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Sanctuary School & Studio logo, our in house guide on installation for all of our services as well as options we carry

Sanctuary School & Studio

Welcome to our School & Studio! Where you can Learn "how It's Done" and pick out options via our studio below within the sub service you have selected to view:

​

  1. School: Knowledge on how the sub-service is done.

  2. Studio: Options on all materials/colors for selected sub-service.

Masonry & Wall caps logo, the parent category that houses all of our masonry services

Masonry

CMU Masonry

What are CMU's? (Cinderblocks) 

- Concrete Masonry Units (CMU blocks) are versatile building materials commonly used in residential landscaping throughout Orange County. These blocks are durable and provide structural integrity, making them ideal for a variety of applications such as retaining walls, garden beds, outdoor amenities, and much more. Their size and shape allow for easy stacking and arrangement, enabling Orange County homeowners to create attractive and functional outdoor spaces. Additionally, CMU blocks can be finished with various textures and colors, allowing for customization to enhance the aesthetic appeal of any property in cities like Irvine and Newport Beach. Other types of CMU, such as split face and slump stone, offer a finished look that eliminates the need for additional finishing, further simplifying the design process.

Sanctuary School & Studio logo, our in house guide on installation for all of our services as well as options we carry

1

School

Our official "How It's Done" section to help educate our clients to understand our industry leading installation process!​​

 Course:  HOW IS CMU MASONRY INSTALLED?

Process - CMU Masonry Installation

Discover our step by step guide on how we bring your Landscape projects to life. Unless otherwise stated in your contract, all installations pertaining to any CMU Masonry application are performed in the exact outlined method!

Sanctuary Design & Build Logo heart only
Concrete footing for CMU wall

Phase 1: Foundation & Preparation

  • A level and stable foundation is essential for any CMU block structure. This may involve excavating the area and pouring a concrete footing to ensure long-term stability.

  • The foundation surface is cleaned and prepared to ensure proper adhesion of the first course of blocks.

  • Important Note: If the CMU wall is retaining or exceeds 6 feet in height, engineering will be required to determine proper load calculations and obtain necessary permits. In some cases, even perimeter fences, regardless of height, may require permits.

Laying CMU blocks on foundation

Phase 2: Laying The First Course

  • A bed of mortar is applied to the foundation. The type of mortar used will vary depending on the application and environmental conditions. For example, a higher strength mortar may be used for load-bearing walls or in areas with harsh weather exposure, while a standard mortar mix may be suitable for non-load-bearing walls or interior applications.

  • The first course of CMU blocks is carefully laid, ensuring proper alignment and spacing.

  • Each block is checked for level and plumb, and adjustments are made as needed to maintain a straight and even course.

CMU block wall construction with grout in Orange County

Phase 3: Building The Wall

  • Subsequent courses of CMU blocks are laid, with mortar applied to both the horizontal and vertical joints.

  • Blocks are staggered to enhance the wall's strength and stability.

  • To further reinforce the wall, steel rebar is often inserted vertically into the hollow cores of the blocks at predetermined intervals. This rebar is then typically grouted into place, creating a robust and integrated structure.

  • Control Joints: Depending on the length and height of the wall, control joints may be incorporated to allow for expansion and contraction of the blocks, preventing cracking and ensuring long-term structural integrity. These joints are typically created by installing a compressible material, such as foam or sealant, at regular intervals along the wall.

Custom CMU retaining wall with wall caps in Orange County landscape

Phase 4: Finishing Touches & Completion

  • Once the desired height is reached, the top course of blocks is capped with a suitable material, such as capstones or a concrete pour, to provide a finished look and protect the wall from the elements.

  • Mortar joints are tooled to create a neat and uniform appearance.

You can view our School & Studio for WALL CAPS HERE & for FINISHES HERE to complete your wall!

Sanctuary School & Studio logo, our in house guide on installation for all of our services as well as options we carry

Click here to view detail on CMU PERMIT REQUIREMENTS 

through Sanctuary School & Studio.

Sanctuary Schematics PDF

Click above to view LADBS wall detail section with information on permit requirements.

Sanctuary School & Studio logo, our in house guide on installation for all of our services as well as options we carry

2

Studio

Our Official Studio will guide you through all options we carry within the selected category to expertly guide you in your decision making process!

Studio Display:  Our Selection of CMU!

When it comes to masonry you have 2 options:

  1. Bare CMU unfinished Which typically is finished with stucco, paint, or veneers

  2. ​Slump or Split Stone CMU which offer a finished look that eliminates the need for additional finishing.

logo depicting our painting, finishes, and accents parent category.

Click above to view finishes for BARE CMU

masonry & wall caps parent category where you can find everything masonry related

Click above to view wall cap options for all walls.

(Additionally to the stone you will have to select a grout color, typically this is only important for SLUMP or SPLIT STONE as regular BARE CMU is normally covered with a finish.)

1. Bare CMU (Unfinished)

Standard Concrete Masonry Unit

Concrete masonry units, commonly known as CMU, are made through a process that involves mixing cement, water, and aggregates such as sand or gravel. The mixture is poured into molds to form the desired block shape and then compacted heavily to ensure density and rigid structure. Afterward, blocks are cured, typically in a controlled environment, to allow the concrete to harden and gain strength. Standard CMU blocks typically measure 8 inches high by varying inches long, 

8x8x16 Standard CMU block image

Sizes Available

  • 8x8x16

  • 6x8x16

  • 12x6x16

  • 12x8x16

  • 6x6x16

englewood-new-jersey-retaining-wall-techo-bloc-img~0c513cb10de94a3d_14-2162-1-e7c7073.jpg

2. Split-Face & Slump Stone CMU 

First please select a color of stone from either split-face or slump selections, then select a grout color!

Slump stone wall finished.jpg

Split-Face Stone CMU

Splitface stone, often used in construction, refers to a type of concrete masonry unit (CMU) has a textured surface created by splitting the block during the manufacturing process. This technique exposes the aggregate within the concrete, giving it a rough, natural appearance that is aesthetically pleasing for both interior and exterior applications. The splitface finish not only enhances the visual appeal but also provides a durable surface that can withstand various weather conditions. Ideal for walls, foundations, and landscaping, splitface stone combines functionality with an appealing design.

8x8x16 split face block image

Sizes Available

  • 8x8x16

  • 6x8x16

  • 12x6x16

  • 12x8x16

  • 6x6x16

Silver

SilverSplit.tif

Sienna Brown

SiennaBrownSplit.tif

Onyx

OnyxSplit.tif

Oak

OakSplit.tif

Greystone

GreystoneSplit.tif

Finishes

Slump stone ACTUALLY SLUMP.webp

Slump Stone CMU

Slump stone is a type of concrete masonry unit that is known for its unique, rustic appearance. It is created by pouring concrete into specially designed molds that allow the material to slump, or settle, into a distinctive shape. This process results in a textured surface that mimics the look of natural stone making it a popular choice for both decorative and structural applications. Often used in walls, fences, and landscaping features, slump stone combines durability with aesthetic appeal.

8x6x16 Slump Stone Block Image

Sizes Available

  • 6x8x16

  • 12x6x16

  • 6x6x16

Natural Gray

NaturalGraySlumpstone (2).tif

Mission Brown

MissionSlumpstone.tif

La Paz Natural

LaPazSlumpstone.tif

Gold

GoldSlumpstone.tif

Grout Colors

Grout color.jpg

Grout / Mortar Selection

Grout is a vital component in masonry construction, particularly between concrete masonry unit (CMU) blocks. It serves to fill the seams, providing structural integrity and to the wall system. Additionally, grout helps to prevent moisture intrusion and enhances the overall aesthetic appeal of the installation. Below, you'll find a selection of colors to choose from, allowing you customize the look of your project while ensuring a strong and durable finish.

Natural Gray

GrayMortar2.tif

445 Charcoal

445Mortar.tif

210 Cream

210Mortar.tif

201 Brown

201Mortar.tif

Done Browsing & Ready To Book Your Appointment?

Click Below To Be Taken To Our Contact Page!

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