If you're a homeowner or contractor in Saskatchewan or the Prairies considering a standout wall for your patio, deck, or front entry, there’s a good chance you've run across the Belgard Ashlar Tandem Wall system. At The Ultimate Deck Shop, we’ve worked side-by-side with pros and DIYers figuring out where this system truly shines, and where you’ll want to pause and plan. After helping with thousands of projects—some with perfect lines, some with lessons learned—we’re sharing genuine pros, cons, and the install know-how you need to succeed.
What Makes Belgard Ashlar Tandem Wall Unique?
The magic of the Ashlar Tandem is its modular foundation paired with a face that convincingly mimics hand-chiseled stone. Don’t be fooled—this is not your average block from a big box store. Instead, the core modular block does the heavy lifting, while the lighter face units deliver the visual punch.
- Core Structure: The backbone is built from modular cores like the Belgard Tandem Wall Modular Block.
- Stone Look: Face units in varied sizes attach to the core, making the finish look organic—think custom, not cookie-cutter.
- System Flexibility: Use it for straight or gently curved retaining walls, seat walls, steps, pillars, and more—all on the same install system.
The Benefits: Where Ashlar Tandem Stands Out
1. Premium Stone-Look Without Masonry Headaches
- Chiseled textures and multi-size face units recreate natural stone—a look that upgrades everything around your deck or patio.
- No need to wrangle with true stone’s irregular shapes or endless cutting—the consistent heights speed up the install.
- If you’ve ever tried laying true flagstone or fieldstone, you’ll immediately notice how much faster and neater this system goes together, while still giving maximum visual impact.
2. System Flexibility for Complex Backyards
- Build retaining walls, seating walls around firepits, raised patios, and pillars—all with a shared structural system and look.
- Switch between curves, steps, or corners on the fly—helpful for complex designs that wrap decks and outdoor living zones.
3. Installation Efficiency and Cleaner Results
- Tight manufacturing means less shimming, more speed. Contractors have told us that compared to some other wall units, you’ll spend far less “eyeballing” for level.
- Straight walls stay crisp, even over runs of 30 feet or more—especially important for blended patio and deck projects where every line matters.
4. Lighter Handling for Urban and Tight Yards
- The modular core and veneer approach makes each component lighter than a giant full-depth block.
- It’s easier to carry components through side gates, along homes, or into urban lots where space is at a premium.
- Hand-truck friendly for most backyard projects—no need for specialized machinery.
5. Full Coordination with Other Belgard Hardscape Materials
- Integrate the Ashlar Tandem wall platform with other products for a seamless outdoor look.
- Pairings we see often: Belgard Melville Wall or Melville Wall Cap for transition elements, and Marina Coping to cap walls or seats with a soft, smooth edge.
The Drawbacks: What to Plan For
1. More Pieces Mean More Planning
- Modules, face units, connectors, adhesive, caps—unlike basic single-block walls, Ashlar Tandem demands you keep organized.
- The install process does include extra steps: core block placement, connector pins, as well as proper backfill per course.
- Especially for new DIYers, expect a learning curve—the positive is, once you get the system, you can do most backyard walls with it.
2. Upfront Material Cost Is Premium
- You’re paying for both the finish quality and modular flexibility.
- If you’re simply building a perfume-hidden, low wall against a fence, more basic blocks like Belgard StackStone may handle the job for less.
3. Pattern Planning Is Essential
- Mixing face unit sizes is key to avoiding an obvious repeat or patchwork. We always recommend laying out at least 8–10 feet in dry-fit before stacking for real.
- If the visual isn’t right, it’s much easier to swap units before they’re glued or pinned.
4. Local Colours May Vary
- Manufacturing is regional. Always check what’s in stock at our Regina or Saskatoon yards, request a sample, or drop by to verify before finalizing your design palette.
- Actual finish may look different than web photos depending on run and batch.
Where This Wall System Excels in Real Canadian Yards
Raised Patios Linking to Composite Decks
- Ideal for elevating sitting areas to deck level, using Ashlar Tandem as the retaining face and Texada Architectural Slabs for the patio surface, or to connect a new composite deck.
- This dual-tiered approach creates zones—deck for lounging, patio for dining—each with a continuous stone look underneath.
Seat Walls, Fire Features, and Outdoor Rooms
- Build double-sided seat walls for fire pit areas without a forest of plastic chairs.
- Add cap units for comfort, optionally integrating low-voltage lighting from our outdoor lighting collections.
Front Entry Walls, Steps, and Planters
- Ashlar Tandem plays well with plantings for tiered entries, borders, and planter boxes—neat enough for modern curb appeal.
- Our customers often use it for formal entry statements paired with softer, informal garden walls further into the yard.
Field-Tested Install Tips for Success
1. Layout Your Pattern First—Don’t Wing It
- Lay out all face units dry in long runs before committing. Adjust for random look and colour blend.
- Plan cut placements and avoid stacking similar shapes on top of each other.
- Consider taping a pattern map to the pallet for crews or helpers.
2. Take Base Prep Seriously—No Corners Cut
- Excavate down to below frost depth local to Saskatchewan for stability.
- Compact a minimum 6- to 12-inch base of 3/4" minus gravel in 3-4" lifts—rent a plate compactor if needed.
- Set the first core block course dead level and straight. Micro-adjust using a pro-grade tool like the GH Leveller (available in store).
3. Exact Use of Core Blocks, Connectors, and Backfill
- Install connectors at the right spacing for your intended wall height.
- Fully seat all connectors—a missed pin can ruin wall strength down the line.
- Backfill every course with free-draining aggregate, not native soil, and compact thoroughly. This keeps the structure stable through Prairie winters.
4. Caps and Adhesive—Don’t Rush!
- Use a quality exterior masonry adhesive with vertical beads and leave water escape routes.
- Thoroughly clean surfaces before setting the cap to prevent pop-off over time.
5. Height Limits and Engineering
- If over 3 feet high, always consult an engineer for geogrid, setbacks, and batter. Saskatchewan soils and frost can be unforgiving without the right specs.
- We’re happy to connect you with an engineer or run your layout by Belgard’s support docs if you need confidence before digging deep.
6. Drainage Is Non-Negotiable
- Install a perforated base drain pipe daylighted to safe discharge.
- If you’re in silty or fine soils, wrap with geotextile fabric to keep fines out of your drainage stone.
- Make sure your wall system doesn’t become a dam that leaves water nowhere to go.
Budget Range: Realistic Expectations
- Ashlar Tandem sits in the mid-to-high tier compared with basic segmental units.
- Expect materially-driven pricing for 2- to 3-foot walls to run higher than basic slab systems—but factor in long-term curb appeal and flexibility.
- Generally, many designers put Ashlar Tandem in highly visible spots (like front patios) and use simpler blocks in out-of-sight edges to balance budget and beauty.
Seasonal Maintenance & Care for Longevity
- Annual Cleaning: Rinse with a garden hose or low-pressure sprayer and mild soap. This keeps stains and moss at bay.
- Weed & Joint Care: Prevent growth between joints, especially around the wall-turf or wall-bed interface.
- Winter Use: Avoid scraping face units with metal shovels. Use deck/paver-friendly deicers when needed, and watch for snowmelt drainage pooling near wall bases.
- Optional Sealing: For high-traffic or kitchen zones, breathable masonry sealers can help reduce staining.
For combined wall & deck installs (where walls meet synthetic or wood decking), be sure to dive into our deck maintenance guide. Seasonal care and compatible cleaning products are covered there—including adjacent rails, skirting, and surface treatments.
Install Approaches: DIY, Hybrid, or Managed Service?
Full DIY
- Best for walls under 3 feet, straight runs, and those comfortable with site prep and reading detailed install specs.
- We offer free takeoff reviews, tool rental, and honest advice if you hit a snag.
Assisted DIY
- Hire out the heavy lifting (excavation, base, critical first courses); finish caps and faces yourself. Inspired by our deck hybrid builds—this model also suits ambitious hardscapes.
- Saves up to half the install labour without sacrificing structure.
Fully Managed Install
- From design to warranty, let our crew manage your hardscape start to finish. Especially helpful if you’re combining walls with deck framing, stairs, or lighting.
- We coordinate project timing, delivery, and cleanup so your yard transitions are seamless.
Deciding if Ashlar Tandem Wall Fits Your Yard
- Perfect choice if visual impact and flexible functionality are your top priorities for outdoor living.
- Recommended for retaining walls where aesthetics count—patio borders, raised decks, or front entries you’ll see every day.
- If unseen or basic function is all you need, save your budget for visible spaces and use simpler wall systems in the back corners.
Next Steps: Bring Your Vision to Us
- Measure your space (length, height), snap a few site photos.
- Decide on face, cap, and accent slab styles. Not sure? We always recommend visiting our showrooms in Regina or Saskatoon for real-life samples.
- Contact us for a quote via our contact page. We’ll walk you through pallet math, delivery dates, and layout options.
- For any deck-adjacent wall, ask for 3D design service. This visualizes exactly how the wall will frame your deck, stairs, and patio—well worth it for blended space projects.
- Choose between DIY, hybrid, or managed services. We’re happy to guide you either way—and tool rental is available if you need the right saws or levels.
At The Ultimate Deck Shop, every project is personal—we treat each deck, wall, or front entry like it’s going in our own yard. If you’re ready to build a statement wall that lasts, our experts are just a call or click away. Want more outdoor building tips or to explore our full hardscaping range? Visit the shop for inspiration, or get in touch and we’ll help you plan your next backyard upgrade with confidence.
