Block retaining walls are great for small raised flower beds, but they’re also an exceptional way to bring a bit of extra style and flair to your front or backyard. The good news is that you don’t need to be a master stone mason to do it yourself. Just follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a lovely new block retaining wall in no time.
Step 1: Dig Foundation Holes
- Dig the holes for the posts. Use a garden spade to dig out the holes, making sure they’re deep enough to hold the posts. If you are not able to dig out a large enough hole by hand, use a post hole digger to make them deeper.
- Check depth of each hole with a tape measure and level (if available).
Step 2: Set Corner Post and Position Line Posts
- Position your corner post first.
- Position the line posts in line with the corner post, measuring out from each side of the corner post, and marking their positions on the ground for reference later.
- Drill holes for your line posts every 16-18 inches apart, backfilling with concrete mix as needed to keep your base level as you go. The distance between each hole should be a little less than half of the width of your board so that it can be firmly inserted into place without wobbling or cracking concrete around it.
- Set each post into its respective hole by hand until it is deep enough to support itself without tipping over (usually no more than one inch). Make sure they are level before continuing.
Step 3: Position and Pour First Layer of Gravel
In this step, you’ll pour the first layer of gravel. Gravel is a lot easier to work with than soil, and it’s also cheaper than soil.
In addition to these advantages, gravel offers more stability compared to dirt or sand because it doesn’t slip as easily under pressure. It’s also more durable: unlike sand/dirt mixtures that can break down over time due to shifting soil conditions (including freezing temperatures), a retaining wall made from gravel should last for many years without requiring additional maintenance or repair work.
Step 4: Pour Concrete for Corner Post Footing
After the concrete is fully cured, you can begin building your retaining wall.
Step 5: Install Cap Blocks on a Stackable Block Wall
Congratulations! You’ve completed a stackable block retaining wall for your flower bed. Now it’s time to install the cap blocks on top of your block wall.
Before you begin installing the cap blocks, make sure your block walls are straight and level. Use a level to check that each course is level from side to side and from front to back, as well as from end-to-end in both directions along the length of the wall. If any courses aren’t straight, you can use shims or wedges under or between adjacent courses until they’re level with each other.
Next, use a gauge (a tool with two blades) to ensure that all cap blocks are at least one inch longer than they need to be so they will cover any spaces between adjacent courses when installed later on top of them—this ensures that there won’t be any gaps where weeds could grow through! Once again: measure twice; cut once! It will cost less time overall if you do everything right now rather than trying again later because something wasn’t done correctly first time around.”
Step 6: Check Level of First Course of Blocks on Retaining Wall
You can use a level to check the blocks. Make sure that every block is level, and if not, remove them and add more mortar before placing them again. It is important to have a level first course of blocks so that the entire retaining wall will be straight and stable.
Step 7: Lay Down Mortar on Retaining Wall with Gauged Rake
Mortar is a mixture of cement, sand and water. The mortar should be mixed with water before you apply it to your retaining wall. You will need a gauged rake for this step.
To apply mortar to the wall, hold the gauge on top of your mixing area and pour dry sand into it until it is full. Then add water slowly while stirring with a shovel or other tool until the mixture becomes thick but still manageable.
Make sure that your mixture has enough water in it before applying it to the wall because if there isn’t enough moisture in the mix, then you won’t get good results from building this retaining wall. Also make sure that there aren’t any air pockets in between layers of concrete as these can lead to cracking later down the line when exposed to freezing temperatures during winter months – so take care not to skip over any steps.
Step 8: Place First Course of Block to Build a Block Retaining Wall
Begin by laying down a layer of concrete block on the ground. Position them so that they are level and evenly spaced, then check to make sure they’re square. Use a level to ensure that the blocks remain level vertically, horizontally and diagonally across your wall. It’s important to get the first course of block right because it will serve as your guide for building the rest of the retaining wall.
When you’re satisfied with this course, mix up some mortar according to directions on its packaging and apply it between each block in your first layer using a trowel (or tool similar). As you do so, remember: Do not fill in any gaps between blocks that are smaller than 1/4-inch; these will be covered by subsequent layers of blocks later on.
Step 9: Build Your Block Retaining Wall by Laying Down Second Course
- Place your second course of block on top – Make sure to use mortar in between the two courses.
- Fill gaps with mortar – Use a gauged rake to apply and smooth the mortar until it’s level.
- Continue this process until you reach the top of your wall
Step 10: Fill Gaps Between Block Retaining Wall and Adjacent Landscape Stones
To fill gaps between the block retaining wall and adjacent landscape stones, use a trowel to spread the mix. Let it dry before cleaning it up with a wire brush, then spray down the wall with water from a hose.
These easy steps can help you build your own block retaining wall.
- Find a block retaining wall design you like and make sure it will fit your needs.
- Decide on the materials you want to use for building your block retaining wall.
- Make sure you have enough space for the size of block retaining wall you wish to build.
You can also find more information about building block retaining walls at [this website](http://www.blockretainingwallsinfo.com/).
Conclusion
Retaining walls are a great way to add dimension and character to your landscape, while also creating a functional border around your flower beds. With the right materials and some careful planning, almost anyone can take on this project. Remember that it’s important not just to pay attention to the details of building your retaining wall, but also what goes into it—like soil and gravel. You’ll want to make sure you have high-quality soil that will allow for proper drainage when watering plants or after rainfall so that water doesn’t get trapped against the wall itself. Finally, once everything is set up, try adding some colored stones or other landscaping elements around those newly built flower beds
