Retaining Wall Construction Steps

You want your blocks to be perfectly level.
Retaining wall construction steps. Basing building and backfilling we cover the critical steps for a loooong lasting successful project. The steps shown here are general guidelines for building stairways. Make sure water can drain out of your pipe either at the ends or through an outlet in the middle of the wall. Concrete block retaining wall construction consists of number of phases including excavation foundation soil preparation retaining wall base construction concrete block unit placement grouting and drainage system installation.
Using construction adhesive secure your block caps and create the top layer of your retaining wall. How to build a retaining wall on a hill or slope. Cover the gravel between your retaining wall and landscape with topsoil or sod so your garden will grow against your wall achieving a natural look. Verify the proper position of the base course by examining a string line across the back of the blocks.
To accomplish this you ll add paver base to the very bottom row only then add the first row of blocks. The average cost of building a retaining wall is 5 386 which can reach up to 8 397. By understanding the basic installation elements stairways can be easily incorporated into the retaining wall installation. Place the retaining wall blocks with the raised front lip facing up and near the front of the trench.
Look for a perforated pipe and lay it down the length of the retaining wall covering it up with breathable backfill. Retaining walls can be constructed using a variety of materials from poured concrete and large timbers to natural stones even bricks. Follow the block manufacturer s instructions for wall height limits. Step by step retaining wall instructions.
When building your wall on a slope you ll want to step your wall up as shown in the image below. Add drainage pipes to your retaining wall if the wall is 2 feet 60 cm or taller. The interlocking retaining wall block can be used to build walls up to 24 to 36 inches high depending on the size of the block. These phases are explained briefly.
2 to 4 foot level. The block caps should overhang the retaining blocks by 1 to 1 1 2 inches. For diy purposes opt for manufactured blocks that are. Check the retaining wall blocks for level from side to side and front to back.
Eye and ear protection. Avoid having downspouts pointed at the retaining wall and if it s against the house keep soil and mulch well below the siding.