How to Build a Retaining Wall

How to Build a Retaining Wall?

Retaining wall is a good way to make the landscape more even, and reduce soil erosion. Although uneven or sloping landscape enhances the beauty of your garden, but it is dangerous for the kids. Moreover, it is difficult to host events and parties on such a slanting area. The slope also increases the intensity of soil erosion. By building a retaining wall, you can remove all the perils with ease. If the wall is higher than 4-feet, then without any hesitation you should take the help of a licensed professional. However, if the height is less than or equal to 4-feet, then you can certainly build the retaining wall yourself. Let’s learn how to build a retaining wall effortlessly.

The first thing that you need to do is to prepare a plan. Use a graph paper to draw the blueprint of the wall. You will not only get the sectional view of the wall, but you will also get to know how many blocks would be used. Once, the plan is ready, start collecting the construction material and the tools. With regards to construction material, you would need cement, mortar, gravel, sand, blocks, and compactor. As far as the tools are concerned, you would require a wheelbarrow, shovel, measuring tapes and digging tools.

Before you start building the retaining wall, you should also get the requisite permission from the Building Department of your State. After you get the permission, make the foundation for the wall. The foundation determines the strength and durability of the wall. As a rule for every 6 to 8-inches of the wall above the ground, 1-inch should be below the ground. Thus, if your retaining wall is 3-feet in height, then at least 4 1/2 inches should below the ground. According to the height of the wall, dig the trench.

To form the firm base in the trench use compactor. Over it, make a layer of gravel that is 4-inches in width, and then 1-inch of sand bedding should be made. On this layer, start placing the blocks. Ensure that there are no gaps between the blocks. When the first row is complete, backfill the row with soil or crushed stone; this will serve as the anchor for the wall. In the same manner, build up the wall, backfilling after the completion of each row. The top row of the retaining wall should be made of wall caps, which are blocks with solid top. These blocks prevent erosion and damage by water. At the end of this step, your retaining wall is complete.