Curved edges to block walls

[Artisan]

I have been asked to build a small town garden with raised beds made from rendered 90mm concrete blocks, to a height of approx 600mm. The beds are angular, but to make it child friendly, and more pleasing to the eye, the corners are to be rounded off.

Has anyone any suggestions for the best way to do this?

I had thought of either grinding off the edges prior to rendering, or using a former of some type (plastic mesh?) or maybe a combination of the two.

The diameter of the curves is to be the same as the block width ie 90mm.

Any help or advice will be greatly appreciated!

[Tony McC]

I can't think of a simpler way other than using a cut-off saw to create a 45° vertical chamfer to the block and then create a curve with the render. If you have time to spare, it might be better to cut two 30° 'chamfers', but with such a tight radius, I reckon the one @ 45° will do the job.

[Artisan]

Tony

Many thanks for that, seems like a good idea, I'll let you know how I get on!!

Phil

[Ted]

It is pretty easy to render a curve on to a block if you cut it at 45 degrees.

Internal corners are slightly more difficult, IME.

I find a small pool trowel is the best trowel to use in this circumstance, much better than a normal plastering trowel.

A pool trowel:

[Artisan]

Tip top tip Ted, I haven't seen a pool trowel before. Time to go shopping I think!

[Ted]

A gauging trowel will surfice if you have one and want to save money. They are cheaper than pool trowels too. A pool trowel is £15-30 thereabouts, but my small pool trowel is a brilliant tool. Mine is by Kraft Tool Company and they are available from PICS - www.picsuk.com. Can't remember how much I paid. Marshalltown make many sizes but they are pricey. My Kraft one is good.