How to Build a Block Retaining Wall without Cement
There is a nice selection of cast concrete blocks formed to give interesting textures for walls and built to slot together without cement. These are called interlocking blocks and make building low walls a much easier and faster job than using traditional blocks, cement and rebar. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Choose the style and color of block that will resonate with the tone of your landscape and the look of your house. Some blocks come with interesting finishes as well as colors.
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Make sure you have or you prepare an even foundation of gravel or concrete. Dig into the ground using a level to make sure the bottom row of blocks will sit on top of the foundation flat and straight.
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Set drainage pipe behind where the first row of blocks will be laid if appropriate. This is important with higher walls. In fact, good drainage is always a good idea. If you aren't sure whether you will need one, setting in a drainage pipe will never hurt. Also fill in behind the wall you're building with 8-10" of gravel for more drainage. You don't want the water that comes down from behind the retaining wall to collect back there. It needs to drain out.
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Most interlocking blocks have a back ridge on the bottom. Step the upper block back so that back ridge settles behind the back of the block beneath. It will cause a slight backward tilt to the wall as you build it. Stagger the blocks so each block rests on the two beneath with the joint crack below in the middle.
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Although this illustration is of a tall wall, do-it-yourself folks are advised to keep walls low (maybe 3' high and under) and save taller wall construction for landscape contractors. Some blocks are not made for height and others might get tricky.
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Using interlocking blocks is a stable and faster way to create attractive retaining walls without the mess of concrete.
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Resources
- Photo Credit Diagrams, Product and Photo Courtesy of Terraforce.com
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Comments
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T Campanaro
Apr 20, 2009
Another good article by you. Thanks for writing it.
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copperhill
Apr 09, 2009
We built our home in the mountains last year. Our property is surrounded by hills. We knew we couldn't afford to hire some one to build a retaining wall. Thanks to you we are going to make a DIY retaining wall!
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thesquirrelymom
Oct 04, 2008
These come in a lot of pretty colors.
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Susan Golis
Oct 04, 2008
we put in a retaining wall last spring, and it looks great, certainly is eye appealing and our neighbors have all put in walls also. excellent article with easy to follow steps!
