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Articles on:How to Build
Answers to all your building questions.

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  • Delivery
  • Raised Beds
  • Free Design Service
  • How to Build
  • WoodBlocX Structures
  • Raised Ponds
  • Retaining Walls & Steps
  • Company Info
  • What are ground spikes?
    Ground spikes are 400mm galvanised steel spikes that secure your WoodBlocX structure to the ground when building on soft surfaces such as grass and soil. Ground spikes are placed on the first layer of all WoodBlocX structures when building on soft ground and are also located in every buttress for added support. Simply select 'Soft Ground' when ordering through our website to have ground spikePopular
  • Where can I find my layer by layer building instructions?
    Your layer by layer building instructions are attached to your WoodBlocX order confirmation email. Please check your spam folder after you order. If you have ordered one of our pre-designed WoodBlocX kits, building instructions can also be found on the individual product pages. If you haven't received your instructions via email, please contact us - our team will be happy to help! Before you start building, weSome readers
  • Do you have to dig down to put the first row of WoodBlocX down or can I just sit the planter on level soil?
    Soil level is fine! There's no need to cut into the earth if it's level and flat. If you are building directly on soil or grass you will be provided with ground spikes. These need to be hammered through the first layer of WoodBlocX to secure your structure to the ground. For sloping grass areas (soft ground), we recommend cutting into the earth to create a flat and level base to build your design. ![WoodBlocX built into a sloping grass area](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/websiteSome readers
  • When should I use angle floor brackets?
    If you are building on hard ground such as patios, concrete or tarmac, we recommend pinning your WoodBlocX structure down to the ground with our angle floor brackets (galvanized steel angle fixings). Simply select 'Hard Ground' when ordering your kit through our website. Angle brackets will help hold the structure down on hard surfaces and will stop any unwanted movement. Angle brackets are attachSome readers
  • What if I put a dowel in the wrong way?
    It is easy to lose concentration and put a dowel in a hole that has no corresponding hole in the next row. Don't panic! Just use your dowel removal tool that should be included with your kit.Few readers
  • How long does it take to build a structure using WoodBlocX?
    How to build a WoodBlocX raised bed video Not long! The slowest part is levelling the ground to get the first row straight and level. Once this is done it is a simple process to build up the higher rows, following your layer by layer instructions. Two people could build a wall 10m long by 5 rows high in a day.Few readers
  • Can WoodBlocX be taken apart? (dismantle/disassemble/move)
    Yes! WoodBlocX structures can be taken apart and moved to a new location - our clever dowels can be unscrewed and blocks carefully lifted apart to be rebuilt elsewhere. You can use a flathead screwdriver or our dowel removal tool (included with your kit) to do this. We recommend carefully levering the blocks with a crowbar or a pry bar at each level. If you require any new BlocX or dowFew readers
  • How to attach seating slabs on our circular fire pit design
    Please follow these steps when attaching seating slabs.... Put the dowels in the top layer of the seat section (as per your instructions) and then cut them flush with the wood. Fill the large cavities under the slabs with subbase (to the top), and compact gently - take it easy when compacting so to not damage your WoodBlocX structure.Few readers
  • Why is the dowel cutter no longer needed?
    Our dowel cutter tool is no longer required as we have introduced final layer capping dowels which are pre-cut to fit perfectly under your top capping layer. You will find your design’s final layer dowels packaged in GREEN BAGS. Standard dowels for the rest of your design, will be supplied in CLEAR PLASTIC BAGS. ![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/99e85b04a8366000/Few readers
  • When should I install angle corner plates?
    For most designs, you should install the angle corner plates included in your kit on the final layer of your WoodBlocX structure (underneath the capping layer). These plates are 1mm thick, galvanized steel L-shape brackets are added for extra strength. Angle corner plates are also used in buttresses and to join BlocX sections together so please refer toFew readers
  • When should I use ground spikes?
    If you are building on soft ground such as soil or grass, we recommend pinning your WoodBlocX structure down to the ground with ground spikes (400mm galvanised spikes). You can select 'Soft Ground' when ordering through our website to have ground spikes included with your kit. Ground spikes are placed on the first layer of all WoodBlocX designs and are also located in every buttress - pleaseFew readers
  • Do I have to put a protective coating on my WoodBlocX structure once l have built it?
    No - WoodBlocX is pressure-treated for durability so extra surface treatments are not necessary at all. You can paint WoodBlocX with any water-based exterior wood paint - please allow the wood to dry out for a few weeks before doing this.Few readers
  • My dowels are too long to fit the capping layer
    Most likely cause... you have used your final layer dowels (packaged in green bags) throughout the previous WoodBlocX layers! Don't panic! You can still add your capping layer but you need to cut the dowels you have used on the top row down by 3 notches to make them shorter. You can use a handsaw or a pipe cutter to do this. ![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/9Few readers
  • What are angle corner plates?
    Angle corner plates are 1mm thick, galvanized steel L-shape brackets that are placed on every corner on the final layer of WoodBlocX structures for strength. Watch this video to see how to install them. Angle plates go over the top of the last layer of dowels. If your design includes buttresses - please refer to your layer-by-layer instructions as buttress supports require angle plates at every level. ![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdeFew readers
  • What should I do if I think I am missing some components?
    If you think you are missing something from your order, please give us a call: 0800 389 1420, drop us an email: [email protected] or start a live chat with us. Our team will be happy to help!Few readers
  • What are final layer dowels?
    Final layer dowels are pre-cut to fit correctly under your top capping layer - they are packaged in green bags. WoodBlocX designs from November 2023 now use our NEW final layer dowels! Standard dowels, packaged in clear plastic bags, are for use throughout the rest of your structure. Please follow your layer by layer instructions which show where to correctly place dowels throughFew readers
  • Do you offer printed instructions?
    Yes, we do! If you want to include printed instructions with your order, please add our Printed Instructions product to your basket when ordering. Instructions are colour printed on A4 paper / in a protective folder. You will receive layer-by-layer instructions for each design you order. NOTE: you will still receive digital instructions attachedFew readers
  • Do your prices include installation?
    No, WoodBlocX is a DIY-friendly product. You will receive layer-by-layer instructions to follow to build your design - no power tools are needed! If you need any support during this build phase, please contact our team.Few readers
  • Can you recollect extra dowels, wooden blocks and liner that I have not used?
    Every WoodBlocX kit should include exactly the right components needed to build it. In the event you have lots of items unused, please contact our team for more information. Unfortunately, we do not refund unused liner.Few readers

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