Retaining Walls

Block Retaining Wall

Block retaining wall is a type of retaining structure made from concrete block. It simpler building block retaining wall than a stone design retaining walls because the block are uniform, unlike stones, which you have to take great care in laying to make them even. In addition, stones have to have mortar between them. And, even that you have to take great care to not slather on too much, or too little.

How to Make Your Work Easier

Block retaining wall can serve two purposes: 1. to even a slope and 2. for decoration or to delineate different areas of a yard. The block retaining wall is made up of blocks that are uniform, modular and interlock. This helps make your work easier, quicker and more rewarding if you are considering making your block retaining wall yourself. It makes mortar obsolete, because the blocks interlock. In addition, stones have to be laid evenly, with care taken as to what size is put where in the structure.

With block retaining wall, you get to lay the blocks as directed by the manufacturer. The blocks that do not use mortar interlock from a lip that is in the back of the blocks. It is good, however, to keep in mind that these kinds of blocks are for less intense projects. They are intended for walls that will only be up to approximately 2 feet in height, maybe 2.3 feet in height.

In addition, if you have drainage concerns and are using the wall to prevent erosion on a very steep slope, it is a great idea to contact professionals to come in and assess your situation. It might save much time, money and headaches in the long run to ensure that a serious slope, that requires a wall for drainage and erosion control be designed and built properly the first time.

Materials You Will Need

In addition to blocks, you will also need a brick chisel, sledgehammer, a shovel or pick-axe and sand. You will basically need to dig a trench where the wall will sit. The sand is used to even out the base for the block retaining wall. The block is heavy and needs to be delivered as close to the site where you will build your retaining wall as possible.

In the Trenches

Dig your trench starting at the lowest level. How deep you dig will depend on your block size. Though, it is generally approximately 4 feet deep. Tamp the trench to compact the soil and add the leveling sand and then tamp that down too. It can get a little more complicated if you have sloping land. Then you will need to dig your trench in steps equal to the blocks' height.

Build the lower section until the stepped areas of blocks create a level, seamless structure. Be sure to check that the retaining structure is level by using a level on the block walls to ensure an even structure. Check the foundation layer (first layer) that you lay. To keep it level, tap the blocks into place on the foundation for your retaining walls.

When the foundation is complete, and level, lay one block on either end of the structure, with the lip laying on the foundation blocks. You can now continue to build your retaining structure. There is one more step that is involved, and it is to prevent soil from seeping out of the wall. It is a screening or mesh that is used and lined with gravel to prevent this from happening.

This fabric landscape mesh, which is porous, is put behind the walls, until it overlaps the top blocks. Line the entire the length of your walls until it is fully lined. Fill the area closest to your wall with gravel that is 6 inches in width. You may fill the remainder of the area with soil.

Cutting your blocks is as simple as using a brick chisel with a sledgehammer. It can take extra blocks, compared to straight areas of your walls, when or if you need to curve your structure. This is good to be mindful of when planning to build your walls. If you need help, you can find advice at a home supply store.

Block retaining wall can add a degree of beauty to your landscape, no matter what material you decide to use. It can delineate different functional areas in your yard. It can separate the front yard from the back, or garden from patio. The possibilities are limitless, and it is relatively easy with block retaining wall. As long as you can decide where you want the structure, dig a trench and are not afraid to get your hands dirty, you can have a great deal of satisfaction in knowing you built it.

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