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 spikePopularWhere 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 readersDo 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. . 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 readersWhat 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 readersHow 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 readersCan 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 readersHow 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 readersWhy 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. . 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 readersWhen 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 readersDo 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 readersMy 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. 