How To Build A Retaining Wall With Wall Blocks

Retaining walls are a great way to manage stormwater, prevent erosion, and add beauty to your outdoor space. However, if you’re unsure of the best retaining wall design or even how to build a retaining wall, the task might seem daunting. Luckily, building a retaining wall isn’t as difficult as you might think. With some basic tools and an understanding of simple retaining wall ideas and principles, you can build a sturdy and beautiful wall in no time at all!

Step 1: Determine the dimension of your retaining wall and make a plan.

Determine the dimension of your retaining wall and make a plan.
Lay out your retaining wall area, taking into account slope and building code requirements.
If necessary, remove sod from the top of your excavation area to expose soil for installation of a base material (e.g., crushed stone). The base material should be about 2″ thick to provide adequate support for the retaining wall blocks.
Install a base material such as crushed stone or gravel for drainage and stability.

Step 2: Lay out the retaining wall area.

Before you get started, it’s important to lay out the retaining wall area.

First, make sure that there is a slope in the ground where your retaining wall will be built. You’ll want it to be about 1/4 inch per foot sloped away from the house (the higher number on the slope) for safety reasons. This is especially important if you have children or pets who might run into the wall and hurt themselves if they fell over it.

Next, make sure that your base is level so that your blocks can stay in place properly without falling over or sliding around too much once installed. If needed, install some drainage pipes underneath where your drainage system drains water away from this area so as not to cause any problems with erosion or flooding later down the road when rain comes down hard enough again!

Step 3: Remove sod if necessary and install a base material.

To build a retaining wall, you’ll need to remove sod and install a base material. If you’re working in an area that’s been landscaped, make sure to remove all of the existing sod before beginning construction. If the ground is uneven or rocky, you may also want to install a layer of gravel or sand underneath your base material to provide drainage and prevent the dirt from sinking into the ground over time.

Once you’ve removed any existing sod, use a shovel and rake or hoe (depending on what type of base material you have chosen) to level out your base material. Make sure it’s completely flat so that it doesn’t become uneven when drywall panels are installed later on in this process.

Step 4: Install the first course of retaining wall blocks.

After you have installed the first course of retaining wall blocks, it’s time to level them. This will ensure that your wall is straight and doesn’t lean at any point along its length.

Checking for Level: First, use a spirit level or laser level to check if the first course is level from side-to-side. If there’s an noticeable gap between the bottom edge of each block and the ground below it on one row only, use stakes to prop up one side until they are equal. Do this by placing two stakes in opposite corners at each end of the row where there seems to be an issue with leveling. Then place two more stakes approximately halfway between those two stakes. Lift up each block so that it touches both new temporary supports in order to keep them off their original holes when you remove them later on during installation for paving work . Repeat this process with every other row until all courses are leveled correctly before continuing onto Step 5 below.

Step 5: Continue adding courses of retaining wall blocks.

Now’s the time to start building your retaining wall. Set out some blocks and use a level to make sure they’re all level before you start laying them in place. It’s easier if you have someone help you, but if not—and no one else can spare the time—you can do it yourself with a bit of patience and care.

Once your first course is laid, check that it’s level by measuring from one side against the other (using another block for reference). If it isn’t quite horizontal yet, adjust as needed until it looks right. For example, if there are low spots beneath each block in the first row where water has collected after rainstorms or snow melts away during springtime thawing periods?you might need to add more dirt underneath those areas before continuing on with your project

Step 6: Install capstones.

Capstones are the top layer of your retaining wall. They can be flat, curved or a combination of both. Capstones are usually made from stone, concrete or other materials that can be used to dress up a plain wall and make it more interesting to look at. They can also serve as stepping stones for pathways or as garden benches.

In order for capstones to be installed correctly on a wall, they must have been built with enough space between each block so there is room for them to fit tightly together without any gaps in between them. It’s important not only for aesthetic reasons but it will also help prevent water from seeping under the entire structure if there is an area where water could collect between blocks while rainfall occurs over time (especially during heavy downpours).

If you would like additional information regarding how we installed our retaining walls click here.

Learn how to build a retaining wall with wall stones in this helpful guide

Learn how to build a retaining wall with wall stones in this helpful guide.
There are many reasons why you might want to put up a retaining wall in your yard, but the most common reason is because you want to create more space for planting and growing.
A retaining wall can help prevent erosion by holding back soil from sliding away from your home or garden onto your neighbor’s property. It can also keep water channels open during heavy rains, which helps prevent sewage systems from backing up into homes or streets. In addition, building a retaining wall will give your lawn more room for expansion as it grows and lets you add new plants without taking up too much space on the ground level of your house or garage apartment unit.