How To Build a Retaining Wall (Step By Step Guide)
- Step #1 – Dig a Trench. ...
- Step #2 – Pack and level gravel base material. ...
- Step #3 – Install the first row of blocks. ...
- Step #4 – Add 3/4″ rough gravel behind the first row. ...
- Step #5 – Install the remaining layers of blocks. ...
- Step #6 – Use construction adhesive to secure the top row of blocks. ...
- Step #7 – Backfill with soil after the final layer of blocks. ...
What is the best way to construct a retaining wall?
Some basic steps to help get the right solution for your next project include:
- Prepping and planning – taking careful measurements
- Selecting the right material – getting the right size for the scope of the job
- The installation itself – compacting base, accounting for drainage
- Reinforcement – does your wall need geogrid?
- Finishing with caps, corners or steps
How to build a beautiful, functional retaining wall?
- Using a tape measure, decide the length and the width of your retaining wall.
- Mark off the area with garden stakes and a mason’s line or other string. Tie the string to the stakes at the desired height of the wall. ...
- If your wall will be curved, use paint to mark the shape and location of the wall.
Do you really need a retaining wall?
You Might Need a Retaining Wall If… You need a way to control downhill erosion. If mountains of erosion materials are clogging important areas on your property, adding a retaining wall is a wonderful idea. Retaining walls minimize erosion by decreasing the angle of a slope and holding back soil. Can you build a pool into a retaining wall?
What is the cheapest type of retaining wall?
What is the most cost effective retaining wall?
- Treated pine and is the least expensive material.
- Hardwood is more expensive than treated pine.
- Railway sleepers are another – slightly more expensive – option and are built to withstand ground and water contact.
- Concrete sleepers are more expensive.
How do you build a retaining wall step by step?
Step by Step: How to build a retaining wallDig a level-bottomed trench wide enough for the base stones to fit into. Compact the bottom of the trench with a hand tamper.Lay landscape fabric in the trench. ... Start the wall's second layer using a staggered pattern. ... Make sure the wall is level.
How do you make a strong retaining wall?
Here are three key principles in building any solid retaining wall:Bury the bottom course, or courses, of the retaining wall one tenth the height of the wall to prevent the soil behind from pushing the bottom out.Step back the blocks, rocks or timbers to get gravity working in your favor.More items...•
What is the strongest type of retaining wall?
Concrete and Masonry Retaining Walls Poured concrete is the strongest and most durable choice for retaining walls. It may also be carved and formed to look like mortared stone depending on your taste.
How deep should a retaining wall be?
The general rule of thumb is to bury about one-eighth of the height of the wall. For example, if your wall will be three feet (36 inches) tall, the first course of blocks should start five inches below soil level. The gravel base should start three inches below this.
How do you anchor a retaining wall?
0:412:03The Anchorplex™ Retaining Wall System - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPlace drain pipe according to the wall. Design once the wall units are stacked to a height of 2 feetMorePlace drain pipe according to the wall. Design once the wall units are stacked to a height of 2 feet place the first lift of structural backfill behind the blocks. Work the mix into the block cores.
What do you put under a retaining wall?
Base material The base material should only consist of angular, sharp-edged particles such as ¾-inch minus gravel. The various-sized crushed gravel with the fines helps ensure the right amount of compaction. Round rocks, such as pea gravel, roll and dislodge under pressure resulting in failure of the retaining wall.
What kind of retaining wall lasts longest?
Retaining walls made from stone, brick, concrete blocks, or poured concrete last the longest, with a projected lifespan of 50 to 100 years.
What material goes behind a retaining wall?
Backfill the wall with gravel or sand. If you use sand, first cover the backside of the retaining wall with landscape fabric. This will keep the sand from seeping between the blocks. If you're backfilling with gravel, you can pour the gravel after every course you lay.
What is the cheapest way to make a retaining wall?
The cheapest type of retaining wall is poured concrete. Prices start at $4.30 per square foot for poured concrete, $5.65 for interlocking concrete block, $6.15 for pressure-treated pine, and about $11 for stone. Installation or supplies, such as drainage stone or filter fabric, are not included.
Do I need drainage behind retaining wall?
Every retaining wall should include drainage stone behind the wall. Though it is a good idea to install a drainage pipe on all walls, there are certain situations where a perforated drain pipe is absolutely necessary.
How far apart should posts be for a retaining wall?
We've done the research and have the best answer for you. Retaining wall posts should be at least three feet apart. The distance can be slightly longer or shorter if it works better with your measurements. However, you shouldn't go more than seven feet apart to make sure your wall is sturdy enough.
How far in the ground should a retaining wall post be?
Step 3: Digging Dig a footing depth of roughly the same height as the retaining wall. For post holes, dig holes with a 450mm diameter at the same depth with a 100mm minimum concrete cover below the post.
What is the best base for a patio?
Patio paver base is ideal because it is specially made gravel that compacts well and is sturdy. Rake the paver base once it's been applied, getting as much uniform coverage as possible. Go over the paver base one more time with a level, making sure that the trench area is a uniform height.
How do I install a drainage pipe in a retaining wall?
Add drainage pipes to your retaining wall, if the wall is 2 feet (60 cm) or taller. Look for a perforated pipe and lay it down the length of the retaining wall, covering it up with breathable backfill. Make sure water can drain out of your pipe, either at the ends or through an outlet in the middle of the wall.
How high should a retaining wall be?
Continue until retaining wall is its preferred height. If your wall is over 3 ft (.91 m) in height, you should offset each new row slightly back from the row below it, like very shallow stair steps. This will make your wall more stable and help create a better hold with the soil once you backfill.
Why do we need retaining walls?
Building a retaining wall will help reduce erosion, improve water drainage, and create usable garden space. It's a great home-improvement project that can be completed in a weekend whether you're a novice or an old hand.
How to build a trench with a cornerstone?
Add the first block to the trench, using a cornerstone. Make sure it is level from front to back and side to side. Alternately, if there's no edge to the wall that is more visible than another, start at the edge that will be closest to another structure (usually a house).
How to make a wall with a staggered pattern?
1. Start your second layer with a staggered pattern. This is so that the top layer seams are offset with the bottom layer. You want each layer of blocks to be different from the one below it. For example, if the wall has straight edges on the ends, the next layer should start with a block that has been cut in half.
How much space do you need to bury a block?
Enough space should be made to bury the bottom row of blocks at least 1 inch (2.54 cm) for every 8 inches (20.32 cm) of wall height.
What does a perforated drain pipe do?
The perforated pipe will carry groundwater to each end of the wall where it can drain harmlessly away. The ends of the drainpipe should then exit on each end of the wall, and you may cover them with crushed stone to camouflage their appearance. RELATED: The 10 Best Things You Can Do for Your Soil.
What is the enemy of retaining walls?
Groundwater is the natural enemy of retaining walls. When it saturates clay-type soils, they swell and put excessive pressure on the backside of the wall. To avoid failure, make drainage provisions at the same time as you go about building the retaining wall.
How much soil pressure does a retaining wall need?
Soil is heavy, especially when soaking wet from a recent rainstorm, so a basic retaining wall (four feet tall and 15 feet long) potentially has to support up to 20 tons of soil pressure.
What materials are used to build retaining walls?
Retaining walls can be constructed using a variety of materials, from poured concrete and large timbers to natural stones, even bricks. For DIY purposes, opt for manufactured blocks that are designed specifically for building retaining walls; a locking flange along the bottom edge creates a secure attachment between rows.
What is DigSafe 811?
While you’re at it, do also place a call DigSafe (811), a nationwide service that will notify local utility companies that you plan to dig. These can determine whether their buried lines will be in the way and mark their exact locations. Advertisement. Photo: istockphoto.com.
Segmental Retaining Wall Construction
This is a cross section of this particular retaining wall build that we are constructing in this video. There is a lot to consider when looking at a drawing of a retaining wall whether provided by the manufacturer or an outside engineered drawing.
How to Build a Retaining Wall on a Slope
You will also notice that we are stepping this wall up from time to time. This is because without doing so while following the slope of our final grade would cause the depth of our base to fall out of our specified 6 to 8 inches.
How Much Does a Retaining Wall Cost
When built correctly, walls are designed to create a functional space out of a sloping yard allowing homeowners to make the most of the space that they have. They can create features and raised patio for spaces and provide a lot of value to the property. However, any properly built retaining wall comes at a cost.
How tall can a retaining wall be?
In most states, you can build a retaining wall up to 3′ tall without a permit. The wall featured in this tutorial is three feet high. Landscaping Blocks – Once you know how high your wall needs to be, then you can choose a block to use.
How to build a wall on a slope?
You want your blocks to be perfectly level. To accomplish this, you’ll add a paver base to the very bottom row only, then add the first row of blocks.
How to cut a block with a diamond blade?
If you have an angle grinder with a diamond blade on it, cutting the blocks will be even easier. Again, mark the block all the way around where you want to cut it. Then, grind a groove all the way around the block. Then , take a sledgehammer and a chisel, place the chisel in the groove, and give it a tap.
How to cut a block with a hammer?
Grab a masonry chisel and a mini sledge. Draw a straight line all the way around the block where you want to make your cut. Then, take your chisel and hammer and chisel a notch all the way around the block. Once you have a groove all the way around the block, place the chisel in the groove and hit it a bit harder with the hammer. The block should split pretty nicely.
Do you have to grade around retaining wall?
You must plan the grading around your retaining wall so the water drains off your property and away from your house. If you live in a suburban area, you also want to make sure the water isn’t draining into your neighbor’s yard. If you live in a rural area, you’ll want to pay attention to water rights.
Is it important to retain a wall?
Retaining wall construction is a labor intensive process. It’s not something you’ll want to do twice. So, planning your wall design and layout is an important step. Not only will it help you achieve a better final result, it will help save you time and effort.
How far back should a retaining wall be?
The rule of thumb is to separate wall tiers by a distance that’s no less than twice the height of the wall below. So if the bottom wall is 4 feet tall , the wall above it should be built at least 8 feet behind it.
Who owns Blakeborough Hardscapes?
Joe Blakeborough (right) owns and operates Blakeborough Hardscapes in Prior Lake, MN, with the assistance of his younger brother, Jake (left). They run multiple crews that specialize in block and boulder retaining walls, paver projects, outdoor living spaces and other services.
Does soapstone work on wet blocks?
The downside is that soapstone doesn’t work as well on wet blocks. You can find these pencils at online retailers.
Do hollow blocks need backfilling?
Also, some hollow blocks require individual backfilling, which is time consuming. These pros prefer Versa-Lok blocks, which are held together with pins rather than a lip on the bottom because pinned blocks work better on tighter curves, and the flat bottom makes them easier to stack.
Can you cut with water?
Use a gas-powered cutoff saw like this one for a smooth cut. This saw can cut with or without water. Water eliminates the dust but creates a messy slurry that can permanently stain surfaces like driveways and sidewalks. If you don’t use water, make sure the dust doesn’t blow into the house or on a neighbor’s house.
Is stone compacted as soon as it's laid in a trench?
You’ll notice the stone is almost 100 percent compacted as soon as it’s laid in the trench. The same type of stone will be used for backfilling, which also eliminates the need for hauling in multiple materials. 5 / 18. Construction Pro Tips.
Is every editorial product independently selected?
Every editorial product is independently selected, though we may be compensated or receive an affiliate commission if you buy something through our links. Ratings and prices are accurate and items are in stock as of time of publication.
Planning a Block Retaining Wall
There are several retaining wall systems to consider when choosing the building materials for your wall. You can choose regular block that simply stack together for a gravity-held wall, a block system that works with pins for easy and secure assembly or block with an interlocking lip as we did for this project.
Prep and Lay the Retaining Wall Block
Now that you have a plan and a layout, prep the area and begin building the retaining wall.
Retaining Wall Ideas
Once you know how to build a block retaining wall, think about some different DIY landscape ideas for retaining walls.
How many posts should I use for a 40 foot retaining wall?
If your retaining wall is going to be 40 feet (12 m) long, you need 14 posts—40 (length of the wall) divided by 3 (space between each post)—for your wall. If it's going to be 5 feet (1.5 m) tall, make sure your posts are 5 feet (1.5 m) tall with an additional 18 inches (46 cm) on top.
What can I do with a wood retaining wall?
Building a wood retaining wall is a great way to keep your topsoil from washing away down a slope. Not only that, you can turn it into a terraced garden for planting anything from vegetables and flowers to small shrubs and trees.
How long does it take for concrete to dry?
Allow the concrete to dry for 1 week. Once your posts are securely settled into the concrete, give the concrete time to cure. By waiting for a week, you're ensuring that the posts will be sturdy enough to support the weight of the rest of the fence.
How do I level a hole in a cement driveway?
Fill the holes with cement and then level them. Mix your cement and water in a wheelbarrow while following manufacturer's directions. Afterward, gently tilt the wheelbarrow forward and pour the cement into the holes. Use a hand float the level the surface of the cement with the ground when you 're done.
How deep should I dig for a post?
Dig 18 inch (46 cm) deep holes for your posts. Thrust your shovel into the soil and jiggle it forward and backward and side to side. Once the soil is loosened, start digging down into the ground. Grip the middle of the shovel's handle with your non-dominant hand and the top of the handle with your dominant hand.
How do I dig a trench for a fence post?
Start by using a D-handle shovel to loosen the dirt along each side of the trench. Once it's loose enough, dig out the middle with a trench shovel. Continue loosening and digging into the soil with each of your shovels.
How far apart should I space a post?
Space your posts 16 to 18 inches (41 to 46 cm) apart for load-bearing walls, which are walls that support something aside from their own weight such as a roof. ...
How do I cut a block wall?
To cut blocks for the ends of the wall or in tight curved sections, use a hammer and chisel to score the unit on all sides. Pound the chisel on the score line until the unit splits. Always wear eye protection when splitting blocks. If many cuts are needed, a saw rental may be the way to go.
How to lay blocks side by side?
TIP: Begin laying block at the lowest point of the wall. It is also easier to start at a straight part of the wall.Complete the base course before proceeding to the second course.
What is a Roman stack stone?
Marty: Right, Roman stack stone is a vertical stack wall stone that’s rated at two feet high. There are five different components within Roman stack, so you give it a kind of a random stone look it’s faced on both sides because so it can be used as a divider or a garden wall it can be a serpentine or straight.
