Handy-Stone II

Perfect for do-it-yourselfers

Retaining Walls

Handy-Stone II is a state-of-the-art retaining wall system made from high-quality concrete blocks that interlock for added stability. Designed to accommodate various heights and configurations, these walls are perfect for both residential and commercial applications. Available in an array of colors and textures, Handy-Stone II can seamlessly integrate into any landscape.

Handy Stone II is a lighter weight unit which is ideal for retaining walls under two feet high as well as terraces, tree rings and planters. No mortar or concrete footings are required, just place each unit on a sand leveling pad. Rear lips on the Handy-Stone II units resist forces from retained soil and provide correct alignment. Handy-Stone II units are solid concrete and environmentally safe.

For walls over 2 feet high, see our Versa-Lock Retaining Wall Systems.

Types of Projects

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Handy-Stone II

Colors We Carry

Manufactured in Prescott, AZ

Handy-Stone Unit Measurements

The Handy-Stone II product line is perfect for decorative landscaping projects with minimal earth-retention needs, such as planters, tree rings, and garden edging. Made from solid concrete, these units are maintenance-free, environmentally safe, and offer a long-lasting alternative to treated wood or railroad ties.

Available in a lightweight size, Handy-Stone II can be installed on a 1-inch sand leveling pad without the need for mortar or concrete footings. Each unit has a bottom lip at the back for secure alignment and slight earth retention when stacked. Handy-Stone II blocks have tapered sides to easily form both inside and outside curves.

Handy-Stone II

Weight - 14 lbs. (188 units per pallet)
Size - 4" high, 8-1/2" wide, 6" deep
Face Area - 4 units equal 1 s.f.

Handy-Stone II

Installation Steps

The Handy-Stone II product line is perfect for decorative landscaping projects with minimal earth-retention needs, such as planters, tree rings, and garden edging. Made from solid concrete, these units are maintenance-free, environmentally safe, and offer a long-lasting alternative to treated wood or railroad ties.

Available in a lightweight size, Handy-Stone II can be installed on a 1-inch sand leveling pad without the need for mortar or concrete footings. Each unit has a bottom lip at the back for secure alignment and slight earth retention when stacked. Handy-Stone II blocks have tapered sides to easily form both inside and outside curves.
Step 1 – Prepare Base

Begin by excavating a trench:

15″ wide by 4″ deep for Handy-Wall
12″ wide by 4″ deep for Handy-Stone II

Be sure to remove sod and other organic materials from the base. Partially embed a portion of the lowermost units to hold them in place.

After excavating, make sure that the bottom of the trench is well compacted. Use a hand tamper to compact the soil, if necessary. Spread a 1″ layer of sand in the trench. The base is now ready for the base layer (or “course”) of wall units.

Step 2 – Position Base Course

Lay the base course units on your prepared base. You may remove a small amount of sand to make room for the alignment lips or remove the alignment lips using a hammer and chisel. Level each unit side to side, front to back, and with adjacent units. A rubber mallet will help you level the units, and a stringline can be used to keep them in a straight line. Place the units directly next to one another, keeping face joints tight. Place and compact soil backfill to a height that is even with the soil in front of the wall, to hold the units securely in place.

Step 3 – Lay

Succeeding Course
Position the next course of units so that the alignment lips overhand the back edge of the base course and each unit is resting on two adjacent lower units.

Step 4 – Backfill As You Proceed

Place backfill behind each course as you proceed. Gravel backfill is recommended to help with drainage. Any material placed behind the wall should be well compacted. Continue laying additional courses and backfilling until desired height is achieved (maximum wall height is 3 feet).

Step 5 – Secure Top Course (Optional)

If it is critical to prevent units from being removed, secure the uppermost course with a flexible concrete adhesive, following the manufacturer’s directions.

Estimation Table

Actual quantities may vary slightly due to nominal dimension differences from local producers.
Wall Height / Length 6' 12' 18' 24' 30'
4" (1 course) 8 16 24 32 40
8" (2 courses) 16 32 48 64 80
12" (3 courses) 24 48 72 96 120
16" (4 courses) 32 64 96 128 160
20" (5 courses) 40 80 120 160 200
24" (6 courses) 48 96 144 192 240

Important Notice: Maximum recommended height for Handy-Stone II walls is two feet. Individual site, soil, and loading conditions may limit wall height to less than two feet. Please contact us if unsure about any site, soil, height or local construction requirements.

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