AB Contractor News

Exclusively for Allan Block Contractors

May 2025

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In This Issue


What's New: A Fresh New Look for allanblock.com

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Our new allanblock.com is live, and it's designed with contractors in mind!

We’ve completely overhauled the site to make it faster, easier, and more intuitive to get what you need whether you’re quoting a job, on the jobsite, or checking specs on the fly. The entire site is now mobile-optimized, so it works just as well on your phone as it does in the office.

Your Work, Your Tools Front and Center

We’ve created a dedicated Contractor section packed with the resources that matter most to you: installation guides, estimating tools, product specs, videos, and more. Everything is grouped logically, so you're not digging through irrelevant content. And for those less-used items, you’ll still find them all under a new “Other Resources & Products” section - just one click away!

Digital Manuals = Less Guesswork, More Productivity

Our printed manuals are now online in an easy-to-use digital book format. With a clickable table of contents and fast navigation, you can jump straight to the chapter or detail you need so no more scrolling through PDFs.

Smarter Search, No Distractions

Need to find something specific? Our new site-wide and document-level search tools help you get answers fast. Search by keyword or browse through the digital manuals without any third-party ads or distractions.

Fast. Clear. Built for the Job.

We know time is money, and this new site is built to keep your day moving. Whether you’re double-checking specs, sending a link to a crew member, or walking a client through product options, allanblock.com is now the reliable tool it should be.

Always Better. Always Allan Block.

New AB Web Search Page

Sign up to Receive Text Notifications

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Contractors, we've got something exciting to share! Allan Block has launched a new texting system designed specifically for you.

What's in it for you? Once a month, you'll receive a text containing info such as:

  • Links to new Allan Block Workshop Videos
  • Alerts for upcoming training in your area
  • Allan Block sales rep information
  • Access to your personal contractor tracking page which includes:
    • Easy project submission to boost your Certification and Rewards progress.
    • Your current standing in the AB Contractor Certification and Rewards programs.
    • The latest tools and resources.
    • Your personal Allan Block resume which includes your completed projects and images (if submitted) to show off your expertise.
AB Advanced Residential Program
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Ready to stay in the loop? Sign up to join our texting list!

Allan Block does not share your information and will not send you spam.


Partner with us to Maximize your Projects

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At Allan Block, we’re committed to supporting contractors who go above and beyond in delivering high quality wall installations. One of the best ways to elevate your work and get recognized for it is by tapping into the resources and expertise of your local Allan Block Sales Representative.

Our Sales Reps are more than product contacts - they are your direct link to a network of tools, training, and certification levels through projects you complete. They are here to help you stand out in the industry.

Each year Allan Block recognizes top tier retaining wall projects through its AB Contractor Certification Program and annual awards submission. Your local representative can help walk you through every step of the project submission process so you can set your sights on becoming an Allan Block Certified Contractor and qualify for further certification levels and reward levels. All they need is basic project information about where, when, and what product etc. Photos or project specific installation details are optional but appreciated.

It's that easy. By working together, you help us celebrate quality construction, highlight innovative solutions, and bring more visibility to the Allan Block brand and your business.

AB Contractor Rewarded

Application Highlight: Alternate Drain and The Importance of Low Permeable Soil

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Water is a retaining wall’s #1 enemy, making proper drainage essential. A toe drain helps manage water by being placed at the wall’s lowest point throughout the base material. It should exit perpendicularly every 50 feet (15 m) into a water management system, catch basin, or to day light. When there is not a water management system to tie into the alternate drain design becomes an excellent solution.

The alternate drain uses low permeable soil to raise the toe drain to grade level and is a crucial component to installing an alternate drain. Simply, a soil’s permeability is its ability to allow water to pass through it. Using low permeable soil to raise the drain to grade ensures that water can exit the system at the drain location and is not able to move past the toe drain and deeper into the soil below.

The Allan Block Best Practices for SRW Design document depicts the detail seen in this article and offers more info in Chapter 4. The Allan Block Spec Book is also a great resource and can be paired with the Best Practices document to investigate further. We also recommend checking out the Commercial and Residential Retaining Wall manuals for more information on installation.

If you have any questions, give the engineering department a call or send us an email.

Email: engineering@allanblock.com

Phone: 952-835-5309 x 3

Drain Pipe Graph

Chapter 4



Featured Collection: AB Aztec Collection

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If your backyard's feeling a little plain, the AB Aztec Collection from Allan Block might be exactly what it needs. These retaining wall blocks bring a bold, textured look that adds personality to your backyard or anywhere it is put.

AB Aztec Wall

The Aztec Collection has this rugged and natural style that is like they were pulled from an ancient site but without any of the ancient problems. Just solid, reliable blocks made for modern outdoor spaces.

Whether you're sprucing up a small garden or going full-on backyard oasis, the AB Aztec Collection makes it easy to create beautiful, lasting outdoor features with just the right touch of flair.

The Aztec Collection is designed to be easy to work with, whether you're building a garden wall, a raised planter, or trying to keep that one hill from taking over your lawn. Stack 'em up, level things out, and suddenly you’ve got a yard that looks like you planned it that way. They're built tough too and ready for whatever weather or backyard chaos comes their way.

Check out the AB Aztec Collection and see how easy it is to build something that actually lasts and looks pretty great while doing it.


Contractor Talk: Importance of Soils in Wall Design

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When building a retaining wall, success starts from the ground up. The soil on a retaining wall site plays a critical role in how a wall is designed and how it performs over time. Sandy or granular soil are ideal for any type of construction. They’re coarse, drain well, and compact tightly, which means they put less pressure on the wall and support it better. On the other hand, clay soils are dense and hold water, creating higher pressure and potential drainage problems. Even worse are organic soils, like topsoil with roots or decomposed material, they’re weak, unstable, and unsuitable for supporting a wall.

Each soil type affects not just the wall’s foundation but also the reinforcement and drainage design. As an example, check out the gravity wall chart on of the Allan Block Residential Installation Manual. From this chart you can see how the type of soil greatly reduces the height a gravity wall can be built.

Sandy soils reduce the need for geogrid reinforcement, while clay requires longer grid lengths and better drainage to prevent hydrostatic pressure. If organic soil is present, it typically must be removed and replaced with engineered fill to prevent settlement and wall movement. Ignoring these factors can lead to costly repairs or wall failure.

The soil on your site isn’t just dirt, it’s the foundation of your success. Testing and identifying the soil early in the project helps avoid surprises and ensures your wall will stand the test of time. If you want to learn more about soils or general wall construction, check out allanblock.com or reach out to our engineering department at engineering@allanblock.com or 952-835-5309 ext. 3.

Gravity Wall Chart

Missed the AB Estimating Tool Walkthrough?

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Gravity Wall Chart

No worries! Try out our AB Estimating Tool now and see how easy planning your next project can be.

🔧 AB Estimating Tool

If you missed the live session, check out the recorded webinar here:

▶️ Watch the Webinar

Need more tools? Explore our Contractor Tool Box for even more helpful resources:

🧰 Contractor Tool Box

Want one-on-one help or training? Reach out to our engineering team beacuse we’re here to help and support you at (800) 899-5309 x3 or engineering@allanblock.com.


We Want to See Your Projects!

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Snap it, Send it, Swag it

Send us pictures of your projects from all over the world!

Have you worked on any Allan Block projects? Share your photos with us and get your work noticed!

It’s a great, easy way to grow your business and build your reputation. Plus, you might even score some AB swag! Send your project photos today and let your work shine!

Send us your project photos for an option to be featured in our materials. Share them with us via email, Dropbox or wetransfer.com to gerri@allanblock.com.


Allan Block Corporation
7424 W. 78th Street, Bloomington, MN 55439
Help & Support Center: (800) 899-5309
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