How to Build a Retaining Wall

A sloping yard can be difficult to work with, so you will want to build a retaining wall to even it out or to create level terraces. The best bet for this project is a set of pre-cast concrete stones, which are designed for the purpose.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Stakes and string
• Work gloves
• Pre-cast stones
• Soil tamper
• Gravel
• A shovel
• A measuring tape
• Safety glasses
• Wheelbarrow
• Landscaping fabric

1. Plan out the shape and location of your wall, and mark it with your stakes and string.

2. Have your utility lines marked and check to see if you need a permit for this kind of work.

3. Dig a trench a little wider than the stones along the string line about six inches deep, and level the bottom as much as possible.

4. Add a layer of sand and tamp it down.

5. Lay the first stone in the trench and check that it is fully level. Use a hammer to set it if it is not. Continue laying stones in the trench, checking each one.

6. Run a string between the first and last stone and check that the string is level. If not, you need to adjust your entire course until it is.

7. Use a half-stone to begin every other course to keep them offset. Your courses should remain level. Interlock the stones with the ones below as you go along, and fill in the trench behind the stones with the excavated dirt once the second row is complete.

8. When you’ve reached the right height, lay landscaping fabric behind the wall and up the hill a little ways to prevent dirt from working through the stones. Backfill behind the wall and tamp the soil in place. Add topsoil to the excavated areas and grade it level.

Tips & Warnings

• This is hard work. If you are not up to hard physical labor, hire help.
• Pre-cast stones should not be used for walls higher than three feet.

[WENDYRYAN]

on 10/20/2007 NOT WHAT I WAS LOOKING FOR