Easy To Build Retaining Walls

This 32 in high wall is designed to hold back a gentle slope and is good for walls up to 40 in.

Easy to build retaining walls.

A retaining wall can not only be a functional element in your yard it can also be a really beautiful addition to your landscape. If you build a sack wall that is curved ie a horizontal arch and leaning back appropriately and soil is naturally well draining it ll easily last many decades. Lay the foundation on this base and use a rubber mallet to level the blocks. Sections you can get away with using a 4 ft.

For walls 40 to 48 in place the studs on 12 in. Cinder blocks are a mixture of cement various types of aggregates and water and. Follow the block manufacturer s instructions for wall height limits. The interlocking retaining wall block can be used to build walls up to 24 to 36 inches high depending on the size of the block.

My first project was a fire pit and a patio combination and the second involved replacing a rotting wood retaining wall. Design and build your retaining wall to slope at a minimum rate of one inch for every one foot of rise height. Looking for cheap retaining wall ideas people seldom think of cinder blocks but they are a great construction material and can be used not only for building a garden wall but for constructing a variety of outdoor furniture items a garden privacy fence etc. Most retaining wall failures including gravity walls are due to poor design and or poor drainage.

A good looking retaining wall depends on level footings and the best way to establish level over long distances is with a builder s level. I had a gentle slope to retain not a huge hill. If you re building a wall with only a couple of 4 ft. Level but for a longer wall rent a builder s level.

To build a retaining wall begin by planning and marking out where you want your wall to be. Don t build the wall more than 48 in. To create a solid foundation dig a trench for the first course of your interlocking retaining wall blocks to sit in and make sure the ground remains even throughout. Centers and keep the rest of the wall the same.

Using a tape measure decide the length and the width of your retaining wall then mark off the area with the garden stakes and string. Dig a trench then tamp down the soil and lay a base layer of rock dust. The success of your retaining wall depends on a level base. If you are looking for a really good way to make your home look great then you should consider building a retaining wall.

Creating a decorative retaining wall for your landscape. High a taller wall requires special engineering. Avoid having downspouts pointed at the retaining wall and if it s against the house keep soil and mulch well below the siding.