How to Lay a Block Retaining Wall

Block retaining walls

Retaining walls are striking stone structures found in yards, encircling lush flower beds, complementing slopes or providing barriers for encroaching grounds. In many cases, retaining walls carry out a combination of these duties to add overall value to your yard. A perfectly level retaining wall also adds a streamlined, balanced look to your lot. Lay a block retaining wall by creating a solid foundation, placing the blocks and then leveling them.

Things You'll Need

• Garden gloves Garden hose Shovel Garden shovel Soil tamper Pea gravel Leveling sand Decorative blocks Rubber mallet Carpenter's level Masonry blade Saw 4-inch-wide chisel Chisel hammer Steel rule

Instructions

1. Lay a garden hose on the ground and manipulate it until it encapsulates the shape of your retaining wall.

2. Dig a 12-inch-wide and 6-inch-deep trench inside the garden hose shape. This will where you will set and balance your blocks.

3. Scoop pea gravel into the trench and spread it evenly until the entire trench has 1 inch of coverage. Tamp it flat with the soil tamper.

4. Scoop sand into the trench for an additional inch of coverage, tamping it flat with the soil tamper.

5. Place a block at the lowest end of your trench and check the level using the carpenter's level. Tap the block gently with the rubber mallet until the block is perfectly level. Follow the same process with your entire first row of blocks, terracing the blocks as your grade rises.

6. Place a second row of blocks on the first row, ensuring the second row is staggered and relatively level.

7. Cut blocks to various lengths where needed to help with planned curvatures. To accomplish this, mark them with the chisel and steel rule to the correct lengths. Adjust your masonry blade to a one-quarter-inch cut and then score the blocks along your markings. Tap the 4-inch chisel into one of the scores until the block breaks cleanly.

References

• Easy 2 Do It Yourself: Build a Rock Retaining Wall