---
title: "Building a Dry Stack Block Wall with QUIKWALL"
url: https://stacklist.com/card/1da42a69-8f5c-43ab-bfac-52e91bc5c7ce
source_url: "https://www.quikrete.com/athome/video-dry-stack-wall.asp"
stack: https://stacklist.com/c/diy/stack/eab4f82a-3151-4076-abd0-a48311d4d20d
summary: "Building a dry stack block wall with QUIKWALL Surface Bonding Cement involves laying a solid footing, dry-stacking concrete blocks in a running bond pattern, and applying a 1/8 to 1/4 inch coat of QUIKWALL to both sides. The tutorial covers nine steps from footing preparation through curing, along with a complete shopping list of required materials and tools."
tags: "dry-stack, block-wall, quikwall, surface-bonding-cement, masonry, construction, how-to"
key_entities: "QUIKRETE (organization), QUIKWALL Surface Bonding Cement (technology), dry stack block wall (concept), QUIKRETE 5000 High Strength Concrete Mix (technology), running bond pattern (concept), frost line footing (concept)"
classification: "tutorial"
content_hash: "sha256:063b46728149cde3cdcb55bb4c4491c43f58465bd2c856d1e2cd3a7e716e77b1"
acp_version: "0.2"
token_counts_approximate: 749
visibility: public
agent_accessible: true
status: "final"
---

# Building a Dry Stack Block Wall with QUIKWALL

HOME QUIKRETE® At Home How-To Videos Building a Dry Stack Block Wall with QUIKWALL HOW-TO VIDEOS A great way to view and understand your building or repair project before you get started. Find out just about everything you need to know by watching the video below. Building a Dry Stack Block Wall with QUIKWALL Building a garden wall, a planter, a mail box enclosure or even an outdoor kitchen can be as easy as “Stack and Stucco” with QUIKRETE QUIKWALL Surface Bonding Cement. Project Instructions Quantity Calculator Shopping List Project Instructions When working with QUIKWALL, rubber gloves and safety glasses should always be worn during mixing and placing procedures. Step 1 Ensure a solid footing or base slab for both structural and non-structural walls. NOTE: it is important to check local building codes for construction requirements in your area; footings should be a minimum of twice the width of the concrete block (for example, an 8”x8”x16” block would require a 16” wide footing) and extend below the frost line to prevent shifting during freeze-thaw cycles. Step 2 Stage the first course of block and snap a chalk line on each side of the block wall as a reference line to ensure corners are square and walls are straight. Step 3 Mix QUIKWALL. NOTE: each 50 pound bag of QUIKWALL will require about a gallon of water - additional water can be added in small amounts to achieve a workable mix. The proper consistency is achieved when the wet QUIKWALL will “hang” on a trowel held at a 90 degree angle. Step 4 Remove the blocks and lay a 1/8 inch bed of QUIKWALL on the footing - the QUIKWALL mix should be workable but firm enough to support the weight of the first course. Step 5 Set the bottom course. Tip: check your alignment and level every 3 to 4 blocks. Step 6 Once the first course is set, dry-stack the remaining block in a running bond pattern to the desired height - all corners should use an interlocking pattern. Step 7 Thoroughly dampen the block wall with water - dry block will draw the water from the mix making it difficult to finish and can cause inconsistent color and cracking especially in hot temperatures. Step 8 Apply a consistent 1/8 to 1/4 inch coat of QUIKWALL to both sides of the block. Use a square finishing trowel held at a 45 degree angle and work from the bottom of the wall to the top covering the entire surface of the wall. Step 9 Cure the entire surface with a fine water mist. Shopping List 50 lb. bags of QUIKRETE® QUIKWALL® Surface Bonding Cement QUIKRETE® 5000 High Strength Concrete Mix (if footing is required) 8"x8"x16" concrete block 8"x8"x8" concrete block Chalk line Level Square finishing trowel Mortar tub or wheelbarrow OR Machine mortar mixer (optional) Mixing hoe Rubber mallet Bucket Mason's string Masonry trowel Garden hose with spray attachment 10 oz. QUIKRETE® Stucco & Mortar Color (Liquid) (optional – 1 bottle per bag) Rubber gloves Safety glasses