Concrete Block
A solid footing or foundation is essential to building a solid block wall. Check local building codes, and follow the instructions on building sites for wall footings and building forms for slabs and related projects.
Choose the proper mortar type. A & A carries several types of differing strengths which are suited to different applications and have more resistance to damage from freezing.
Tip: Why build corner leads Whenever you build a masonry wall, whether it's with bricks, blocks, or stones, it is best to start by building leads at each corner. Then you can fill in blocks between the leads. You may be tempted to skip this step and build a wall one course at a time. But leads are essential to achieve a plumb and straight wall. Without leads, you have to check blocks continually for level and plumb, and there would be no easy way to make sure your wall is straight. With the leads in place, laying the blocks in the middle is simple; stretch a mason's line from corner to corner and follow it.
Ask an A & A staff member to show you the proper technique.
