Dorado Wall

Premium Finish Face Mix Technology

The Dorado Wall is the perfect accompaniment to any modern design with its clean straight lines and rich premium finish face mix. The lineal appearance of the Dorado Wall with its zero setback is unique in a garden wall unit. Installation is simple as there are no pins, lips, or lugs. The Dorado Wall units are adhered to each other using a concrete adhesive attaining a maximum height of 30 inches.

Image shown: Winter Sky

RECOMMENDED APPLICATIONS

Garden Walls

Pillars

Edging

Download Specsheet

COLOURS:

Colours in photographs are not exact representations, but are given to provide close reference. Measurements and product dimension are nominal.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Individual Sizes:

Showing bottom spacer bars

Blocks	Size (in)	Pieces per sq.ft.	Sq.ft. per Pallet	Shipping Weight	PCS / Pallet
Standard Unit	8” x 24” x 5” 203mm x 610mm x 127mm	0.75	31.5	1460kg / 3220lbs	42
Corner Unit (L/R)	8” x 24” x 5” 203mm x 610mm x 127mm	0.75	18	835kg / 1840lbs	24
Cap Unit	11” x 24” x 2” 279mm x 610mm x 51mm	0.55	81	907kg / 2000lbs	44

Sizes for standard unit and corner unit include 5 mm Spacer Bars

NOTE: While gluing the Dorado Wall units It is recommended to use tapered shims (typically 3/16” to 1/4”) to maintain the position of the blocks with removal after the glue has set.

INSTALLATION PATTERNS:

	Standard Units	Cap Units	Corner Units (Left/Right)
Top Layer		8
Third Layer	4		4 L	OR	4 R
Second Layer	4		4 R		4 L
First Layer	4		4 L		4 R

Completed Dimensions with Cap	59 “L x 59” W x 16 ¾” H
Interior Cap Dimensions	37” L x 37” W
Interior Wall Dimensions	40” L x 40” W

	Standard Units	Cap Units	Corner Units (Left/Right)
Top Layer		6
Third Layer	2		4 L	OR	4 R
Second Layer	2		4 R		4 L
First Layer	2		4 L		4 R

Completed Dimensions with Cap	59 “L x 35” W x 16 ¾” H
Interior Cap Dimensions	37” L x 13” W
Interior Wall Dimensions	40” L x 16” W

INSTALLATION GUIDE:

Standard Block

Facemix On Front

Right Corner

Facemix on front and right side

Left Corner

Facemix on front and left side

Mark the Area: Use stakes and string lines to outline the area where the retaining wall will be built. Ensure the boundaries are straight and match the desired dimensions of the wall.
Dig the Trench: Excavate a trench along the marked area. The depth and width of the trench should match the specifications for your retaining wall, typically about 6-12 inches deep and twice the width of the blocks.
Ensure a Level Base: The bottom of the trench must be level. Use a leveling tool to ensure precision, as an uneven foundation can compromise the stability of the entire wall.
Add Road Base Material: Fill the trench with a layer of road base gravel or crushed stone. Spread the material evenly and compact it thoroughly using a hand tamper or plate compactor. This creates a stable and well-drained base for the retaining wall.

Position the First Block: Begin at one end of the trench and place the first retaining wall block on the compacted base. Align it carefully with your marked string line or guide to ensure it is in the correct position. Make sure the spacer bars are facing down
Spacer Bar: Each Dorado wall block is designed with spacer bars at the bottom. These spacer bars must always face downward when placing the blocks. This orientation ensures proper alignment and stability between layers, and helps the blocks interlock securely.
Before placing each block, double-check that the spacer bars are oriented downward and in contact with the block below. This step is crucial for maintaining the structural integrity of the wall.

Check for Level: Use a carpenter’s level to check that the block is level in all directions (front-to-back and side-to-side). Adjust by adding or removing small amounts of the base material under the block as needed. This first block is crucial for the entire wall’s stability and alignment.

Position the Next Row: Start the second row by placing the first block slightly offset from the one below it. This staggered pattern, often called a running bond, adds stability to the wall.
Check Alignment: Align each block carefully with the one below, ensuring it sits securely on the lower layer. Push the blocks back slightly to create a slight backward lean (batter), which helps stabilize the wall against pressure.
Secure and Level: Use a rubber mallet to gently tap the blocks into place and maintain alignment. Continuously check for level as you go to ensure the wall remains even.

Cap the Wall (Optional): If your wall design includes capstones, place them on top of the final row. Apply a landscape block adhesive to the top of the last row and press the capstones firmly into place for a polished, finished look.
Backfill and Compact: Once the wall reaches the desired height, backfill the area behind the wall with gravel or drainage material. This helps reduce pressure on the wall and improves drainage. Compact the backfill in layers to ensure stability.
Inspect the Wall: Do a final check for any uneven blocks or gaps. Make adjustments if necessary to ensure the wall is level, aligned, and stable.

To ensure stability, the retaining wall should be built with a slight backward tilt. This is known as “batter.” The wall should be inclined at an angle of 2 degrees toward the soil it is retaining. This backward tilt helps counteract the pressure exerted by the soil and improves the wall’s structural integrity.