Column Kit Installation
Guide
A wide variety of attractive columns can be easily
installed from Versa -Lok Standard units. Like
Versa-Lok retaining walls, columns less than four
feet high can be stacked without mortar, placed on
granular leveling pads, and do not require footings
below frost. Generally, columns should
have a minimum of one course of units (six inches)
buried below grade. Versa -Lok columns typically
have a vertical face (no setback).
While Versa-Lok columns make excellent decorative
landscape fixtures, they should not be used to support
loads or exceed four feet in height without structural
reinforcement designed by a qualified engineer
Our Grotto Hardscapes Column Kit includes enough
Solid Versa Lok units to build a 20”x20” column 4’
high (3’6” exposed). Columns should be built on a
compacted granular base that is 6” thick. For stability
the first course should be embedded. Place each unit
in each corner with the textured edge facing outward.
Check the level at each course and apply two ¼”
beads of concrete adhesive to adhere the courses
together. For each succeeding course shift the bond to
the block overlap the block below.
Apply Concrete Adhesive to each course
Make sure column is level after laying each course
Larger columns can be constructed by adding Versa
Lok Standard or Cobble units. Add 4 Standard units
per course for a 36”x36” column or add 4 Cobble
units per course for a 28”x28” column.
For columns greater than 6” high or column or
columns that will have fencing or gates attached we
recommend that they be constructed on a concrete
footing
36"x36" Column
The center hole of the column (behind the units)
provides a space in which steel reinforcement can be
placed. Column units may require temporary bracing
during placement of concrete within the column until
the concrete sets. A qualified professional Civil
Engineer should provide a design for columns over
six feet high.
Use Concrete Adhesive to adhere cap to column
There are a number of capping options that can be
used for capping a Grotto Column Kit. Estate Pavers ,
Bullnose Caps, Natural Stone and Precast Concrete
can be installed with concrete adhesive.
Grotto Column Kits can be combined with Grotto
Parapet Standards to to create attractive landscaping
elements. Also Grotto Column Kits provide an
aesthetic way to create a corner within a freestanding
wall. To incorporate the wall with a column we
recommend to saw cut the wall block to butt against
the adjacent column.. With proper design elements
Column Kits can also be incorporated into Versa Lok
Segmental Retaining Walls.
For Technical Assistance please call
800-537-8884
Manufactured by Chandler Concrete of Virginia Inc.
700 Block Lane Christiansburg, Virginia 24073
1088 Industrial Avenue Danville, Virginia 24541