Retaining Walls - McNear

OFC

Retaining Walls

IFC P-1

McNear Brick & Block opened in 1868 to support the gold-fueled construction boom in San Francisco and surrounding Bay Area cities. Back then, our workers made bricks by hand and used wheelbarrows to load them onto scow schooners for delivery to the many small ports lining San Francisco Bay.

The days of horse and sail are long gone, but the landmarks built with our products, such as Ghirardelli Square and the Golden Gate Bridge, remain. So too, does our commitment to beauty and durability.

Our product line has also changed. Besides our many shapes and colors of clay brick, we are now a leading manufacturer of interlocking pavers and segmental retaining walls.

Visit our Web site www.mcnear.com, to find out more about McNear’s products and history.

Creating Timeless Beauty in a Changing World

Weathered Mosaic Retaining Walls 3–6

Square Foot Retaining Walls 7–10

VERSA-LOK Standard Retaining Walls 11–13

Handy-Scape® Retaining Walls 14

Retaining Wall Installation 15

NEW Corsican (Freestanding) Walls 16

Specifications 17–18

Picture Gallery 19–20

Accessories 21

How to Purchase McNear Products 22Ph

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From garden and barbecue areas to seat walls, driveway columns and more, McNear Brick & Block is the leading California manufacturer of VERSA-LOK® segmental retaining and freestanding walls. Each of our wall systems has been designed to allow you to create straight or curved walls, corners and stairs.

Add beauty and value to your home. Whether you prefer a Classic or Weathered look, McNear has developed several unique, rich color blends for each wall system that naturally complement any McNear paving stone.

Retaining Walls

Table of Contents

1 MCNeaR BRiCk & BloCk MCNeaR BRiCk & BloCk 2

Pictured on front: Weathered Mosaic in Mojave (pages 3–6)

3 ReTaiNiNg WallS ReTaiNiNg WallS 4

C

D

A

B

a. MojaveB. MojaveC. ShastaD. Mojave with Old County Cobble pavers in

Charcoal Tan

Colors and shades printed here are as true a match as the printing process will allow. For best matching results, please refer to actual samples.

Weathered MosaicWeathered MosaicOur most attractive wall product, the Mosaic system utilizes a weathered, four-unit panel design giving each wall the look and feel of natural stone. Save money and the earth’s resources by opting for a beautiful yet economical Mosaic wall. You can create your own natural-looking wall using any of the three individual sizes.

ReTaiNiNg WallS 6

Merlot Mojave

ShastaSerpentine

Sierra

weathered mOsaIC: COlOr seleCtIOn

Please refer to pages 17–18 for Weathered Mosaic unit specifications and recommended paterns.


a

B C

a. SonomaB. SonomaC. Merlot

Sonoma

Torino


C


Square FootFor a more majestic presence, our Square Foot wall system utilizes larger-scale, cored block units in a Classic or Weathered finish. Its trapezoidal shape and top-pinning system allow for accurate alignment, tighter vertical joints and easy installation. Square Foot’s design enables a near-vertical setback, and its wider block face affords greater durability than other cored systems.

a. Merlot (Weathered)

B. Mojave (Weathered)

C. Merlot (Weathered)

B

a

image is at 117%

Square Foot

ReTaiNiNg WallS 10

Brown (Classic) gray (Classic)

Mojave (Weathered)Merlot (Weathered)

Shasta (Weathered)

square FOOt: COlOr seleCtIOn

Please refer to pages 19 for information on wall accessories, Q&A, installation, and size & coverage.


a. Mojave (Weathered)

B. gray (Classic)

C. Mojave (Weathered)

Ba

C

Sonoma (Weathered)

Tan (Classic)Serpentine (Classic)

11 ReTaiNiNg WallS

VeRSa-lok® StandardContractors, engineers and landscape architects agree that VERSA-LOK Standard’s near-solid construction and unique pinning system provide an endless array of design options and strong durability with quick and easy installation.

a. gray (Classic)

B. Tan (Classic)

a

B

gray (Classic) Tan (Classic)

Tan / Brown (Classic)Brown (Classic)

Merlot (Weathered) Mojave (Weathered)

Shasta (Weathered)Serpentine (Weathered)

Versa-lOK® standard: COlOr seleCtIOn

NS


VeRSa-lok® Standardwill try and adjust to match gray


McNear stock colors typically are available immediately. Wall blocks can be ordered in any of our colors, but for non-stock colors, there may be minimum order requirements and/or set-up charges. Contact our office for a quote.

NS

Sierra (Weathered) Sonoma (Weathered)

Torino (Weathered)

Versa-lOK® standard: COlOr seleCtIOn (continued)


image is at 112%

Handy-Scape®Ideal for low-level use (up to 3 feet), our Handy-Scape product is perfect for any do-it-yourselfer. Just simply stack the blocks on a granular leveling pad in the configuration you want. No muss, no fuss and no need for mortar or concrete footings.

Please refer to pages 19 for information on wall accessories, Q&A, installation, and size & coverage.

gray (Classic)

Tan (Classic)

Handy-Scape®

Pictured on these pages: Handy-Scape in Tan

15 ReTaiNiNg WallS ReTaiNiNg WallS 16Colors and shades printed here are as true a match as the printing process will allow. For best matching results, please refer to actual samples.

Q&a

1. leveling Pad PreparationVERSA-LOK walls should be placed on a leveling pad of well-compacted crushes stone, gravel or coarse sand approx-imately 6” thick and 24” wide. The first course of units should be embedded below grade approximately 1/10 th of the exposed wall height. Excavate to lines and grades established for your wall allowing for the leveling pad and unit embed-ment. Next, place and compact leveling pad material—it may be helpful to add a thin layer of sand to create a uniform and level pad.

2. install Base CoursePlace VERSA-LOK units on prepared leveling pad. As you proceed, level each unit front to back, side to side, and with adjacent units. Leveling is critical at this stage, so take your time. Align straight wall sections using a string line or by sighting down the grooves on unit tops. If your wall has a corner, begin at the corner and work out from there.

3. BackfillUsing native soil, backfill and compact behind and in front of the base course level with the grade in front of the wall. Next, place and compact 12” of drainage aggregate behind units.

4. install Successive CoursesStack units one course at a time. Set units back I” and insert two pins in front holes of unit so they fall into the rear slots of the units beneath. Tap pins with another pin and mallet to properly set them. Place and compact drainage aggregate behind each course as it is completed.

5. install CapsAfter completing the top course of your wall, install VERSA-LOK caps, either with a slight overhang (recommended), set back or flush with the wall face. Use VERSA-LOK concrete adhesive to secure cap units to wall.

Q: Where are McNear retaining and free-standing walls sold? a: To locate a dealer near you, visit www.mcnear.com, go to About Us, click on Where to Buy.

Q: Where can i find a professional wall installer? a: Visit www.mcnear.com, go to About Us and click on Request a Quote. We’ll connect you with a certified, trustworthy installer.

Q: Can i install McNear walls myself? a: Yes. Many do-it-yourselfers discover solid, pinned wall systems are actually quite easy to install. You can also request Design and Installation Guides from us directly by calling 415-454-6811.

Q: How are wall units connected? a: Units are connected using VERSA-TUFF® non-corrosive pins. Two pins are used per unit—inserted through the front holes in the upper course units into rear slots in the lower course units.

Q: is mortar needed between units? a: No. All McNear walls are mortarless. Units are dry stacked and aligned using VERSA-TUFF® pins. Mortarless construction allows walls to remain somewhat flexible and accommodate minor earth movement without damage.

Q: How tall can McNear walls be built? a: Generally, McNear walls can be built to any height. However, factors such as soil loads should be carefully considered before determining how to construct your wall. Call us at 415-454-6811 if you have questions.

Q: What maintenance is necessary with McNear walls? a: None, though you may occasionally wish to wash down your wall with a garden hose. Sealer products are also available if you wish to enhance the natural color of your wall or give it a rich, wet look.

Q: How do i finish the top of the wall? a: Finish off your wall by placing wall cap units down securely with concrete adhesive as shown on the Accessories page. Front faces of caps may be placed flush, set back or slightly overhanging (recommended) the face of the wall.

The following information is provided to give you a general understanding of retaining wall construction. If you are building a McNear retaining wall yourself, please request a free Design & installation guide from us at 415-454-6811.

Retaining Wall installation inFive Basic Steps McNear Brick & Block introduces its new

Corsican freestanding wall series. It’s the perfect stand-alone complement to our Weathered Mosaic retaining wall series and is available in all the same colors (except Torino and Sonoma).

• Achieve an all-around, natural stone look from our two-sided, textured block units

• Form straight or curved walls without cutting

• Top a McNear retaining wall to give above-grade sections a double-sided finish

• Create vertical parapet walls atop a McNear retaining wall

• Construct planters, seat walls, boundary walls, barbeque pits, tree rings and more

• Available in multiple shapes and sizes (including 13” caps) to build your own unique, ashlar wall

NEW Corsican (Freestanding)NEW Corsican


Weathered Mosaic, Square Foot, Standard, and Handy-Scape

Specifications

18"

12"

8"

9"

8"

17 "1/2

16"

12"

6"

12"

12"

4"

13"

3 "5/8

16"

10"

6"

14 "1/4

4

8"

6"

6 "1/ 10"

11 "1/2

10 "1/2

10"

4"

9"

13"

3 "5/8

16"

10"

6"

14 "1/4

4

8"

6"

6 "1/ 10"

11 "1/2

10 "1/2

10"

4"

9"

13"

3 "5/8

16"

10"

6"

14 "1/4

4

8"

6"

6 "1/ 10"

11 "1/2

10 "1/2

10"

4"

9"

13"

3 "5/8

16"

10"

6"

14 "1/4

4

8"

6"

6 "1/ 10"

11 "1/2

10 "1/2

10"

4"

9"

8"

12"

6"

6"

12"

4"

8"

12"

6"

12"

3 "5/8

15 "5/8

12"

3 "5/8

14 "

AB

16"

11"

6"

This cross section illustrates the typical components of VERSA-LOK Standard retaining walls. Mortarless Standard walls are installed on granular leveling pads and do not require concrete footings below frost. The amount and layout of drainage materials and geosynthetic soil reinforcement is site/soil dependent and should be designed by a qualified engineer. The 3/4 inch setback of each unit creates a cant of approximately seven degrees. Canted walls are structurally more stable than vertical walls because gravitational forces “pull” walls into retained soil.

For more information on reinforced wall installation, visit VERSA-LOK’s Web site: www.versa-lok.com.

Reinforced Wall Typical Section

DRaiN PiPe

DRaiNage aggRegaTe 12” THiCk MiN.

iMPeRViouS Fill 12” DeeP

geoSyNTHeTiC ReiNFoRCeMeNT

ReTaiNeD Soil

aPPRoxiMaTe exCaVaTioN liNe

gRouNDWaTeR DRaiNage CoMPoSiTe SySTeM (11” ReQuiReD)

CaP uNiT (aDHeRe WiTH VeRSa-lok CoNCReTe aDHeSiVe)

VeRSa-l0k SegMeNTal CoNCReTe FaCiNg uNiTS

FouNDaTioN Soil

gRaNulaR leVeliNg PaD 6” THiCk MiN.

ReiNFoRCeD BaCkFill

STaNDaRDSTaNDaRD CoBBle

aCCeNT STaNDaRD STaNDaRDCoBBle

CoBBle

CoBBleaCCeNT

aCCeNT aCCeNTaCCeNT

aCCeNTaCCeNT

aCCeNT

Weathered Mosaic Patterns

Weathered Mosaic walls are comprised of Standard, Cobble, Accent, and Half Accent units arranged in “panels” 10 inches high and 24 inches wide. There are four different panel configurations which can be arranged in any order to form a random pattern.

HaNDy-SCaPe®

Styles: Handy-ScapeSize: 11”x 6”x 16”Weight: approx. 60 lbs.Coverage: 1.5 pcs./ft.2

Pallet Quantity: 36 units/pallet

SQuaRe FooT STaNDaRD

Styles: Square FootSize: 12”x 8”x 18”Weight: approx. 88 lbs. ea.Coverage: 1 pc./ft.2


SQuaRe FooT CoRNeR

Styles: Square FootSize: 8”x 9”x 171/2”Weight: approx. 105 lbs. ea.Coverage: N/APallet Quantity: 30 units/pallet

ReCTaNgulaR CaP

Styles: Weathered Mosaic, Standard, Square FootSize: 12”x 35/8”x 155/8”Weight: approx. 49 lbs. ea.Coverage: 0.77 pcs./ft.2


CoRSiCaN CaP

Size: 13”x 35/8”x 111/2Weight: approx. 44 lbs. ea.Coverage: approx. 0.95 pcs./ft.2


a & B CaPS

Styles: Weathered Mosaic, Square Foot, StandardSize: 12”x 35/8”x 14”Weight a Cap: approx. 42 lbs. eaWeight B Cap: approx. 48 lbs. ea.Coverage: 0.86 pcs./ft.2


HalVeS

Styles: Weathered Mosaic, StandardSize: 12”x 6”x 8”Weight: approx. 35 lbs. ea.Coverage: N/APallet Quantity: 80 units/pallet; Standard is 72 units/pallet

CoBBle

Styles: Weathered MosaicSize: 12”x 6”x 8”Weight: approx. 36 lbs. ea.Coverage: 3 pcs./ft.2


BloCk C

Size: 61/4”x 10”x 6” x 8”Weight: approx. 33 lbs. ea.Coverage: 1 pcs./ft.2


STaNDaRD

Styles: Weathered Mosaic, StandardSize: approx. 12”x 6”x 16”Weight: 82 lbs. ea.Coverage: 1.5 pcs./ft.2


BloCk a

Size: 9”x 10”x 4”x 101/2Weight: approx. 30 lbs. ea.Coverage: 1 pcs./ft.2


aCCeNT

Styles: Weathered MosaicSize: 12”x 4”x 12”Weight: approx. 35 lbs. ea.Coverage: 3 pcs./ft.2


BloCk B

Size: approx. 141/4” x 10”x 6”x 16”Weight: approx. 71 lbs. ea.Coverage: 0.5 pcs./ft.2


HalF aCCeNT

Styles: Weathered Mosaic, StandardSize: 12”x 4”x 6”Weight: approx. 17 lbs. ea.Coverage: N/APallet Quantity: 182 units/pallet

Corsican (Freestanding)


Picture gallery

a

B C

D

e

g

F

H

i

a. Weathered Mosaic in MojaveB. Weathered Mosaic in MojaveC. VeRSa-lok Standard (Classic) in TanD. VeRSa-lok Standard (Classic) in Gray

e. Weathered Mosaic in SonomaF. Weathered Mosaic in Mojaveg. Weathered Mosaic in Merlot

H. Weathered Mosaic in Mojavei. VeRSa-lok Standard (Classic) in Sonoma


MCNeaR BRiCk & BloCk 22

McNear Paving Stones

From driveways and pathways to patios, pool areas and more, McNear Brick & Block also makes a complete line of interlocking paving stones that naturally complement any McNear wall.

McNear has several different styles of pavers — whether you prefer an Old World look or something clean and modern. Our uniquely crafted color blends will enhance the beauty of your home.

Be sure to ask your local distributor for a McNear Paving Stones catalog , or request one online at www.mcnear.com.

We work with a number of design and builder professionals who can help you design your project, estimate the materials you’ll need and do the work for you.

Visit us online at www.mcnear.com and go to the Request a Quote page. We’ll find you an experienced, reliable and trustworthy installer in your area and put them in contact with you.

You can also find more photos and information about all our McNear product lines at www.mcnear.com.

Need help planning your home project?Visit our Web Site

21 MCNeaR BRiCk & BloCk

accessories

adhesives

SB-10 Paver Bond

This is a high strength, high quality, structural grade construction adhesive designed for retaining walls, masonry and paving stones.

It is durable enough to withstand extreme wear and tear including heavy vehicular traffic. SB-10 Paver Bond applies easily for a long-lasting, professional, all-weather installation.

grids

SRW geogrid

With over 70 years of retaining wall experience, SRW has become a reliable source for residential and professional retaining wall grids. With a wide variety of sizes and strengths, SRW’s geogrid program is the most complete.

VeRSa-lok® VeRSa-grid™

VERSA-Grid aids soil reinforcements and helps wall stability. Its high tenacity, multifilament polyester

yarns are resistant to natural chemicals, alkalis and acids so once you put it down, it won’t degrade. And installing VERSA-Grid is easy, too. Just unroll flat and make sure the VERSA-Grid is perpendicular to the wall face.

Sealers

SB-5000 Stainblocking invisible Sealer

This sealer enhances the natural colors of wall blocks with a rich, wet look while sealing the wall surface to protect against salt, acid and staining. It makes maintenance easy and preserves the original vibrance of color for years to come.

VeRSa-lok® accessories

VeRSa-lok® VeRSa-TuFF® Pins and Snap-off Pins®

VERSA-TUFF nylon/fiberglass pins are used to interconnect VERSA-LOK retaining wall units and help provide consistent alignment. Pins are non-corrosive and will not rust or stain wall faces. Snap-off Pins are used for Accent, Cobble, and Mosaic systems.

VeRSa-lok® VeRSa-liFTeR™

The VERSA-LIFTER makes it easier to lift and place units, especially on the base course. The two prongs on the lifter are placed into the holes in the VERSA-LOK unit. The action of lifting the handle secures the lifter to the unit and makes for easy, balanced lifting and place-ment. VERSA-LIFTERS are available from your local supplier.

Wall lights

kerr lighting Wall lights

Kerr Lighting makes wall lights that retain the beauty and look of rough stone during the day and add warmth and charm to your outdoor landscape when the sun goes down.

Kerr Lighting Wall Lights are a completely safe system for both residential and commercial applications, in new or existing retaining walls. They are easy to install and the 12 volt system is safe and economical to operate. Wall Lights are vailable in single lights and 3-pack kits.

a. 4”x 12” garden Wall lightB. 6”x 9” Retaining Wall light 3-Pack kitSee page 31 for Kerr Lighting Paver Lights. a

B

Top: Weathered Mosaic in Mojave (pages 1–4)Bottom: VeRSa-lok Standard (Weathered) in Torino (pages 9–11)

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Retaining Walls - McNear