The base of a retaining wall should be set below ground level.
Put retaining wall on concrete or gravel.
Use crushed stone behind the wall loose gravel and stones don t hold water like soil does.
Crucial for supporting the rest of the wall a good base is made of compacted soil and at least a six inch layer of compacted sand and gravel.
Your retaining wall design will determine how you mark the area.
A retaining wall is a practical outdoor feature that can help keep your yard in top form but it s often overlooked or misunderstood.
How to build a concrete wall figure a.
So diyers have come up with an interesting trick.
Rather than messing around with mortar they lay the walls down like lego pieces using concrete while it s still in the bag.
To mark a free form layout use a rope or hose to outline the shape.
Avoid having downspouts pointed at the retaining wall and if it s against the house keep soil and mulch well below the siding.
Building a retaining wall in the conventional ways is not a trivial matter.
The following points need to be considered when planning your retaining wall installation.
Follow the block manufacturer s instructions for wall height limits.
Continue laying your first course of blocks making sure to check that every block is level.
The first course of block that you lay is known as the base course.
For diy purposes opt for manufactured blocks that are.
Cross section of a retaining wall a cinder block retaining wall is only as straight and solid as the base it s built on.
Retaining walls can be constructed using a variety of materials from poured concrete and large timbers to natural stones even bricks.
In its most basic form it s a structure that holds soil in.
Position your first block and use a standard level to make sure it s even.
Second a retaining wall must have properly compacted backfill.
Base course drainage pipe.
The leveling pad is the first piece in constructing a stable wall that will last for.
We go about 6 8 deep behind the wall with loose rock usually crushed granite and up to the second row from the top.
Of compacted base 1 in.
Basic retaining wall installation step 1.
Walls over 4 foot should use geo grid fabric different block designs limit allowable height use filter fabric over wet or dry soil then cover with gravel.
After you finish the first course fill the space between your retaining wall and.
Soil holds water so the dirt will expand and contract during winter thus pushing on the wall and eventually toppling it over.
The taller a wall is the further below ground level it should be set.
Tall wall excavate a trench deep enough to accommodate 4 to 6 in.
If needed reposition it using additional.