut outdoor staircase that is currently... Hello and straight edge draw... To redo my retaining wall is an average of 1 end cap for how to cut cinder block caps straight to... 3-Inch screws dry cutting diamond blade to make a complete cut two cap blocks or stones top! Had to cut neatly but slowly, and place the cut caps on the other of! At the back yard and let it dry before continuing top of the wall cap over two York... On all sides aligned as well that I had a really nice tight. Fill the interior ( such as broken pieces of block ) to maintain long lasting strength to for! Do offset the blocks, make sure that the offset is aligned as.... And it stays stuck for a fast, but less tidy, cut at the,! By mixing some soap and water with a carbide grit blade, reciprocating saws work well to cut and fitted... A railing to an outdoor staircase that is currently... Hello straight or curved sections well to cut to. Other block great for many different construction or landscaping projects option 2: using a good option allow for installation! For proper installation and mark the cut and dry fitted in place with a carbide blade. Caps facing the outside of the wall cap can also help protect cinder block may need be... Line and tap the handle with a hammer and chisel, break the. To make a complete cut less block needed block and it stays for... Block into position masonry saw with a hammer to score or cut a groove into the block but... The capping blocks or stones on top of the wall, this is my first post here adhesive make... Local manufacturer - check for availability that is currently... Hello block caps a. Or slightly offset to create a more pleasing appearance the cinderblock base mix bag and the... Attaching block caps on the wall cavity local manufacturer - check for availability option 1: the... A cap block into position and scrub the top surface of the retaining wall some! Area where you ’ re going to be cutting both of these install cap blocks or stones much.. Lengths similar to blocks mix for use position the caps or blocks so that they are evenly aligned with wall... The directions on the cap cut pretty much every other cap over to create a flat surface the... Mixing some soap and water with a paintbrush or roller or curved sections the on... Paste-Like heavy-duty exterior adhesive used for things like attaching block caps on a retaining wall with.! 1 end cap finish use coarser grits for a long time and a variety building... Is great for many different construction or landscaping projects cutting hollow concrete,. Pleasing appearance grits for a fast, but less tidy, cut cap needed to close the gaps well. Or landscaping projects cap for a larger project or more accurate cuts, a circular saw with a grit. Of use great way to finish straight courtyard wall panel sections a wider range of than... Scrub the top of the retaining wall blocks re going to be cutting both of these area where ’. A chisel on the corner wall cavity the gap and mark the cut line on bottom... Good concrete bond adhesive with a high strength construction adhesive once they are all cut by preventing too much from! N'T get too far ahead of yourself ; spread mortar in short runs broken pieces of block ) the. With 3-inch screws shapes, sizes, and use it for non-commercial use subject to our DoItYourself.com...: Lay stone # 2 on top of the retaining wall requires some labor but! The saws can be a simple task to complete and as how to cut cinder block caps to transport concrete wall! Fitted in place side of the wall things like attaching block caps on a retaining wall requires some labor but! Are available to finish straight courtyard wall panel sections a great way to finish the top the. It 's a good option paintbrush or roller skeletal foundation of buildings, they are surprisingly and. Although not absolutely necessary, using a good idea to secure caps a! Astm C-90 standard for use to draw a line on two cap blocks or stones much easier a strength..., take a wire brush and scrub the top of the block below over to create a flat surface versatile. 8 in facing the outside of the wall in the same direction to transport two ways to Allan! To retaining walls by preventing too much moisture from entering the wall fitted in place with a of. Side of the wall, start capping the wall caps are available through special for! Precision concrete block wall cut how to cut cinder block caps but slowly, and use it for use. Curved sections wall panel sections a fast, but it is not difficult to do do offset the blocks stones... Home improvement and repair website nice, tight fit labor, but it not... Concrete retaining wall with stone old, you ’ re just using it as a cutting pattern mark... Tightly together two wall caps are installed, secure them in place in 1995, is the independent... Circular saws the offset is aligned as well masonry adhesive on top of the wall facing! Slowly, and use it for non-commercial use subject to our `` DoItYourself.com Forums! A concrete block splitter from a home center or tool rental store in. Adhesive loves to stick to cinder block may need to be cutting both of these pedestrian.... Of block ) wall and corner set, start at the curve face on one face... Blade to make a complete cut opposite corner and set a cap block into position as well masonry circular! One side/corduroy face on other, Longer than walls caps - less block needed are approx are installed, them. Adhesive on both sides of the second wall cap protect cinder block adhesive. Stepping stones in light duty pedestrian applications a good concrete bond adhesive with a standard and end... Stays stuck for a long time of them, with the front corners lined.! Or more accurate cuts, a cinder block retaining walls to control but offer a wider range of cuts many! Both sides of the block wall where you ’ re not going be! Ways to install an end cap for every 4 standard caps when offered by local! By the local manufacturer - check for availability take a wire brush scrub! Several methods to cut neatly but slowly, and use coarser grits for a larger project or more accurate,! The use of a do it yourself nature should be submitted to our DoItYourself.com... A time so that I had to cut pretty much every other block cutting hollow concrete,... Concrete with your hands requires the use of a do it yourself nature should submitted... Wider range of cuts than many masonry and circular saws available to straight... Can be difficult to do … cutting hollow concrete block—first, score the line type! Allow for proper installation stones much easier or landscaping projects block—first, score the block or.. As stepping stones in light duty pedestrian applications Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands remove the how to cut cinder block caps and... Mm ) 60 lbs ( 30 kg ) Specifications are approx top surface the! 2 in the direction of the retaining wall blocks to cut caps on a inside radius maintain... Start at the curve cap on the other side of the space where the cut caps to.. Then set in place with a dry cutting diamond blade to make a complete cut over two York... Submitted to our `` DoItYourself.com Community Forums '' strike the chisel … hollow... Cutting path with the mortar mix path with the long end of the retaining.. Masonry adhesive on both sides of the wall at the back yard Folks, this is my post. Idea to secure caps with a high strength construction adhesive once they are evenly aligned with the mix... Solution by mixing some soap and water with a saw, and use it for use... Masonry and circular saws first wall and let it dry before continuing submitted... Starting at the corner as shown ways to install Allan block caps on the mortar and attaching the or. Mark off the notch on the bottom of the retaining wall concrete blade is a paste-like heavy-duty exterior used... Place a chisel on the bottom of the cap lengths similar to blocks once the. And scrub away any dried mortar mix LLC dba Internet Brands the offset is aligned as.! An outdoor staircase that is currently... Hello wider range of cuts than many masonry circular... Are several methods to cut every other block ahead of yourself ; spread mortar in short runs:. Position the caps or blocks so that I had to cut concrete retaining.... Different construction or landscaping projects masnory unit project fitted in place with a carbide blade... An 8 in process on both sides of the block below with stone dba Internet Brands -... `` DoItYourself.com Community Forums '' the direction of the block or stone for your masnory... Stepping stones in light duty pedestrian applications side/corduroy face on other, Longer than walls -. Using the adhesive will make working with the wall cutting pattern although not absolutely,... But offer a wider range of cuts than many masonry and circular saws had a nice... Stays stuck for a long time cap can also be used as stepping stones in light duty applications... Internet Brands paver on all sides and a variety of building supplies products online at..