Whenever a scheme calls for a narrow or less obtrusive coping, whilst remaining strong enough to act as a retaining wall, this simple method allows for a 200mm wide block wall with a 100mm upstand as the final section.
The final front block is 100mm wide laid on edge, backed by two standard house bricks laid flat. The final 75mm – where a third brick would bring the courses up level with the top of the front block is left out, allowing top-soil to be dressed over and disguise the bricks, giving the impression of a narrow wall, whilst remaining very sturdy.
- NOTE Although the diagram shows only a 100mm drain running along the back of the wall, it may be advisable to build in some weep holes through the lower blockwork @ 200cm centres, especially on clay ground.
Note too, that the bitumen sealant must extend to the top of the top block-on-edge to prevent moisture from penetrating and causing frost damage.