Building A Rock Retaining Wall

Self stacking concrete blocks make building a sturdy retaining wall a much simpler diy project.

Building a rock retaining wall.

The easiest way to build a stone retaining wall is to use the dry stack method that requires no mortar between stones and does not need a concrete footing like mortared walls do. A wall that leans into the soil it retains is less likely to be pushed outward by soil pressure than a plain old vertical wall. This footing is similar to a concrete retaining wall just not as engineered. Building a retaining wall is suitable for diyers as long as the wall is a maximum of 3 feet tall in most areas.

To build a natural dry stone retaining wall prepare the site. This makes your rock wall into a 50 year wall. 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. Lay high quality stones and use a geotextile backing to ensure the wall lasts a long time.

Try to cut the ditch into native soil rather than loose added soil as the former provides a more stable foundation for the wall. Plan for good drainage proper width height ratio and distance between tiers. This ditch will act as the wall s footing and prevent the rocks from sliding forward due to pressure from the earth behind. Follow the block manufacturer s instructions for wall height limits.

In other words for a four foot wall two feet wide. Dig a ditch the length of the wall that is about a foot wide and 8 to 12 inches 20 5 cm 30 5 cm below the ground level. Anything taller should be handled by professionals. Avoid having downspouts pointed at the retaining wall and if it s against the house keep soil and mulch well below the siding.

How to build a short retaining wall this 2 retaining wall is a great architectural element that also serves a purpose to keep dirt from a sloping yard from going into the driveway.