How To Build a Curved Sitting Wall (DIY) | Techo-Bloc (Semma)

Today, I am building a curved sitting wall using (split faced) concrete block. This video is full of tips and tricks so that you can have the confidence to take on a project like this yourself. Enjoy the video!
#hardscaping #concrete #retainingwall #construction #landscaping
The wall blocks are manufactured by (Techo-Bloc) and the name of the wall system is (Semma) with a color tone called (Champlain Grey).
The wall caps are also made by (Techo-Bloc) and the name of the caps is (Architectural Cap) with a color tone called (Onyx Black)
To see all the videos from this project, click this playlist link right here👉 • A Hardscapers Dream Pr...
00:00 Techo-Bloc (Semma) wall system
02:14 Laying the first course
12:10 Laying the 2nd & 3rd cousre
16:05 Setting some granite steps
21:23 Capping the wall
29:35 Final result

[@DavidBoysII-hz5zo]

CHS I love the sitting wall. Nice work!

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thank you, that wall tied it all together for sure!

[@allanBarrettM98Bgunlover]

I believe that the word (perfection) is enough! A big hug my friend! God bless you all!

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

😂 Well thank you very much, God Bless you too! ✌

[@hpain6261]

It’s amazing how I get use to your instructions during your videos. I know I shouldn’t take it for granted because it definitely slows you down on the job. You have a talent in both doing the work and giving the instructions. I truly appreciate your gift to us and hope you’re blessed ten times over. I personally flip and keep houses and just the thought of making a video is never a going to happen. Great work.

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

I really appreciate the comment, the videos definitely do slow me down on the jobs... But I am happy to do it, been such a fun journey on here! There is something about this work that I am just in love with. So making the videos is truly a blast! All the people who reach out and tell me how helpful the videos have been for their own projects or others in the trade just furthering their skills has been overwhelmingly cool. It really motivates me hearing those kinds of things. Also getting emails with pictures of their projects is very, very cool... 😉 ✌

[@josechavez760]

Best wall building video !only a couple minutes into the video and I can tell is the best after watching hundreds of them a lot of a lot of information great job thank you

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Nice, glad to hear it! I appreciate the feedback and I’m glad you picked up some good information. ✌🏻

[@MySqueakyfoot]

agreed.

[@michaeladams2077]

thanks Benny and Ben Affleck. thanks for being detailed and explaining things i dont hear from others!

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Our pleasure! Glad it was helpful ✌

[@brettgscales]

Thanks for all the great videos, iv learned alot watching them!

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

No problem, I am glad they are helpful to you. Thanks for the feedback! ✌

[@raidsheriftrucking4588]

Great job 👏

[@LJimenez0185]

Thanks for explaining everything! Great videos!

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

My pleasure, Thanks for the feedback! ✌

[@erikfountas638]

The detailed information you provide helps so much.

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Glad the videos are helpful, I try to explain things simply and as clearly as I can. ✌

[@mikeperez507]

Awesome 👍

[@sergiodiaz677]

Muy hermoso trabajos felicidades a Migos fierro fierro...

[@mazzmari]

Nice work on the caps, good tip for cutting those on the radius.

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thanks ✌

[@dustinunnerstall5314]

Great videos!

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thanks, Glad you like them!

[@josephrottina1901]

That’s some custom work brother .👍🏻🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thanks man!

[@TimberTaipei]

Thank you very much. I am very impressed at how descriptive you are in your videos. For example, when you were showing the level and where the bubble is, where it's right or wrong for the slope and your thought processes for when the water should run off. I have been watching other videos just hoping someone would talk through their thought process. So much gold on your channel!

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Glad it was helpful, I try to be as descriptive as possible for those trying to learn. Thanks for the support! ✌

[@fintan3563]

Beautiful job!

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thanks! ✌

[@colinmartin5994]

Great stuff guys. Appreciate the share.

[@tonywoolley8646]

Beautiful work

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thank you!

[@pararajakumar8853]

Wow ! Excellent and I'm impressed. Great helping Tips 🙏

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thank you very much, glad the video was helpful ✌

[@raysh3845]

That project is awesome. 😊

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thanks!

[@alfredomedina5835]

Great job. Thanks for sharing!

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thank you, my pleasure! ✌

[@alfredomedina5835]

@@TheChristianHardscaper I've noticed that you don't put the pavers on sand. I've seen many times that sand goes over the gravel and then the pavers go over sand. And, also, I've seen sand applied in between the joints of pavers after they are applied. What is your opinion on using sand?

[@madcowusa4277]

Beautiful work and learned a lot. Nice calm demeanor. Love those color combinations. Subscribed about 3 minutes in.

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thank you very much for the support and the feedback! ✌

[@jimmyosornio6747]

Beny is so pumped all the time, his energy is electric.

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

🤣 he really is, He is off the walls man! LMAO ✌

[@teriboylan52]

Nice job. Looks great.

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thank you! ✌

[@whatsayeththescripture5579]

This was such a good job.

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thank you ✌

[@julietbravo3990]

Amazing!

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thanks!

[@REALESTATERESIDUAL]

great work .. looks amazing

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thank you!

[@regulardude2011]

🔥 You are the best dude! Wish you nothing but success! 💪🏻

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thanks brother, I appreciate the support! ✌

[@affordablelawncaresprinkle6697]

Beautiful job my buddy

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thanks!

[@cocobj8116]

Beny is getting there🎉🎉🎉

[@milanvasic2419]

Beautiful Work Boys!!!

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thank you!

[@6582rg]

Stunning work. Best I've seen sir.

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thanks 👍

[@regismota5156]

muito bom teu trabalho amigo regis Brasil

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thank you brother! ✌

[@cocobj8116]

Really enjoying your video 🎉🎉🎉

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Glad to hear it! ✌

[@KGSHEAMASONRY]

I like the color of that Champlain gray has some tans and gray and it goes well with lots of stuff Agree with you on having the bevel are used Allen block in the past, because of the same reason with the bevel . I like how the caos pick up the border color brings everything together

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Same here man, very natural tan colors too, some tan blocks are just not natural looking... This blend is very soft and smooth and the beveled edges are key to a nice block wall in my opinion. I started using the darker caps a couple years ago, definitely adds a lot of character. ✌

[@SamCanada1]

👍

[@driversseat9801]

Real nice work...i hope there's a plan to cover up the raw foundation of the house...would love to see the finished project.

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thank you, the foundation wall will be staying like that for now. The customers spent a lot of money remodeling their home and having me do this front entry way so that is on the back burner for now... But I hear you on that. I did a final video of this project, here is a link to it👉kzbin.info/www/bejne/oaWUmXqPf6mEgtU

[@onetruesoldiervt3686]

nice work make hard work look easy Beast !!!

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thanks brother! ✌

[@juancardona8804]

Good job

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thanks ✌

[@mohsen7021]

Thank you so much

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

No problem ✌

[@stingsportflyersusa2561]

After watching you brother, I think I can. I think I can. I don’t know if I want too.. heavy work!I I could fly you down to Lake of the Ozarks to build some stuff for me but I probably couldn’t afford ya I’m only a plumber. Lol But your work and work ethic is very commendable and Quality, Lord bless you,!

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

I know you can! 🤣 I appreciate your feedback, I love this kind of work. Good luck with your project and God Bless ✌

[@majidriyane5798]

good job

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thanks !

[@chrysler300king]

New sun here but loving your process and attention to detail. Noticed you were kicked the forks over due to the friction/weight/etc altogether. If it pleases/helps, if you raise the arm of the machine (typically any, I personally use Ditch Witch) up high to completely invert the forks. Where the tapered end is pointing straight down, it’s MUCH easier to slides the forks to the desired spacing. Hope it helps! Looking forward to more upcoming content, as well as catching up on the previous content. 🤙

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

That's awesome, thanks for the support! That is a great tip, I have actually seen that before but forgot all about it. ✌

[@sarabjeet1228]

hi christian nice work

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thank you ✌

[@brandonhuffman4428]

Awesome video man. I am OBSESSED with your channel. Quality content. You mentioned in the beginning of the vid that for sitting walls you just use open grade base. I’m guessing for larger walls (I.E. over sitting wall height) that you pour a concrete footer first and build off that to assist with vertical weight?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thanks man, I appreciate the support! I always build my retaining walls on open grade base. I have not been in a situation where I need to pour a footing for a wall yet. I have built 8 ft walls on open grade base before. Still holding up great. ✌

[@jorgeramirez5087]

Amazing jobs. I have seem many videos and I'd say I'm ready to make my patio next summer. One question, why you never use square core blocks to make the seating wall?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thank you, I'm glad the videos have helped you! I don't use square blocks simply because I always use these (Semma) Blocks. I don't really know of any square blocks actually... Most wall blocks are manufactured in this shape to allow for curves or double sided by spinning every other block around. ✌

[@JohnZucosky-mp6eb]

Great video. Very informative. I am going to do a similar project using semma wall blocks and Blu 60 pavers. What paver did you use for your walkway border and your contrasting paver row next to the border. Thank you.

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Nice, that's awesome! I would recommend using Techo Bloc (Villagio) pavers for your outer border. And the small inner border I used are made by (Nicolock) and they are called (Old Vienna) with a color tone of (Raven)

[@mikeelder9520]

Been following your videos for about a year now and always impressed with your saw cuts! One thing I can't figure out is if you cut your caps at an inward angle, it makes sense the tops will fit beautifully, but wouldn't there be a triangular gap on the front face? I didn't see gaps on your seat wall caps, so maybe you change the angle when cutting the face?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thank you very much! When cutting caps you need to be more straight up and down with the blade, any variance will show either on the top or the bottom front... I typically try to cut it ever so slightly at an angle where it does not show much on the bottom but makes the top fit tight. ✌

[@GRUBB-MUDD]

do the customers just let u run with it or do u like sketch everything out for them

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

I do drawings for some projects if the customer is having a hard time visualizing what we talk about. But most of the time, I explain the plan and go back and forth with them on materials to use by sending them pictures of previous jobs. But generally, the customers trust my judgement and let me roll with my ideas. ✌

[@yogoombah2356]

That red hammer, is that a dead-blow hammer or solid rubber? Enjoying & learning from your videos as usual... Thank You!

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

It is a dead blow hammer. Made by (ABC Hammers). Glad you are enjoying the videos, thanks for the feedback! ✌

[@jeremeyn.5752]

On the outer edge of the pavees where it meets just open garden, do you put concrere under the border paver or some other restraint to hold the border paver in? Out here in socal most use 4"-6" concrete on the outer line of border that's not against anything ?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

I always concrete the edges of my pavers, not under the border, but on the side of the border. Here is a link to a video I made on how we do it 👉kzbin.info/www/bejne/lYmUpXajgq-Ep80

[@alanair7019]

i was going to go for the rustic look but after seeing this work, not a snow balls chance in hell with that idea. thanks Brother.

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Nice! LOL glad you like it and thanks for the feedback! ✌

[@laurapalumbo353]

Beautiful work, brother. You said as you were laying the wall block and moving up the grade, the blocks were pitched a little higher from left to right as the grade was rising. Curious why it wasn't necessary to keep them level even if they sit a little bit more below the paver walk? Love that dead blow. What's that thing weigh? ✌️ John

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thanks man! I had the wall go up grade to match the top of the granite steps as much as possible. If I kept it level, I would have bee a couple inches lower than the height of the top step. If there was no step to meet with, I would have kept running it level. That hammer is mint, I think it is about 4 - 5 lbs...✌

[@laurapalumbo353]

That makes sense to me, thanks for the explanation.

[@theoceaneerz9883]

Great video and great work the small details make the most differences. I recently completed a paver patio and ran into a few problems which lead me to my questions. When you excavate do you use a laser to check your heights, because that seems to be my problem. Or Could you just use string-lines that are at the height of the paver and pull them across the excavated area and measure down until every sq ft of that area is 8 inches or is there a more efficient method you would use? Also when laying the 8-10 inches of base rock do you just dump in all around the area and then spread it out or do you start in one area and rake it all around. Also when laying that base rock (which is a lot) how do you keep track of how many inches you have laid do you keep a string line at the height of a paver and then fill the base rock till you are 1 inch from the line to account for the screeded 3/8 in rock. Thanks a lot for these videos you post they help a lot. What probably seems like clockwork to you is like a huge amount of info to me.

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thank you, quality is in the details for sure! I very rarely use a laser. So let's use a basic patio for example, when I excavate, I make sure that I am at least 8-10 inches below the top of finish grade at the highest point of the proposed project ( meaning the spot of the patio where water will run away from). You can set up a string line to a stake at that spot and run a string to any point of the excavation. Then as I continue to dig, I want to make sure the subsoil slopes down from that high point with the same slope as I plan to have for my pavers. Having that string to check is very helpful. You can set the string to any point with a line level on it, make sure the level is sloping the right way at the desired pitch and just measure down from there to check the depth. As you backfill with open grade base, on top of the compacted thin layer at the bottom and on top of the geotextile fabric, depending on how much stone is needed ( if you are only using 6 inches or less ) you can spread the stone out and rake it to the desired height in one lift, then compact before setting your screed rails and screeding. I usually rake the area and check the slopes and height by laying my screed rails out and checking them with the level. That can give you a good idea of what changes need to be made, whether you are low in a certain spot or high, that helps you find out then you can pick up the rails and make your adjustments. But If you need like 7 - 10 inches of stone, you should backfill and compact in 2 lifts of 4-5 inches. then do what I said with the screed rails. At the end of the day though, this type of work takes practice and trial / error. The more you do it, the better you get and the more it makes sense. I hope that explanation makes sense ✌

[@BJ-sg6uk]

Great video and thank you for taking the time to make it. There is gravel behind the retaining wall and a black screen holding the gravel in, what type of screen is that? Is it breathable, allowing water through?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

My pleasure! That is a (Geotextile) Woven fabric. It is strands of plastic woven together to stabilize / separate soil and stone. It does allow water to pass no problem. Here is a link to the one I use but many manufactures make a similar fabric. 👉srwproducts.com/product/ss5-woven-fabric/

[@BJ-sg6uk]

@@TheChristianHardscaper I appreciate the feedback, Christian.

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

@@BJ-sg6uk No problem at all 👍

[@johnbutcher6249]

Awesome work. What type of step are those?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thank you, Those are (Blue Mist) Granite steps (4' wide x 7" high and 13" deep)

[@huberperez6692]

Not a lot of ppl using a open grade base here in Georgia. Probably because of the clay subsoils. Do you think it’s an option out here or should I just stick to dense base? Thanks

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Not a lot of people using open grade anywhere, I think it’s a shame…. It is excellent for clay soils. It’s like putting a dry well into your yard to help water permeation. It will only help a yard with water issues, never hurt it. The main goal of any drainage is good permeation into the sub soils.

[@dangatto8666]

Do you have an estimate on cost of the blocks and the whole job? I'm interested in doing my back patio in PA. Great job by the way, I watch you and Benny all the time.

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

the blocks are roughly $10 - $12 each. but can vary depending where you are. The entire job can cost between $15,000 - $20,000 depending on what materials are used and other variables....

[@josephmartinez5630]

Looking freaking amazing dude!! I did have a question. With the “random pattern” used on the paver portion, if I had 100 sq ft area, would I buy roughly 33 sq ft of each size paver to do that job? Or do you typically use less of one size or another? Hope that question makes sense man haha. I am looking into doing a paver patio for my parents and it will be about 340 sq ft

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thanks man! With most 3 piece paver styles, they come all on one pallet. There is a set amount of each size on each layer. So you would just order per square foot, then lay the pavers randomly as you pull from each layer. With 340 square feet, you will probably need 3-3.5 pallets ( usually 100 - 125 sq ft per pallet. ) just make sure you pull one layer at a time from each pallet and mix them in because the color tones can vary slightly from pallet to pallet…✌🏻

[@josephmartinez5630]

@@TheChristianHardscaper dude thanks so much for your detailed response, I seriously greatly appreciate it! God bless ya man

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

@@josephmartinez5630 No problem at all, God Bless bro! ✌

[@rorycompton8138]

How does that dingo work for moving around full 3k+ lb pallets of paver?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

It won't pick up a full pallet. The most I have ever picked up with that size machine is 5 layers of pavers (1/2) a pallet. And even that was pretty tippy...

[@maxg9999]

Very nice bro! Curves can be a bitch especially with block and you made that shit look ace!!! A lot when into that design and execution of that job! Looks awesome!!!!

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thanks brother! It’s no stone wall but pretty sharp looking for sure! I appreciate the feedback as always man ✌🏻

[@maxg9999]

@@TheChristianHardscaper hell yeah idk I could get into laying units that are all the same! Stonework hurts my brain sometimes lol!!! Very nice bro

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

@@maxg9999 yes sir, laying block is easy on the mind compared to fitting stones together... 🤣✌

[@ZacH-es4vu]

question on the biaxial geo you used for the steps... do you have to cut each piece to size or is there a manufacturer that has them to size already??

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

They come in rolls only, but the rolls vary in sizes. We usually buy the 4' wide x 50' long rolls and cut them in sections.

[@ZacH-es4vu]

awesome , thankyou for all the detailed content & proper way to install these materials ! God bless

[@AndrewIrizarry]

How do you set a french drain through that block to drain?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

You end up having to cut a block so the pipe can come through the wall. But most of the time it is not necessary because the water will seep through the wall block joints naturally.

[@Bandaria420]

Which pavers did you use in the bottom and the border? Can you please tell me the name of the color? Thanks

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

- The main pavers and outer border pavers on this project are made by (Genest) - The main pavers are called (Grand Katahdin) with a color tone of (Meadow) -The outer border pavers are called (Katahdin) with a color tone of (Meadow) - The inner border pavers are made by (Nicolock) - They are called (Old Vienna) with a color tone of (Raven) - The wall blocks are manufactured by (Techo-Bloc) and the name of the wall system is (Semma) with a color tone called (Champlain Grey). - The wall caps are also made by (Techo-Bloc) and the name of the caps is (Architectural Cap) with a color tone called (Onyx Black)

[@ericlenzi2718]

Really enjoy the videos but u need a intro featuring benny benny benny and the jets

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

🤣 Nice! ✌

[@nickcalabrese7433]

Do you buy techo block directly from them ? Or from local supply yard ?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

I buy from local suppliers, Techo-Bloc is very popular here in Massachusetts.

[@coolnez232]

Is that solid block needed? Does it come with the pallet or must I ask for them when ordering? Asking for a cousin that thinks he can do a retaining wall. 😅

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

They give you 2 solid blocks per layer on the pallet. They are in case you need to split them and make corners. If you don't need them for corners, you just mix them in like I did here ✌

[@konradkopiec4193]

What is the reason to use this black foil on the ground?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

That is called (Geotextile Soil Separation Fabric) It separates the clean base stone from the soils under and around it to prevent the soil from migrating into the clean stone. It also helps stabilize the base stone and help prevent sinking / shifting. ✌

[@whatsayeththescripture5579]

It also prevents grass and weeds from coming up between pavers and blocks over time.

[@cmamsler]

why would you core fill all three blocks? asking because i have no idea, is there a negative to it, other the cost, time? or is it just straight up overkill, not needed waste of time

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

On any block wall installation, core filling the first row is a must in my opinion. But on a small sitting wall or small retaining wall, you don't have to core fill the rest of the rows. However on a good size retaining wall that holds back a good amount of pressure, you should core fill all rows to help lock everything together and give additional weight to the wall structure. But yes, on a small wall, core filling all rows is overkill and a waste of time in my opinion. ✌

[@cmamsler]

@@TheChristianHardscaper Thank you so much, Your videos are addicting and amazing to watch. Learned TONS, Have you thought about doing in person trainings?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

No problem, thank you for the feedback! I have not really ever thought of that, Never thought of myself as a very good teacher. The video editing helps...LOL But hey, maybe someday! ✌

[@tonywoolley8646]

Where are you located?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

We are out of south central Massachusetts. ✌🏻

[@rorycompton8138]

Not a fan of mini creta?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

You know, I'm not really a big fan of it... I love these semma blocks, very clean looking 👌

[@SledDog5678]

Do you hire out?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

What do you mean, like sub contract?

[@cruz47144]

Why does the end block need a pitch? When it rains it's not only going to fall on the end block, rain water is falling all over. Your not preventing anything. Kind of silly.

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

The blocks at the end needed to pitch so it would meet the granite steps at the proper height, nothing to do with water. ✌🏻

[@cruz47144]

@@TheChristianHardscaper 5:41 Listen to your own video. You are suggesting a 1/4 pitch for water run off.

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Yes I am, Any block wall builder will tell you that you need to pitch your wall backwards, almost as if it is leaning on the backfill material.

[@cruz47144]

@@TheChristianHardscaper Sorry but you said water. And that's stated by you on your video. Make up your mind or you will not be taken seriously as a mason.

[@bxx7666]

How HEAVY are those steps???

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

I believe they are around 400-450 lbs each

[@orlandonieves8658]

Beautiful work

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thank you ✌