| A retaining wall is a protective structure, | | | | placeholders) do so with the block of each |
| first and foremost. It should be strongly | | | | even-numbered row. Use a sledgehammer for the |
| built for steady support. But it can also | | | | purpose along with a brick chisel. This is |
| serve as a decorative architectural element. | | | | for a stronger retaining wall. |
| It is this mix of beauty and functionality | | | | |
| which any home addition should strive for. | | | | With the second course-after cutting the |
| | | | initial block of even-numbered rows-put the |
| While of course it is possible to hire a | | | | second row. Step back each block just a bit |
| contractor to build something like this, | | | | off to make sure we are making a slight |
| there really is no reason as you can do this | | | | backward slope to somewhat push the thing |
| home project yourself and it will not take as | | | | that needs support. This is what a retaining |
| long as you think and also it will save quite | | | | wall is for. |
| a few dollars when simple home additions are | | | | |
| done on your own. | | | | Then, as the wall rises, compress the earth |
| | | | behind it. As we fill the rear portion with |
| All one needs is a little drive and | | | | earth reinforce the wall with concrete the |
| determination and make a plan and then stick | | | | higher it goes. Between the wall and the |
| to it. Before you know it your retaining wall | | | | earth fill should be more cement mixes to |
| will be built and you'll be full of | | | | increase retaining wall material strength. |
| confidence looking for the next home project. | | | | |
| | | | For our final grading, the higher the wall |
| The first thing to do is excavate the area | | | | goes the farther the slope is from the wall |
| where we plan to put up the retaining wall. | | | | top. Fill the gap with crushed stones topped |
| If the area is downhill, be sure to grade the | | | | with earth. The fill level should be some |
| soil. Drive stakes of wood into the slope and | | | | inches below the wall top. |
| stretch across them a masonry twine. | | | | |
| | | | When building the retaining wall alone, opt |
| For the base trench, dig a ditch on the | | | | for interlocking blocks. Take care to refill |
| higher side of the wall. Fill the ditch of | | | | the ditch or trench right after the base or |
| our retaining wall with different colored | | | | footing or foundation layer is done. |
| stones and then level using a rake. Have the | | | | |
| stones compacted together with the use of a | | | | Retaining walls are best for keeping slopes |
| tamper. | | | | like small hills or mounds beside our houses |
| | | | from landsliding. They're perfect for garden |
| For the first course, we place the first base | | | | landscaping and even for buttressing wall |
| of concrete over the stones for our retaining | | | | portions of our houses. Retaining wall |
| wall. To make sure the concrete is even on | | | | concepts are also applied for chimney |
| all sides use a torpedo level. Continue | | | | building. |
| putting concrete while leveling out stones. | | | | |
| Wear safety gloves. | | | | Building a retaining wall helps keep our |
| | | | surrounding safe and supported. It keeps a |
| When cutting the initial block into halves | | | | steeply sloping terrain from collapsing. |
| (for stronger grip and vertical joints | | | | |