How to Build a Retaining Wall

Even if you are not an engineer you can build a retaining wall without too much fuss or stress. You can do the task yourself but having someone work with you can speed up the task.

Required Materials and Tools

Rake
Measuring tape
String
Gravel
Mortar
Concrete mix
Shovel
Mallet
Hosepipe
Stones or bricks

Choose the Area

This is of course the site that needs attending to. Before you start remove any obstacles that might be in the way. If there are plants or other decorations, set them on another location for now.

Clear away any debris that might interrupt with your work. This includes grass and weeds. Most of the time a rake will be sufficient. If not you can use a lawnmower. To build a retaining wall, the ground must be as free of debris as much as possible.

Take the Proper Measurements

Take out the measuring tape to check how big the structure has to be. Whatever the size, remember that the wall must be half or equivalent to the base. You can use the string to mark the ends of the structure. Alternatively you can set down the hosepipe instead.

Digging the Base

Get the shovel and excavate a hole a foot deep. Scrape some of the soil off. Avoid excessive digging as this will weaken the foundation. If the base weakens the structure might collapse. Keep that in mind as you build a retaining wall.

When the hole is made, sprinkle some gravel. The layer has to be level. This will serve as a drainage system. Without this water would clog the structure up.

Making the Wall

Put the rocks or bricks in place. If you are using bricks, overlap each layer for additional strength. For interlocking blocks add gravel between the gaps. For bricks, put mortar between the spaces. Proper alignment is necessary. A mallet can help you put the materials in place. None of these fillers are required when using stones.

As the height increases have the measuring tape in hand. You need to make sure that you get to the right size. If you use concrete blocks, pour in some cement at the final layer. To build a retaining wall effectively, fortification is needed. In this case, plants can be used.

Tips

If the area is steep, make several walls instead. Arrange them to look like terraces. Each can be three ft tall. Some use chicken wire to fortify the stones. This does not apply to bricks. Only use mortar there.

Review the city ordinances concerning these projects. There may be certain regulations and rules that must be followed. There is no standard law; it may vary from state to state. It is better to be sure so consult with local officials.

Some stores might sell specially designed materials for these structures. You might want to check them out too.

There are many ways to build a retaining wall. You can choose from many materials. The important thing is to go over the area. Determine what is most suitable for it. If you do that, you are halfway done already.