Keep the boards less than 8 ft 2 4 m long so they aren t too difficult to handle.
How to build a short concrete retaining wall.
To create a flat area in front of the wall the process involves cutting back or notching into the slope then building a retaining wall to hold back the remaining hillside behind the wall.
After you finish the first course fill the space between your retaining wall and.
Install a layer of large stones for good stability at the base.
How to do it.
Level to level blocks lengthwise and a torpedo level to level the front to back.
To mark a free form layout use a rope or hose to outline the shape.
Once the first row is installed pack native soil to grade level on both sides of this course to anchor the wall in place.
Finish the surface of the wall as desired.
How to build a short retaining wall dig a trench.
Refer to the plan or schematic for the retaining wall.
Continue laying your first course of blocks making sure to check that every block is level.
Build and prep footing.
How to pour a concrete retaining wall.
Your retaining wall design will determine how you mark the area.
Allow concrete to cure.
Alternately you can build the retaining wall then fill in the space behind it.
If the wall exceeds four feet in height footings should be poured separately.
If needed reposition it using additional.
Create contraction joints every 4 6 feet.
Install the first course of blocks using a taut string line to establish a straight row.
Position your first block and use a standard level to make sure it s even.
Dig a trench about 12 deep to create a level surface before laying any stone.
Build the footing and insert rebar into the wet concrete.
Then use a shovel to mark the outline.
No mortar is needed.
Measure and mark footing locations.
Finish with crushed stone.
The cheapest and easiest material to use is 2 in 4 in 5 1 cm 10 2 cm boards cut from a softwood like pine.
Then use the marking paint and measuring tape to lay.
Lay out the wall and excavate the slope and the footing trench.
Scrape off excess mortar.
See below for more information on contraction joints remove forms and install waterproofing and drainage system.
Avoid having downspouts pointed at the retaining wall and if it s against the house keep soil and mulch well below the siding.