Put Retaining Wall On Concrete Or Gravel

Use crushed stone behind the wall loose gravel and stones don t hold water like soil does.

Put retaining wall on concrete or gravel.

Crucial for supporting the rest of the wall a good base is made of compacted soil and at least a six inch layer of compacted sand and gravel. Tall wall excavate a trench deep enough to accommodate 4 to 6 in. Of compacted base 1 in. Excavation leveling pad.

Rather than messing around with mortar they lay the walls down like lego pieces using concrete while it s still in the bag. For diy purposes opt for manufactured blocks that are. In its most basic form it s a structure that holds soil in. A retaining wall is a practical outdoor feature that can help keep your yard in top form but it s often overlooked or misunderstood.

Soil holds water so the dirt will expand and contract during winter thus pushing on the wall and eventually toppling it over. The first course of block that you lay is known as the base course. If needed reposition it using additional. The base of a retaining wall should be set below ground level.

To mark a free form layout use a rope or hose to outline the shape. Position your first block and use a standard level to make sure it s even. Retaining walls can be constructed using a variety of materials from poured concrete and large timbers to natural stones even bricks. How to build a concrete wall figure a.

That s right the idea is that. The leveling pad is the first piece in constructing a stable wall that will last for. Basic retaining wall installation step 1. Walls over 4 foot should use geo grid fabric different block designs limit allowable height use filter fabric over wet or dry soil then cover with gravel.

Building a retaining wall in the conventional ways is not a trivial matter. Of leveling sand and half the height of the first course of blocks. The taller a wall is the further below ground level it should be set. Avoid having downspouts pointed at the retaining wall and if it s against the house keep soil and mulch well below the siding.

Follow the block manufacturer s instructions for wall height limits. Continue laying your first course of blocks making sure to check that every block is level. Cross section of a retaining wall a cinder block retaining wall is only as straight and solid as the base it s built on. Base course drainage pipe.

Second a retaining wall must have properly compacted backfill. After you finish the first course fill the space between your retaining wall and. Your retaining wall design will determine how you mark the area.