You will learn how to stack retaining wall blocks with lip. Whether you are building a retaining wall for landscaping purposes or as a foundation wall for a new building, there are several steps you must follow. Here are a few basic steps to follow:
Stacking retaining wall blocks
If you are building a retaining wall, one of the main construction concerns is the way you connect the blocks together. A lip points down to the bottom block and locks behind it to add stability. However, if the blocks have no lip, you can stack them in a row straight up. Some blocks don’t have lips and you can use a torpedo level to level them out. Trapezoid blocks, for example, can leave a gap at the top and sides, but special caps can cover these gaps.
Blocks have a lip on their back, which prevents them from sliding forward. This gives your wall a stronger look, and the lip eliminates the difficulty of moving the bottom row of blocks. The lip system can be removed easily by chipping off the bottom of each block. Afterward, you can simply stack the blocks without the lip. Then, backfill the wall using gravel. It will be almost as strong as a solid block wall.
Ideally, you should place a 2-inch layer of sand or gravel at the bottom of your retaining wall. It is best to hand-tamp this layer with a long 2×4. Depending on the height of your retaining wall, you may need to do the tamping process manually. Start by planting the first block and check that it is level side to side and front to back.
Concrete retaining wall blocks with lip are shaped so that they have a natural setback when stacked. The lip helps create a uniform setback as each course is added. The retaining wall design improves holding power and can be built in any size or shape. One example of a four-course retaining wall is shown below. There are many other sizes and shapes of concrete retaining walls available to suit any design and budget.
Designing a retaining wall
If you want to create a retaining wall, you must plan grading around it. The slope of the landscape should be sufficient to avoid puddles and water draining into unwanted places. To create a retaining wall, you should plan grading around the retaining wall and make sure that the water does not run into the neighbor’s yard. If you live in a rural area, be sure to consider water rights as well.
Consider the effect of erosion on the wall. If the wall faces the water, the erosion may occur in front of the lip. Deeper embedment gives the wall more stability and is especially important in submerged and waterfront applications. You can calculate the Hemb by measuring the height of the wall and the slope of the toe slope. For most residential applications, the minimum required Hemb is 6 inches (152 mm).
The first row of blocks should be partially underground. This will make it stronger. Ideally, the first row of blocks should be the side of the wall facing the architectural feature. The lowest row of blocks should be on the side of the wall. However, if this is not possible, it is best to place the blocks in a pattern. If you are planning to use a geogrid, you should consider using a line level to check for levels.
If you decide to build a retaining wall, you should plan where to place the dirt. You will need to purchase a sufficient amount of dirt, so take time to plan accordingly. In addition to preparing the area where the wall will be constructed, you should plan how high you want it to be. You can use small blocks for a short wall, while larger blocks and more complex designs will require more digging and more complicated design. You should note that most states do not require a permit for retaining walls three feet or less high.
Adding additional courses
The first step in constructing a retaining wall is establishing the initial alignment of the blocks. Use a level to ensure the walls are perfectly aligned. After the first course has been set, sweep the top course with additional blocks and then start building the second layer. If possible, use the running bond pattern when stacking blocks to make the wall look more stable and more attractive. To accomplish this, use a level tool to check each unit.
After constructing the first course of blocks, lay out the next course. This course should be laid out in staggered courses, with each block half-buried by the compacted soil. The next course should be set back by half an inch to create a “wall batter” to anchor the wall into the slope and provide more stability and drainage. Fill the trench around the foundation course before adding additional courses. Once the first course is complete, proceed to the next level.
When adding additional courses to retaining wall blocks, be sure to use a drainage pipe to move water away from the foundation of the wall. Backfilling the foundation will also help to eliminate hydrostatic pressure. The RCP recommends 3/4-inch Crushed Gravel as backfill material. Once the wall is set up, add additional courses of blocks until the desired height is reached. If necessary, a perforated drainage pipe can be added to the base course to allow water to flow away from behind the wall.
When adding additional courses to retaining wall blocks, it is important to make sure each block unit is level. The first retaining block sets the tone for the entire project. Be sure to level each block unit, from side to side and from front to back. Even a slight difference can greatly affect the next row or level. If you’re unsure, check it out with a leveling tool. You’ll be pleased with the end result.
Adding a drain tee
When building a retaining wall, add a drain tee to allow for water to drain behind the wall. You can also use perforated flexible drainpipe to help with drainage behind a taller wall. If the walls will be higher than 4 feet, slope the gravel backfill one inch per four feet toward the desired runoff area. Backfill blocks with gravel, leaving a couple of inches of the blocks above ground level, can provide extra stability and help prevent water from soaking into the retaining wall.
Install perforated piping at the back of the wall at grade. Once you have stacked the first course of blocks, add gravel backfill. Adding a drain tee to stack retaining wall blocks with lip helps avoid settling. If you are installing a new drainage system, you should consider the drain tee’s installation time. The first course of blocks is the most important; it must be level and as near to the middle of the trench as possible.
Adding a drain tee will help prevent water from pooling on top of the retaining wall, which is essential for maintaining water flow. The drain tee is important for retaining wall drainage because it allows the water to run down to the ground below it. If you have a large lawn or want to create a retaining wall, you should choose 6″x16″x 10.5″ concrete garden wall blocks. They are widely available, easy to work with, and relatively cheap. They have a lip on the back so that the wall slopes naturally, and they have angled cuts on the sides to accommodate curves.
When adding a drain tee to stack your retaining wall blocks with lip, it is recommended that you dig a trench twice as wide as the depth of the blocks. This will allow for 6 inches of drainage gravel behind the wall. For 10.5-inch-deep blocks, a 20-foot-wide trench is recommended. When backfilling the gravel, make sure to compact the angular stone thoroughly.
Adding a drain grate
When constructing a retaining wall, there are several things to consider. First, ensure the retaining wall blocks are level. You may also want to lay gravel inside the hollows of the blocks. This will add stability and durability. Then, stagger the blocks so that the end of the block in the second row is centered on the block in the first row. This way, the wall will be sturdy and level.
When building a retaining wall, it is best to start with the first course of blocks. These blocks set the stage for the rest of the wall. If the first course of blocks is uneven, the entire structure will be lopsided. To check if the gravel layer is even, use a four-foot carpenter’s level. Any discrepancies will be more visible as you move higher up the wall. Then, start stacking the blocks at a slight backward slope.
When stacking retaining wall blocks, remember to include a drainage grate. Adding a drain grate will help prevent water from backing up, causing the wall to collapse. To build a retaining wall, you’ll need a drainage pipe and a drain grate. You’ll also need drainage tee fittings and perforated drain tile to provide the necessary drainage. A drainage gate can be made out of a landscape block cut to fit the retaining wall. Then, you can screw the pieces together with the drainage tile.
Once you’ve constructed the first two rows of blocks, install the drainage pipe along the backfill material. The next step is to install a drainage grate, or perforated piping, which will direct water away from the wall. Once the drainage pipe is in place, backfill the wall with gravel or sand. If you’re building a retaining wall for drainage, you may want to cover the bottom course with landscape fabric to prevent sand or gravel from seeping between the blocks.
