How to Build a Garden Wall

Marshalls Concrete Argent Walling

Stonemarket Paving Concrete Walling

Marshalls Sandstone Autumn Bronze Walling

Natural Paving Riven Limestone Cottagestone Walling

Marshalls Croft Stone Easy Build Walling

So How Do I Calculate Quantities Required?

To work out the volume of concrete required for an area and determine the amount of sand, cement, and aggregate needed, follow these steps:

1. Measure the Area: Measure the length, width, and depth of the area where you plan to pour the concrete. Make sure to use the same units of measurement (e.g., metres, feet, inches) for all dimensions.

2. Calculate the Volume: To find the volume of concrete needed, multiply the length, width, and depth together. The formula for volume is: Volume = Length × Width × Depth.

3. Determine the Mix Ratio: Decide on the desired mix ratio for your concrete. A commonly used mix ratio is 1:5, which means 1 part cement and 5 parts ballast by volume. Adjust the mix ratio as needed based on your project requirements.

4. Calculate the Amount of Cement, Sand, and Aggregates:

   • Cement: Multiply the volume of concrete by the proportion of cement in the mix ratio. For example, if you have 1 cubic metre of concrete and a 1:5 mix ratio, the amount of cement would be 1 cubic metre x 1/6 = 0.17 cubic metres of cement. As a guide, each bag of cement covers around 0.016 cubic metres, so by dividing 0.17 by 0.016 gives you 10.62 x 25kg cement bags, rounded up to 11 bags per cubic metre of concrete
   • Ballast: Multiply the volume of concrete by the proportion of ballast in the mix ratio. Following the example, multiply the cement ratio by 5 (0.17 x 5) which in this example would be 0.85 cubic metres which is around a standard bulk bag.
5. Adjust for Compaction and Waste: It's important to account for compaction of the materials during pouring and any potential waste. Increase the calculated amounts slightly to compensate for these factors, typically by around 5-10%.Remember that these calculations provide an estimation and may vary depending on the specific mix design, desired strength, and the characteristics of the materials being used. It's always a good idea to consult with a professional or refer to construction guidelines for more accurate calculations based on your project's requirements.

How Do I Make Concrete?

1. Gather Materials: You will need the following materials to make concrete:

   • Cement: Portland cement is commonly used for making concrete. It binds the mixture together.
   • Ballast: Use premixed ballast which is a mix of sand and aggregate
   • Water: Water is necessary for the chemical reaction that causes the cement to harden.

2. Calculate the Amount: Determine the quantity of materials you need based on the dimensions of your footings. The proportions of cement, ballast and water will depend on the desired strength and consistency of the concrete. Generally, a common mix ratio is 1 part cement to 5 parts ballast, and the appropriate amount of water.

3. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large container or wheelbarrow, combine the dry ingredients - cement, and ballast. Use a shovel to mix them thoroughly until they are well-blended.

4. Add Water: Gradually add water to the mixture while continuously mixing. Start with a small amount and add more as needed. The goal is to achieve a workable consistency where the mixture holds together without being too dry or too runny. Avoid adding too much water as it can weaken the concrete.

5. Mix Thoroughly: Use a shovel or a mixing tool to continue blending the mixture. Make sure the water is evenly distributed and there are no dry pockets. Keep mixing until you achieve a uniform consistency and there are no lumps.

6. Check Consistency: Test the consistency of the concrete by lifting a small amount with a shovel. It should hold its shape without excessive sagging or crumbling. Adjust the water or dry ingredients as necessary to achieve the desired consistency.

7. Continue Mixing: Mix the concrete for a few more minutes to ensure all the components are well-combined. Scrape the sides and bottom of the container to incorporate any unmixed material.

8. Evaluate the Mixture: Examine the mixture to ensure it is workable and suitable for pouring. It should be a cohesive mass that can be easily spread and shaped.

It is worth noting that larger projects may require the use of mechanical mixers for efficient and consistent mixing. If using a mechanical mixer, follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper operation.

Remember to work efficiently as concrete begins to set after a certain period of time. Once the concrete is mixed, promptly proceed to pouring it into the prepared footings.

Note: The specific proportions and mixing methods may vary based on the project requirements and the type of concrete desired. It is recommended to consult with a professional or refer to construction guidelines for more specific instructions tailored to your project. Remember to always follow safety precautions when working with concrete, such as wearing protective gear, including gloves and goggles.

a. Arrange the First Course: Lay a bed of mortar along the footings, slightly wider than the width of your wall material. Place the first course of bricks or stones on the mortar, pressing them down gently. Use a spirit level to ensure they are level and align them properly.

b. Continue Building the Wall: Apply mortar to the top surface of each brick or stone and place the subsequent courses, staggering the joints for added strength. Use a trowel to remove excess mortar and maintain a neat appearance. When using bricks or concrete walling blocks, these are manufactured to have very little dimensional tolerances whereas natural stone walling bricks will be more varied. Adjustments should be made in the mortar layer accommodate any variations in brick dimensions ensuring that the rows can remain even. 

c. Incorporate Bonding or Tie Blocks: Depending on the height and structure of the wall, it may require bonding or wall ties at regular intervals. These blocks add strength and stability by connecting the inner and outer faces.

Generally, single skin walls are suitable for lower heights, while double skin walls are preferred for taller structures. Although specific recommendations may vary, a commonly accepted threshold for transitioning from a single skin to a double skin wall is around 1.8 to 2.4 meters (6 to 8 feet) in height. By incorporating a double skin construction, which involves two parallel walls with an air gap between them, you can enhance the strength, stability, and insulation properties of the wall. Most garden walls are lower than 1.8m and if a wall is exposed to open winds or next to areas where children may play, it is advisable to use a double skinned wall or enlist the help of a professional. 

d. Finish with Coping: Finishing the top of your wall with coping stones gives a tidy and professional finish. There are many coping stones options available although it's often possible to finish the top of your wall using paving slabs to match your patio.