U-CARA® BACKER Garden Walls | Unilock Chicago
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The U-Cara Backer is a structural building block that is part of the U-Cara Multi-Face Wall System. This revolutionary system makes it possible to design walls, pillars, planters, fire features, grill islands and more, using a wide array of different U-Cara fascia panels to create color, pattern and texture combinations like never before. The patented U-Cara Sure Track Backer blocks feature molded horizontal rails, allowing you to mount U-Cara fascia panels securely on the block. Build single or double-sided vertical elements using the Standard Sure Track Backer block. If your client wants a large retaining wall, planter or pillars, use the Large Backer Block in the setback position to construct walls up to 3 ft (0.9m) high, without the need for geogrid.
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Shape and size

LARGE BACKER
200mm x 150mm x 294mm
7 7/8" x 5 7/8" x 11 5/8"

LARGE/CORNER/PILLAR BACKER
175mm x 150mm x 294mm
6 7/8" x 5 7/8" x 11 5/8"

STANDARD BACKER
200mm x 150mm x 150mm
7 7/8" x 5 7/8" x 5 7/8"

LARGE BACKER
200mm x 150mm x 294mm
7 7/8" x 5 7/8" x 11 5/8"

LARGE/CORNER/PILLAR BACKER
175mm x 150mm x 294mm
6 7/8" x 5 7/8" x 11 5/8"

STANDARD BACKER
200mm x 150mm x 150mm
7 7/8" x 5 7/8" x 5 7/8"

Applications
Fire Feature
Garden Wall
Outdoor Kitchen
Pillars
Retaining Wall
Seat Wall
Step
Water Features
Technical information
  • Packaging
  • Things to know
  • Cross Sections
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Packaging
  • Packaging
  • Things to know
  • Cross Sections
Unit Thickness (mm)
Layers per Bundle
FcFt per Bundle
FcFt per Layer
FcFt per Unit
Units per Bundle
Units per Layer
Lbs per Bundle
Lbs per Layer
Lbs per Unit
LARGE/CORNER/PILLAR BACKER
150
4
15.82
3.96
0.28
56
14
2,085
521.25
37.23
LARGE BACKER
150
3
20.35
6.78
0.32
63
21
2,766
922
43.90
STANDARD BACKER
150
3
33.91
11.30
0.32
105
35
2,457.67
819.22
23.41
THINGS TO KNOW

U-Cara®

U-Cara is a retaining wall platform which provides for incredible design flexibility and can be used to construct anything from small garden walls to large retaining walls. The backbone of the wall is the backer block and the appearance is created by hanging beautiful fascia panels on the backers.

Applications – Design and build projects such as planters, steps, grill islands, pillars, seat walls, water features and structural walls reinforced with GeoGrid. U-Cara is designed mostly for straight walls, but low curved planters can be made if needed.

Capacity – Gravity walls up to 39” (1m). Geogrid reinforced walls up to 10 ft. (3m). Download the U-Cara manual for detailed information on how to build almost anything. Installation Manual - English (PDF)

Recommended Base Stabilization – one layer of DriveGrid stabilization grid between subgrade and base material. Use under Standard Base or Permeable Base.

Standard Base – Min. 6” – 8” of ¾” Crusher Run gravel (any road base standard in accordance with ASTM-D2940) compacted to 98% Standard Proctor Density (SPD).

Alternative Permeable Base – Min. 6” – 8” of ¾“ clear open-graded stone compacted to achieve full particle lock-up and consolidation. (Clear open-graded does not compact but does consolidate slightly by rattling the particles together.)

Leveling – U-Cara MUST be constructed on U-Grip Base units or universal base pads. It will ensure improved accuracy and will make for a speedier installation. Additional benefits include long term structural integrity and an overall better appearance. Poured concrete leveling pads, reinforced with rebar, are also a great way to accomplish leveling, especially for larger installations. You must ensure that the concrete is poured and finished perfectly in order to achieve a good visual appearance.

Connection – features a tongue and groove connection. Use appropriate concrete adhesive for connection between standard backer units or where the key has been removed for corners. Always read adhesive manufacturers’ directions prior to gluing.

Handling – Handle faces with care to avoid chipping edges.

Coping - This wall requires coping. Choose a manufactured coping such as Unilock Universal Coping or any of our natural stone coping options. Install with tight joints or 3/16” gap between units and amend with an exterior latex caulking. Cutting may be required; a diamond blade saw is required to cut coping properly. Glue all coping using a specially formulated concrete adhesive that is strong and will not break down over time. Always read adhesive manufacturers’ directions prior to gluing.

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