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