You have found the perfect lot for your new home.
The view is spectacular.
Here in Panama, you may have a view of the Bay of Panama, or of the Anton Valley, known as "El Valle".
Where you are, your view could be of a mountain, ocean or lake.
The only problem is your dream lot is built on a slope.
That's what allows the great view.
There is no getting around it; you need to build a retaining wall.
Fortunately, in many cases a retaining wall can be done as a do it yourself project.
You just have to follow some simple steps.
The first thing you need to determine however is the height.
If the height is going to be over 3 feet, this is a project you might want to leave up to a qualified contractor.
But, if it is less than 3 feet tall, and you are handy and have some free time, there is no reason you cannot do this project yourself.
Your first step is going to be deciding which building material to use for your retaining wall.
Retaining walls can be build using railroad ties, rocks, bricks, concrete or blocks.
I have even seen them built using old tires or asphalt shingles (not recommended).
Your choice will depend on a number of different factors, not the least being the look that you are going for.
Next, you need to determine exactly where the retaining wall is going to go.
Mark out the site with stakes and a garden hose.
After the site is marked out, begin digging a trench for the first row of retaining wall material.
A 12 inches deep trench will be enough for most cases, depends on the material you are using and the type of soil you have.
Level out the trench bottom and then line with, stone dust or gravel.
Now it is time to lay out the starter course.
Make sure it is built level using a string as a guide.
If your starter course is not perfectly level, it will only get worse the further you build.
Depending on the type of construction, your first course should start with a half block or stone.
This will allow you to interlock alternate stones on alternate courses.
Once the first course is laid, you will start on the second level.
Start with a full size stone or block.
This will alternate where the gaps in material are, leading to a much stronger wall.
After the second course is laid, back fill the first course and tamp down the earth to create a strong foundation.
Then continue each course, alternating the starting block between a half stone and full stone.
Make sure you are perfectly level after each course.
A final simple structure that holds the wall together will help make it stronger.
Once you have reached your planned height, lay landscaping cloth behind the wall, and up the hill behind it.
Then, backfill and your retaining wall is complete.
Building a small retaining wall, up to 3 feet is an easy project for a do it yourself'er.
Just remember the 3 most important points.
So, shop around for the one that is going to look just perfect in your yard.
Never attempt to build a retaining wall larger than about 3 feet unless you know exactly what you are doing.
But a smaller retaining wall makes a great project to beautify your yard and make it more functional.
The view is spectacular.
Here in Panama, you may have a view of the Bay of Panama, or of the Anton Valley, known as "El Valle".
Where you are, your view could be of a mountain, ocean or lake.
The only problem is your dream lot is built on a slope.
That's what allows the great view.
There is no getting around it; you need to build a retaining wall.
Fortunately, in many cases a retaining wall can be done as a do it yourself project.
You just have to follow some simple steps.
The first thing you need to determine however is the height.
If the height is going to be over 3 feet, this is a project you might want to leave up to a qualified contractor.
But, if it is less than 3 feet tall, and you are handy and have some free time, there is no reason you cannot do this project yourself.
Your first step is going to be deciding which building material to use for your retaining wall.
Retaining walls can be build using railroad ties, rocks, bricks, concrete or blocks.
I have even seen them built using old tires or asphalt shingles (not recommended).
Your choice will depend on a number of different factors, not the least being the look that you are going for.
Next, you need to determine exactly where the retaining wall is going to go.
Mark out the site with stakes and a garden hose.
After the site is marked out, begin digging a trench for the first row of retaining wall material.
A 12 inches deep trench will be enough for most cases, depends on the material you are using and the type of soil you have.
Level out the trench bottom and then line with, stone dust or gravel.
Now it is time to lay out the starter course.
Make sure it is built level using a string as a guide.
If your starter course is not perfectly level, it will only get worse the further you build.
Depending on the type of construction, your first course should start with a half block or stone.
This will allow you to interlock alternate stones on alternate courses.
Once the first course is laid, you will start on the second level.
Start with a full size stone or block.
This will alternate where the gaps in material are, leading to a much stronger wall.
After the second course is laid, back fill the first course and tamp down the earth to create a strong foundation.
Then continue each course, alternating the starting block between a half stone and full stone.
Make sure you are perfectly level after each course.
A final simple structure that holds the wall together will help make it stronger.
Once you have reached your planned height, lay landscaping cloth behind the wall, and up the hill behind it.
Then, backfill and your retaining wall is complete.
Building a small retaining wall, up to 3 feet is an easy project for a do it yourself'er.
Just remember the 3 most important points.
- Keep it level
- Backfill the first course after the second course is built
- Alternate the stones so that the "cracks" do not line up.
So, shop around for the one that is going to look just perfect in your yard.
Never attempt to build a retaining wall larger than about 3 feet unless you know exactly what you are doing.
But a smaller retaining wall makes a great project to beautify your yard and make it more functional.
Source...