Photo: DON’T lay blocks on a surface that isn’t level. For example, if you want the finished height of your retaining wall to be 3 feet (36 inches) tall, you’d need to dig the trench 8 inches deep to accommodate 3 inches of crushed rock and about 5 inches (or an eighth of the visible retaining wall) to start the wall below grade.
Retaining wall steps plus#
The exact depth of the trench depends on the proposed height of the wall, but follow this rule of thumb: Dig a trench to be an eighth of the wall plus 3 inches. For a stacked-block retaining wall that’s no higher than 4 feet, a trench filled with 3 inches of crushed rock will help keep the wall from shifting and settling. Your retaining wall will only be as strong its support system. RELATED: 11 Retaining Wall Ideas That Work Hard While Looking Good DO start with a good foundation. These blocks (available in gray and earthy tones in textured or smooth faces, like these Belgard retaining wall blocks) can be found at virtually any home improvement store and many garden centers as well. For DIY purposes, opt for manufactured blocks that are designed specifically for building retaining walls a locking flange along the bottom edge creates a secure attachment between rows. Retaining walls can be constructed using a variety of materials, from poured concrete and pressure-treated railroad ties to natural stones, even bricks. Photo: DO choose a wall material you can easily work with. These can determine whether their buried lines will be in the way and mark their exact locations. While you’re at it, do also place a call to DigSafe (811), a nationwide service that will notify local utility companies that you plan to dig. You may have to submit plans for your wall and schedule a property inspection to ensure that building a retaining wall won’t create drainage problems. DON’T forget to check with the authorities.Ī retaining wall’s effect on the natural flow of water could impact your neighbors, so some communities require homeowners to obtain a permit before construction commences. Does that sound like you? If you’re looking to get your hands dirty and enhance your landscape with a retaining wall, these guidelines for building a retaining wall will get off to a good start. Shorter retaining walls, however, can be constructed by enthusiastic do-it-yourselfers who have a working knowledge of construction. For just this reason, retaining walls taller than 4 feet should be designed and constructed by the pros. Miscalculate your construction plans, and you could end up with a weak wall that risks bulging or, worse, collapsing altogether. With every additional foot of height, the pressure of the soil increases substantially.
A basic retaining wall that’s 4 feet tall and 15 feet long potentially has to support up to 20 tons of soil pressure. Soil is heavy, especially when it’s wet from rain.
Retaining wall steps professional#
Despite their simple appearance, though, these walls require a good deal of planning-sometimes professional engineering-to keep their shape.
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