How to Pour Concrete Over a Retaining Wall
Retaining walls that are constructed of dirt or stone are used to hold back dirt for a garden or that is on the side of a small hill. Reinforcing a wall can be done by pouring concrete. You can also add a new exterior to an old retaining wall. This will require building a form around the existing retaining wall, for you to pour the concrete into. However, you will need to know how big to build the form. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Tape measure
- 3/4-inch plywood
- Table saw
- Pencil
- Shovel
- 2-inch by 4-inch boards
- Nail gun
- Screws
- Power drill
Instructions
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1
Measure the height and length of the retaining wall with the tape measure and add 3 inches. Make a note of the measurements on a piece of paper.
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2
Transfer the measurements to a sheet of 3/4-inch plywood with the pencil. Cut the plywood to the height and width with the table saw.
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3
Measure the width for the concrete form from the edge of the existing wall. The form should be 3 to 4 inches from the existing wall. Dig a trench in front of the retaining wall with the shovel. The trench should be 4 to 6 inches deep.
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4
Measure and cut two pieces of plywood that are the height of the wall and the width of the trench.
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5
Measure a 2-inch by 4-inch board to the height of the wall. Cut three to four supports for the form. Attach the supports to the cut sheets of plywood with the nail gun. If you do not have a nail gun use screws and a power drill.
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Set the two smaller pieces of plywood on each side of the larger piece to form a "U" shape. Drill pilot holes into the plywood with the power drill. Secure the plywood with the screws.
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7
Place the form in front of the retaining wall. Attach three to four lengths of 2-inch by 4-inch board to the supports so they are angled to the ground. This will hold the form in place.
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8
Mix the concrete in the wheelbarrow and then pour it into the form using the shovel. Tamp on the concrete with a board to remove any air bubbles.
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9
Allow the concrete to set for one to two hours and then smooth the top of concrete with the float.
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10
Remove the forms after the concrete has cured.
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Tips & Warnings
Apply motor oil to the inside of the plywood form to remove it easily after the concrete has set.
Concrete will cure adequately after six to seven days.
