Wow. This shows what you can learn from the Internet. As a home owner I do encounter issues in this area, and it's great to get a sense of the kind of questions I should be asking. Great videos, thanks!
Just went to bid a wall rebuild. The previous company didnt core fill OR pin their pavestone hollow block wall, and as should have been expected, it shoved out worse than my beer gut. I told them I only use versalok block which i consider to be as good as it gets, but I got the sense they were insecure about making a decision. So as a last ditch effort I turned them onto this video and let them see for themselves why its a great option. End result, your combo effort with the sales guy just sold a fairly sizeable job for me. If you ever hit KC... Me, you, CHIEFS on me !
I do versalok retaining walls myself. I own my own landscaping business. I just ran into a huge issue with a two tier wall that my crew just did that fell over a few days ago.
Your videos are amazing Stan, thank you! I’m in Ontario, Canada and unfortunately I can’t seem to find versalok blocks here for my little diy home retaining wall project but in this video the sales guy mentioned that they were national and even international so I’ll check again.
They look great. I have been getting into hardscapes a lot lately as I began working with an amazing guy who has been landscaping and building all kinds of stone walls and large scale landscaping projects. Ever since I began working with him I've found an ambition to get out there and do it on my own and your videos help me out a lot. If you ever get a chance to post more videos on retaining wall and boulder wall construction please do. Great info!
I went with 420 versa-lok after watching all these videos and got screwed by my “local” dealer. The “tan” block in my area is extremely red and doesn’t match my pavers at all on a massive project I’ll never do again in my lifetime. Any suggestions what to do?
Good information. I use baby retaining wall blocks right now. I do have a bigger job coming up that might require these. I like retaining walls, they are super clean. One day I hope to be on your level Stan :)
Great Video Stan. My fiancé and I will be purchasing our first house in Spring next year. I'm not a professional landscaper but I am a former professional automotive mechanic and I am good with my hands. Do you think a DIYer could build their own wall with these types of blocks without much problems? And how could someone without a "splitter" otherwise split a block? Thanks.
Brandon Cloutier Splitting blocks is easy without a splitter. Simply score a line all the way around and keep chiseling on that mark. Yes- these are great blocks for any experience level.
Here’s a curveball for you. I started a wall with the standard unit. I’m up two feet and the concrete company isn’t making the standards anymore. I need another 2 feet up; Can the square foot unit be used over a standard? I am stuck.
Are the pin holes blind holes on the bottom block, at least the inside ones? Thought the pins would have heads to keep them from falling through but he pulled a pin all the way through the top block.
Hope your walls are better than how you build a sentence! You didn't even capitalize your last name! "beging" ,"type of foot". ", an whats need for back fill". what scool ewe whent?
Hi, are those hallow blocks shown here are considered as the same as the concrete cheap hallow block functions? As I can see there are groves lines horizontally is this means that if using this type of blocks reinforcing metal rod and concrete on the hallowed ?but then again I don't know whats the cost wise compared to the solid blocks that you prepared.
It seems like repeat myself over and over.. You may need to make a crappy video so I can finally not talk about how well planned out and overly informative they are.. Thanks Stan ;) love the information
Thanks for the great video. Building a wall that looks to be similar height to what you have in the background. It will be retaining an elevated patio which gradually slopes up to grade, and will be backfilled with 21a, behind the wall. We are in Michigan. Do the walls shown (or what I'm describing) need footings if using Versa-lok?
Also, are these a composite concrete, or just a better concrete block design?? Do you need to pour a 3ft deep concrete foundation? Will this work to replace a fence, or does it need the soil behind to to prevent toppling over?
Stanley "Dirt Monkey" Genadek thanks for all the great videos. I'm looking to build a small section of wall to stop erosion from lake in back. Would versa lock work? I'm at end where it's shallow so about 3ft wall should do the trick. Any ideas are highly appreciated, thanks and rock on!
I bought these and used them on a wall pretty good product but totally missed it on the caps. Cannot keep the running bond with the caps pretty poor and simple oversight. It just needs to measure 16in along center to keep bond, split both faces and they can all be the same. Pause and the video and take look at the caps on the right wall. These have shorts and longs but between the two you can't keep bond. Stacked joints...Uhg!!!!!!!!!
After watching this video, I watched this video... ua-cam.com/video/V508I78oPow/v-deo.html And noticed everything you said that is required for a long term retaining wall is not being applied. Yikes! Poor home owners!!!
Wish I could watch more of this; need motion sickness pills from such horrible camera shake. If you're promoting your product to potential customers (like me) perhaps you can invest in a $10.00 tripod next time.
Wow. This shows what you can learn from the Internet. As a home owner I do encounter issues in this area, and it's great to get a sense of the kind of questions I should be asking. Great videos, thanks!
Just went to bid a wall rebuild. The previous company didnt core fill OR pin their pavestone hollow block wall, and as should have been expected, it shoved out worse than my beer gut. I told them I only use versalok block which i consider to be as good as it gets, but I got the sense they were insecure about making a decision. So as a last ditch effort I turned them onto this video and let them see for themselves why its a great option. End result, your combo effort with the sales guy just sold a fairly sizeable job for me. If you ever hit KC... Me, you, CHIEFS on me !
I do versalok retaining walls myself. I own my own landscaping business. I just ran into a huge issue with a two tier wall that my crew just did that fell over a few days ago.
What happened did you actually step the wall up or did you come from the ground with both
Thanks Stan, all your videos have given me the confidence to tackle my project with knowledge!!
Mr Stanley i just love your videos they are very explicit and you explain in details. GREAT JOB
Thank you!
Great video Stan, I had no idea these types of blocks were available. Very cool!!
TopNotchLawns Thanks Brian- Appreciate hearing from you!
Your videos are amazing Stan, thank you! I’m in Ontario, Canada and unfortunately I can’t seem to find versalok blocks here for my little diy home retaining wall project but in this video the sales guy mentioned that they were national and even international so I’ll check again.
Please I need help with outside corners in versa look standard block laid vertical (not stepped back every course)
I like these blocks. The standards are pretty easy to work with .
+Gravel Back Mechanic They are my favorites for a lot of reasons-working with them is one of them-super easy.
They look great. I have been getting into hardscapes a lot lately as I began working with an amazing guy who has been landscaping and building all kinds of stone walls and large scale landscaping projects. Ever since I began working with him I've found an ambition to get out there and do it on my own and your videos help me out a lot. If you ever get a chance to post more videos on retaining wall and boulder wall construction please do. Great info!
Bigs860 Purple860 Coming up. I have an estimating video in the process now.
Yep I love these kind of videos and I don't even do retaining walls lol
Mitchell Fuller Awesome thanks!
They need to get these into Canada. WE NEED THESE!!!
I went with 420 versa-lok after watching all these videos and got screwed by my “local” dealer. The “tan” block in my area is extremely red and doesn’t match my pavers at all on a massive project I’ll never do again in my lifetime. Any suggestions what to do?
so on the versa lock walls you don't have to fill the cores with the 3/4" aggragate? just the standard backfill? I can't get enough of these videos
David Osbourne No core filling needed. Fast and easy. :)
how much do both blocks run (approx) and how high can I stack the blocks on a FREE standing wall? I'd like to go 4 ft
Good information. I use baby retaining wall blocks right now. I do have a bigger job coming up that might require these. I like retaining walls, they are super clean. One day I hope to be on your level Stan :)
Jet Mowing The bigger blocks are much better for general construction. You will like them once you start working with them.
The pins seem really cool/handy. I really like how they go together.
10:14 wait, don't gloss over that! that finished edge looks fantastic, what a cool product.
+Kevin Klika The splitter is awesome!
Can these be installed flush one on top of the other, without the step back?
Thanks! Learning a lot from your videos!
How are the top blocks secured Stan?
Great Video Stan. My fiancé and I will be purchasing our first house in Spring next year. I'm not a professional landscaper but I am a former professional automotive mechanic and I am good with my hands. Do you think a DIYer could build their own wall with these types of blocks without much problems? And how could someone without a "splitter" otherwise split a block? Thanks.
Brandon Cloutier Splitting blocks is easy without a splitter. Simply score a line all the way around and keep chiseling on that mark. Yes- these are great blocks for any experience level.
nice job explaining
Thanks!
Here’s a curveball for you. I started a wall with the standard unit. I’m up two feet and the concrete company isn’t making the standards anymore. I need another 2 feet up; Can the square foot unit be used over a standard? I am stuck.
Versa Lok
Straight from oberfields in delaware oh
Best block for walls.
Good stuff for sure.
Should really get these out in California.
Are the pin holes blind holes on the bottom block, at least the inside ones? Thought the pins would have heads to keep them from falling through but he pulled a pin all the way through the top block.
very informative, thanks Stan.
+David Schneider Thanks David!
I'm more of a masonry guy but we do alot of hardscapes. How about you do video on setting walls
Awesome informative video! Wish more videos were this good.
How much are the Verso-lock Standard blocks in Sonoma County Norther California?
Nice overview. Thanks.
What is the height of these blocks?
How much do these blocks cost
would this be a good lake retaining wall
Like and comment so Stan the man gets paid a little bit.
lets start at the beging guys..want type of foot is needed.an whats need for back fill????
Hope your walls are better than how you build a sentence! You didn't even capitalize your last name! "beging" ,"type of foot". ", an whats need for back fill". what scool ewe whent?
Video on versa look step installation would be awesome.
These blocks are so cool
I would have liked to had more info from the rep.
Hi, are those hallow blocks shown here are considered as the same as the concrete cheap hallow block functions? As I can see there are groves lines horizontally is this means that if using this type of blocks reinforcing metal rod and concrete on the hallowed ?but then again I don't know whats the cost wise compared to the solid blocks that you prepared.
It seems like repeat myself over and over.. You may need to make a crappy video so I can finally not talk about how well planned out and overly informative they are.. Thanks Stan ;) love the information
Mow's Lawncare Wow- Thank you so much!
Thanks for the great video. Building a wall that looks to be similar height to what you have in the background. It will be retaining an elevated patio which gradually slopes up to grade, and will be backfilled with 21a, behind the wall. We are in Michigan. Do the walls shown (or what I'm describing) need footings if using Versa-lok?
What happens with the wall if your contractor forgets to put in the pins?
6 or 8 foot tall or just to do it right is it better and recomended to have concreted footing
Do you know what tool hes using?
Can these blocks be used as a retaining wall for a garage area.
This is cheaper than concrete block and mortar from home depot/lowes?
Awesome vid
Thanks David!
Could really do with these in the UK, does anyone know of an alternative,
Great video!
Fall River Lawn and Landscape Thank you!
Great video
Great video. I learn something new. Thanks.
Josh Jeantet Awesome- Thanks!
I'm sold!
Stand did you have a video on bidding a retaining wall? I have to help fix a retaining wall and fence
Jet Mowing I have one coming up.
UNILOCK WALLS DO NOT need PINS. HOW COME???
until theres residual concrete in the holes from the factory and you can never get the pins thru the holes
Do you have an anchor diamond video ?
Also, are these a composite concrete, or just a better concrete block design??
Do you need to pour a 3ft deep concrete foundation?
Will this work to replace a fence, or does it need the soil behind to to prevent toppling over?
Just look at all us lawnys here, anyone would think we were looking to get out of lawn mowing. Apart from that, it's just a great site.
Trooperandcooper Ale Thank you!
why not use fitted blocks or stone? Iron rusts away eventually.
I'm a diy and I'm looking 4 doing a wall of your blocks or concrete ,,,
I thought you said you didnt use anchor blocks
What are the spikes/pins made of?
polymer
Stanley "Dirt Monkey" Genadek thanks for all the great videos. I'm looking to build a small section of wall to stop erosion from lake in back. Would versa lock work? I'm at end where it's shallow so about 3ft wall should do the trick. Any ideas are highly appreciated, thanks and rock on!
I bought these and used them on a wall pretty good product but totally missed it on the caps. Cannot keep the running bond with the caps pretty poor and simple oversight. It just needs to measure 16in along center to keep bond, split both faces and they can all be the same. Pause and the video and take look at the caps on the right wall. These have shorts and longs but between the two you can't keep bond. Stacked joints...Uhg!!!!!!!!!
3:02 that block moves all over the place
Nice infomercial :P Thanks though for the videos though.
In another video you are annoyed that your employees dont know what an eye lash is in relation to the cap stone. But this guy calles them an eye brow
How high can you go
Stan come on over , i need tips on my wall
I use the best.............UNILOCK'S PISA WALL IS THE BEST !!!!!!
They make it look simple but lining up every block so the pin fits looks like a real PIA.
It's actually easy. Once you do it a few times you can line it up without looking.
Great video. Thanks. Would have been even better if Michael J Fox wasn't holding the camera.
Jethro Bodine Haha- Thats funny. It was one of the yard guys-a first timer. :)
Parkinsonsdisease.org
Jethro Bodine ouch!
Awesome
Thanks!
Landscaping breaks at new homes
Averyinformative
How can I get costumers to take me more serious how can I get the customer to pay what I feel my work is worth?
good info, the cameraman must record wiyh a steadier hand, this hurts your eyes
why made hallowed .they forgot the meaning of " retaining wall "
that awkward moment when you don't know what to do with your hands so you just stick your thumbs in your pocket. Good video though, well done
After watching this video, I watched this video... ua-cam.com/video/V508I78oPow/v-deo.html
And noticed everything you said that is required for a long term retaining wall is not being applied. Yikes! Poor home owners!!!
No dices nadaaaaa
Wish I could watch more of this; need motion sickness pills from such horrible camera shake. If you're promoting your product to potential customers (like me) perhaps you can invest in a $10.00 tripod next time.
Stan, get rid of your camera man, he chopped your head off every video. It's annoying.