How to Build a Sturdy Retaining Wall

A retaining wall is a protective structure, first andgrip and vertical joints placeholders) do so with the
foremost. It should be strongly built for steadyblock of each even-numbered row. Use a
support. But it can also serve as a decorativesledgehammer for the purpose along with a brick
architectural element. It is this mix of beauty andchisel. This is for a stronger retaining wall.
functionality which any home addition should striveWith the second course-after cutting the initial block
for.of even-numbered rows-put the second row. Step
While of course it is possible to hire a contractor toback each block just a bit off to make sure we are
build something like this, there really is no reason asmaking a slight backward slope to somewhat push
you can do this home project yourself and it will notthe thing that needs support. This is what a retaining
take as long as you think and also it will save quite awall is for.
few dollars when simple home additions are done onThen, as the wall rises, compress the earth behind it.
your own.As we fill the rear portion with earth reinforce the
All one needs is a little drive and determination andwall with concrete the higher it goes. Between the
make a plan and then stick to it. Before you know itwall and the earth fill should be more cement mixes
your retaining wall will be built and you'll be full ofto increase retaining wall material strength.
confidence looking for the next home project.For our final grading, the higher the wall goes the
The first thing to do is excavate the area where wefarther the slope is from the wall top. Fill the gap with
plan to put up the retaining wall. If the area iscrushed stones topped with earth. The fill level should
downhill, be sure to grade the soil. Drive stakes ofbe some inches below the wall top.
wood into the slope and stretch across them aWhen building the retaining wall alone, opt for
masonry twine.interlocking blocks. Take care to refill the ditch or
For the base trench, dig a ditch on the higher side oftrench right after the base or footing or foundation
the wall. Fill the ditch of our retaining wall withlayer is done.
different colored stones and then level using a rake.Retaining walls are best for keeping slopes like small
Have the stones compacted together with the usehills or mounds beside our houses from landsliding.
of a tamper.They're perfect for garden landscaping and even for
For the first course, we place the first base ofbuttressing wall portions of our houses. Retaining wall
concrete over the stones for our retaining wall. Toconcepts are also applied for chimney building.
make sure the concrete is even on all sides use aBuilding a retaining wall helps keep our surrounding
torpedo level. Continue putting concrete while levelingsafe and supported. It keeps a steeply sloping terrain
out stones. Wear safety gloves.from collapsing.
When cutting the initial block into halves (for stronger