Custom Cutting Retaining Wall Blocks for Corners and Tapers

What happens here

To create 90-degree corners and manage the wall's path on the slope, standard Versa-Lok retaining wall units are custom cut. First, a block is measured using a tape measure and marked with a chalk pencil and speed square to define the cut lines. The narrator explains that these blocks have a built-in 1-inch taper, which must be accounted for when making cuts to ensure the front and back of the cut piece maintain desired dimensions. For example, if the front needs to be 5.25 inches, the back will be 4.25 inches, reflecting the taper. The block is then placed on a stable surface, typically a wooden pallet, with other blocks used as supports to prevent movement and kickback during cutting. A Husqvarna K770 concrete saw, with water continuously flowing to suppress dust and cool the blade, is used to make the precise cuts. This method allows for flexibility in design without requiring special, pre-fabricated corner blocks.

Goal: This step details the precise measurement and cutting of standard retaining wall blocks to create custom pieces required for 90-degree corners and to accommodate the built-in taper of the blocks, ensuring a seamless and structurally sound wall on a slope.