Dig a base trench 24 in.
Retaining wall base.
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.
If you have the option it can be easier to excavate and lay the lowest course before excavating the trench for the next step.
The preparation of the base upon which the first layer of block are to be placed is critical to building a well placed stable retaining wall.
Retaining walls are designed to hold up a surcharge of soil such as a sloping hill or raised planter box.
When digging your trench the bottom row of blocks should be buried about 1 inch for every 8 inches of wall height.
Avoid having downspouts pointed at the retaining wall and if it s against the house keep soil and mulch well below the siding.
150 mm plus an additional 1 in.
More information on retaining walls where the base trench steps up a slope.
Follow the block manufacturer s instructions for wall height limits.
Retaining walls can be constructed using a variety of materials from poured concrete and large timbers to natural stones even bricks.
All retaining walls share some common building components in their construction.
If the wall runs up a hill continue each base course of stackable retaining wall blocks into the hill until the top of the second course is level with the grade and then start your second base course at that point.
A level base on which the wall sits.
This is standard for all.
Below is an overview of the different types of walls and these common components.
A handheld tamping tool can really help in getting the gravel level but you re right one stray stone can throw off the entire operation.
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.
600 mm wide the length of the wall the depth of the trench will be 6 in.
To keep the blocks on your retaining wall level and structurally sound you need a base layer of several inches of well compacted sharp gravel.
When excavating the trenches for the wall block keep in mind the bottom row of blocks should be buried about 1 inch for every 8 inches of wall height.
Retaining wall base trench.
The success of your retaining wall depends on a level base.
Also called drain tile at the base of the wall.
25 mm for each 1 ft 300 mm of wall height for the amount or buried block that is needed.