Finishing off deck with planters - Seeking advice

[Lincoln Myers]

Hi,

William O'Connell replied to a post of mine a couple years ago, and included a picture of his deck. I tried to send a PM to him, but no luck.

Here are some links to his posts:
http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showpost.php?p=902558&postcount=14

http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showpost.php?p=902611&postcount=16

I am now trying to emulate his planter, block surround. I bought some concrete block 8x8x16 w/ 1 finished side (split face). I'm planning on stacking them 2 high and using the internal cavity as planters.

Question, how should I stack or secure the block? I initially thought I could just use block adhesive, but after thinking it over, mortar may be better. Can anyone provide me any advice?

Thanks,
Linc

[Willard Foster]

Will these block have footings below the frost line? If not, then frost will heave your block and crack your block and mortar.

Also, I think it would be difficult to plant inside the block.

Any planter I make has a plastic trough insert that is removable. This is easy to plant into, easy to clean. The trough is supported by a wooden frame.

Bill

[William OConnell]

WOW Lincoln
You found me
I havent been here for at least a year

When using the block your using PL Premium adhasive is prefered to mortar especially in your application.
Its important to set the bloack on VIRGIN soil as in dont over dig while creating a level plain
I set the block around the pool atop a stanard concrete block which is under ground and that is set in concrete to create a level plain. The wall around my shop is set without a block underneath and on virgin tamped earth
Anytime you make a lock planter you should allow for drainage. I dig below the interior base of the finished wall and put in 6" of gravel then sand and soil. Heres a picture of all three raised planters from last year
My wife planted just today this summers annual flowers.
http://woodworkers.us/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=1279&g2_serialNumber=2&g2_GALLERYSID=738655c8d721c247f484c45e2653ac3e

[Lincoln Myers]

Thanks for the replies. Thanks for the additional info William, I'll be setting my block on carefully leveled, tamped earth like you described. I really appreciate the help.

-Linc