DIY retaining wall construction can be an overwhelming job to tackle.
The results are beautiful when the work is done right and most certainly worth the effort put into it.
One of the very first decisions you will make is what material you would like for your retaining wall.
Natural stone and concrete blocks are popular options, each offering a unique look.
Whatever material you use, begin by preparing the site for your wall.
Prepare The Base Leveling and tamping the ground are the first steps to constructing your retaining wall.
This is done by digging a shallow trench as wide as your blocks and as long as your fence needs to be.
Next, apply a layer of crushed gravel and fine sand to even out your base and allow for drainage.
Whether you are applying stone, brick or railroad ties, your base must be level.
Take care when executing these beginning steps to ensure your wall will stand for a long time.
Get The Right Amount Of Material Once you have measured and leveled out your base, you need to get your materials.
To secure the right amount of concrete blocks, you can multiply the length of the wall by its height.
Take that figure and divide by.
75.
This is the number of blocks you need.
It is recommended that you add extras to replace any blocks damaged during the build.
If you are doing a stone retaining wall construction, you will multiply length, height, and width, then multiply that with pounds per cubic foot (125 of them).
Have heavier loads of block and stone delivered to make your work easier.
Building Up The Wall For both concrete blocks and stone, use a staggered pattern for a professional look.
This also makes your wall sturdier.
Make sure each block and each layer is level before adding the next one.
If your wall is four feet or under, it can be stacked without fillers or adhesives.
To finish your wall, place landscaping cloth down the back side of it to keep soil from getting through and staining.
You can also fill in behind the wall with fine sand and gravel for extra drainage.
A DIY retaining wall construction project can seem overwhelming at the start, but taking your time, to prepare the ground and ensure you have the right materials, will go a long way to giving you a beautiful, functional addition to your landscape.
The results are beautiful when the work is done right and most certainly worth the effort put into it.
One of the very first decisions you will make is what material you would like for your retaining wall.
Natural stone and concrete blocks are popular options, each offering a unique look.
Whatever material you use, begin by preparing the site for your wall.
Prepare The Base Leveling and tamping the ground are the first steps to constructing your retaining wall.
This is done by digging a shallow trench as wide as your blocks and as long as your fence needs to be.
Next, apply a layer of crushed gravel and fine sand to even out your base and allow for drainage.
Whether you are applying stone, brick or railroad ties, your base must be level.
Take care when executing these beginning steps to ensure your wall will stand for a long time.
Get The Right Amount Of Material Once you have measured and leveled out your base, you need to get your materials.
To secure the right amount of concrete blocks, you can multiply the length of the wall by its height.
Take that figure and divide by.
75.
This is the number of blocks you need.
It is recommended that you add extras to replace any blocks damaged during the build.
If you are doing a stone retaining wall construction, you will multiply length, height, and width, then multiply that with pounds per cubic foot (125 of them).
Have heavier loads of block and stone delivered to make your work easier.
Building Up The Wall For both concrete blocks and stone, use a staggered pattern for a professional look.
This also makes your wall sturdier.
Make sure each block and each layer is level before adding the next one.
If your wall is four feet or under, it can be stacked without fillers or adhesives.
To finish your wall, place landscaping cloth down the back side of it to keep soil from getting through and staining.
You can also fill in behind the wall with fine sand and gravel for extra drainage.
A DIY retaining wall construction project can seem overwhelming at the start, but taking your time, to prepare the ground and ensure you have the right materials, will go a long way to giving you a beautiful, functional addition to your landscape.
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