As with a concrete block wall build a firm gravel base and ensure good drainage.
Material for retaining wall base.
Avoid having downspouts pointed at the retaining wall and if it s against the house keep soil and mulch well below the siding.
Getting a landscaping estimate will help you plan for the cost of materials and labor to build the retaining wall which will help you save time and money.
The blocks are made from cement and lightweight aggregate materials.
While retaining walls are made out of many types of building materials a landscape retaining wall utilizing a retaining wall block system is a popular choice due to the easy installation features.
Using round particles will affect the wall in the future as they move underground.
Retaining walls are designed to hold up a surcharge of soil such as a sloping hill or raised planter box.
When building a retaining wall diy landscapers need accurate estimates on the amount of stone blocks cap stones and gravel needed to complete the project.
150 mm plus an additional 1 in.
25 mm for each 1 ft 300 mm of wall height for the amount or buried block that is needed.
Simply stack them in rows or mix heights within a row for a random look.
All retaining walls share some common building components in their construction.
Retaining wall base trench dig a base trench 24 in.
You should use a crushed stone or crushed concrete for the base material.
You don t need mortar with a stone retaining wall.
600 mm wide the length of the wall the depth of the trench will be 6 in.
Lay about 4 to 6 layer of the base material and compact.
The base should consist of angular sharp edged particles not rounded as they will sink into the ground when under pressure.
A handheld tamping tool can really help in getting the gravel level but you re right one stray stone can throw off the entire operation.
Below is an overview of the different types of walls and these common components.
The interlocking retaining wall block can be used to build walls up to 24 to 36 inches high depending on the size of the block.
The base material should only consist of angular.
This is standard for all.
Follow the block manufacturer s instructions for wall height limits.
To keep the blocks on your retaining wall level and structurally sound you need a base layer of several inches of well compacted sharp gravel.
Retaining walls can be constructed using a variety of materials from poured concrete and large timbers to natural stones even bricks.
Also called drain tile at the base of the wall.
They weigh 40 to 100 lbs.
Wide and at several lengths and heights.