Add style and support to your yard with a concrete retaining wall.
you’re free to build one in just six steps.
The retaining wall provides a way to release the water that builds up in the slope behind it.
Credit: Rob Cardillo
Expect to spend 20 to 36 hours building a 3x10-foot concrete block retaining wall.
Then, chip out a recess on the next block, butter the ears, and set the block.
Scrape Off Excess Mortar
Stop occasionally tocheck the mortar.
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Do not plug the weep holes with excess mortar as you remove it.
Lay rocks on the fabric to hold it while you work.
Face the holes down.
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Cover Drainpipe
Shovel more gravel on top of the drainpipe.
Backfill with additional gravel as you add courses to the wall.
Fold the landscape fabric over the top of the gravel fill, and backfill with soil.Replace the sod.
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Mix the fill mortar slightly wetter than what you’d use for joints.
Smooth the top with a trowel.
Spread additional mortar, and lay cap block to finish the wall.
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Natural rock walls are usually more expensive but might better fit in with your landscaping.
If you cap your retaining wall, youll add protection from weather and erosion.
Choices include concrete, flat stones, or flagstones, secured in place using adhesive for masonry products.
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(confirm the wall is dry when you add the capping material).
Check periodically to ensure its not leaning, swelling, or leaking water.
Retaining walls: Safety can be beautiful.Irrigation & Lighting.
Credit:Abramowitz Creative Studios
Building a landscape retaining wall.
Oregon State University Extension Service.
New York City Buildings.
