Retaining walls are a great way to add structure and beauty to any garden. They’re also a useful tool for creating level areas, terraces, and more. If you’re looking to build your own retaining wall, try out these tips for making retaining wall blocks:
Line up the blocks as you work to make sure you will have a straight edge when finished.
It is important that you check the blocks as you work to make sure they are level, straight and level with each other. This will ensure that your retaining wall looks nice and straight when finished.
To line up the blocks:
- Place two blocks in place so that they are sitting on top of each other and flush with the ground at one end but not at the other end (one block should be about 1 inch shorter than the other).
- Take a level and place it on both sides of where these two blocks meet; if one side is higher than another, use this as a guide for leveling out or making adjustments before continuing on with laying down additional concrete.
To create a single course of retaining wall blocks, place the first block against the string and level it.
Once you’ve learned how to make a single block, the rest is just repetition. The key is to make sure that each course of blocks is level with the one below it and straight with the string. This will ensure that your wall’s finished height stays consistent throughout construction.
To create a single course of retaining wall blocks, place the first block against the string and level it. Next, use either a plumb line or spirit level on top of this first block to check that it’s straight up and down (or perpendicular). Adjust as necessary until you have a true 90-degree angle between both sides of this piece. Repeat this process for each successive course until all courses are complete.
Lay the first course of retaining wall blocks.
Once you have your base level, lay the first course of blocks. Make sure all four sides of each block are level with one another, as well as straight and parallel to the ground. You will need to use a level in order to make sure that your base is completely flat and level before starting any construction on it.
Measure and cut several pieces of treated 2-by-6 lumber to fit into the depressions on top of each block in the first course of your retaining wall.
Measure and cut several pieces of treated 2-by-6 lumber to fit into the depressions on top of each block in the first course of your retaining wall. The lumber should be cut to fit snugly but not so tight that it cannot be removed easily after stabilizing your wall with concrete. Cut the lumber to be a bit longer than the height of your blocks so you don’t have any annoying gaps between them.
Once you’ve got all your pieces cut, take at least two nails and pound them through one side or end piece on opposite ends so they stick out a little bit at an angle upwards, but not too much! You want some space between these nails and the top surface where we will place our next course of retaining blocks above them–this way when we drive these nails through from below (closer together), they’ll have something sturdy underneath which helps hold everything together better during construction.”
Alternate second-course blocks by setting a corner block next to a straight block in the first course, so that their vertical joints are offset.
- Make sure the blocks are level.
- Make sure the blocks are straight.
- Make sure the blocks are plumb (vertical).
- Make sure the blocks are square (at right angles to each other).
Insert two treated 2-by-4 stakes into the ground near the outside corners at each end of your retaining wall, about 6 inches behind the wall.
Insert two treated 2-by-4 stakes into the ground near the outside corners at each end of your retaining wall, about 6 inches behind the wall.
These stakes will help support your retaining wall and keep it straight as you build. Make sure they’re driven deep enough to support the weight of all those blocks! You should also make sure that they’re placed in a straight line so that when you begin laying block along this line between them, each block will be placed evenly apart from one another. Finally, make sure these stakes are far enough away from your previously laid retaining wall blocks so that there’s room for adding more blocks later on down the road.
Place a 6-inch length of treated 1-by-4 lumber across the bottom of your retaining wall as a cap for each course as you build up your retaining wall.
To protect your retaining wall from water, place a 6-inch length of treated 1-by-4 lumber across the bottom of your retaining wall as a cap for each course as you build up your retaining wall. The cap should be approximately 6 inches wide and 6 inches long.
Cut a 12-inch piece from one end of a 60-inch long treated 4-by-4 post with a circular saw or handsaw.
You can use a circular saw to cut the post. If you don’t have a power tool, use a handsaw or miter box (a tool used for cutting at an angle) and table saw.
If you’re cutting with a circular saw, make sure to wear safety glasses while operating it so if any debris flies into your eyes, they won’t get damaged.
Nail lengths of treated 1-by-2 board vertically against this form with 2 1/2 inch nails every 8 inches along its length to hold it in place while you pour concrete.
- Make sure the form is level.
- Place the form in the concrete before you pour it.
- Make sure the form is straight.
- Make sure the form is not too high or low, or too close to or far from the edge of your patio.
You can accomplish building this yourself if you take care in planning and preparing first.
Before you begin, you need to make sure that the project is within your skill set. You will want to take into account the amount of time and effort it will take, as well as how much money is at stake.
If you are not experienced in such work, it may be better to hire someone who is. If you decide that this project is something that could be done on your own, keep in mind the following considerations:
- Planning and preparation are key before starting any project – whether small or large! Remember this rule when working with retaining walls because they require a lot of planning due to their size and materials involved.
- If hiring people for help, find out if they have experience building retaining walls by checking references from other clients first! Also ask them about their rates per hour/day so there aren’t any surprises down the road during construction time frame as well since prices vary based on location/availability (i.e., high demand).
Conclusion
The first step in building a retaining wall is to determine the design. The design will depend on the location of the wall, what types of materials are available locally and how much time you have available. As with all projects, it’s important to plan out your work before beginning construction so that everything goes smoothly.
