Building a stackable block retaining wall makes a great do-it-yourself project, though it requires a lot of physical labor and some heavy lifting. Here’s how to go about it.
Building a block retaining wall:
- Wall Excavation: Dig out and level the ground for the retaining wall.
- Wall Foundation: Add a base of crushed stone, and use a tamp to compact it.
- Laying Blocks: Stack the blocks, following the manufacturer’s instructions, applying construction or landscape adhesive between each layer of blocks.
Pavestone Yukon-style Rockwall stackable blocks were used to build this wall.
Watch the video above to find out more.
VIDEO TRANSCRIPT
A retaining wall begins with a level, solid foundation. Dig out the area and level the soil before adding a crushed stone base. The base will need to be compacted with a tamp before you begin to install the blocks.
Retaining wall blocks have a lip on the back edge to keep them leaning into the hill. Follow the block manufacturer’s direction concerning the necessary overlap and pattern for the blocks. As the wall goes up, you’ll want to add construction or landscape adhesive between the courses of blocks.
Once the wall is complete and you’ve installed the cap blocks, you can backfill the dirt behind it and complete the landscaping.
