How To Build A Concrete Block Retaining Wall

To create a solid foundation dig a trench for the first course of your interlocking retaining wall blocks. Of leveling sand and half the height of the first course of blocks.

How To Build A Retaining Wall With Blocks

Mix the mortar and lay the blocks.

How to build a concrete block retaining wall. Smooth the top with a trowel. When you reach the finished height of the concrete-block retaining wall fill those cores containing rebar to the top with mortar. Tie a string to a stake at the walls desired height and stretch across to opposite stake or stakes.

Make sure the ground remains even throughout. Build the ends of the wall Set out the first course of blocks laying them out dry on the footing ensuring the corners are square. Butter the ends of the remaining block and set them centered on the wall tapping them level.

Of space behind it. How to Build a Concrete Wall Figure A. The width of the foundation should be twice that of the width of the wall you are building and the wall should be placed in the centre of the foundation.

This will give you a foundation overlap of 112mm either side of the finished wall. The trench should be deep enough to bury at least half the height of your first course of blocks as they sit on a 2- to 3-inch base of gravel. Drive long wooden stakes into the ground at each end.

If you need to build a wall 225mm wide the foundation should be 450mm wide. Begin digging into the ground with a shovel. Make the trench wide deep and level Size the trench so theres enough room for the retaining wall block and at least 8 in.

If the distance is greater than 8 drive additional stakes so that the gaps do not exceed 8. Follow the block manufacturers instructions for wall height limits. Avoid having downspouts pointed at the retaining wall and if its against the house keep soil and mulch well below the siding.

Using a shovel mark the ground where the retaining wall will be built. Tall wall excavate a trench deep enough to accommodate 4 to 6 in. Build the end or corner with block centres over the joins of the course below.

Excavate deep enough to completely bury at least one full course including space for 6 to 8 in. Plain mortar makes an acceptable cap for a block wall but it requires some support. Cross-Section of a Retaining Wall A cinder block retaining wall is only as straight and solid as the base its built on.

Lay the last course then core-fill it overfilling by about. The interlocking retaining wall block can be stacked to build walls up to 24 to 36 inches high depending on the size of the block. Lay metal lath into the mortar before laying the last course of blocks.

TIP Use a spirit level to check blocks. Of compacted base 1 in. Mix the fill mortar slightly wetter than what youd use for joints.

Spread additional mortar and lay cap block to finish the wall. Establish a level trench to ensure an even layer of base material.

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