Building A Low Stone Retaining 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.

Building a low stone retaining wall.

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. Avoid having downspouts pointed at the retaining wall and if it s against the house keep soil and mulch well below the siding. Building a retaining wall will help reduce erosion improve water drainage and create usable garden space. Anything taller should be handled by professionals.

The wet saw is the perfect tool to rent when building a 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. Simply mark your stone at the desired size and cut. Excavate to a depth of 6 inches along the entire base of the stone retaining wall using the string marker as a guide.

To build a natural dry stone retaining wall prepare the site. Follow the block manufacturer s instructions for wall height limits. For dry stack walls the base should be as wide as the wall is tall. Building a retaining wall is suitable for diyers as long as the wall is a maximum of 3 feet tall in most areas.

That s where the wet saw comes into play. With its diamond blade it cuts the stones pretty easily. Use a hand or power tamper to level the base. Lay high quality stones and use a geotextile backing to ensure the wall lasts a long time.

It s a great home improvement project that can be completed in a weekend whether you re a novice or an old hand. For this 18 inch high wall the footing should be at least 18 inches wide. Other materials that could be used for such a project include landscape timbers railroad ties and cinder blocks. The success of your retaining wall depends on a level base.

This tutorial is designed for beginners interested in building stone retaining walls using a dry stack method but it also works for retaining block and flagstone walls. Using a tape measure decide the length and the width of your retaining wall then mark off the area with the garden stakes and string. To create a solid foundation dig a trench for the first course of your interlocking retaining wall blocks to sit in and make sure the ground remains even throughout. The following is a.