How to Make a Concrete Retaining Wall

A concrete retaining wall is used to stabilize the soil on a hillside so that it doesn't slide away. These walls are used for landscaping and for structural integrity. There are several ways to build a concrete retaining wall, but the easiest method is to use cement cinder blocks, concrete, mesh screen, mortar and tiles.

Things You'll Need

• Concrete blocks
• Concrete
• Wire mesh
• Mortar
• Trowel
• Outdoor tiles
• Thin set

Instructions

1. Prep the construction site. You will need to dig into the side of the hill where you want to place your concrete retaining wall. The amount of dirt and rock that you remove will need to be enough to facilitate the building of the wall. After removing the existing material, you will lay down landscaper’s cloth to keep weeds from growing and to prevent slippage of the soil from behind the wall. Stake down the landscaper’s cloth to hold it in place.

2. Lay down the first course of concrete blocks in a two-by-four or -five formation. These blocks will hold down your landscaper’s cloth and create the base for your wall. Shovel dirt into the spaces inside the concrete blocks to hold them in place.

3. Build your wall on top of the foundation, staggering your blocks so that the joints don’t line up. The first row will start with a whole cement block, the second row will start with a half cement block and the third row will start with a whole cement block. After placing each row, fill it with dirt to hold it in place. After about the third course, hammer a steel stake down through the cement blocks at the four corners of your retaining wall and in the center of your retaining wall to provide it with extra support. Finish stacking and filling your cement blocks.

4. Apply a layer of thin set, which is a cement-based adhesive, to the exterior faces of your retaining wall and then apply your wire mesh. This will give your face stones a better surface to stick to. To apply your face stones you will apply mortar or thin set to the face of your mesh and then attach your face stone. Allow the thin set to set before you try to grout your stones. For a dry mortar look, put the mortar into the face stone joint trying not to let the mortar show. Allow it to dry and set. Spread a little mortar on the top of your cement block wall and install your capstones on the wall. Allow the wall to set.

5. Backfill to your retaining. Start with a layer of crushed rock and sand. This layer will cover the landscaper’s cloth that you laid down at the beginning of the project. Use the material that you originally removed. If you need more material, bring in top soil or mulch to top off the area behind your wall. Finish the entire project by sealing your retaining wall with a stone sealant or a cement sealant, depending on what material your face stones are made from.