Concrete blocks are ideal for building walls to hold back the soil after you dig into a slope for a pathway patio or another landscaping project block retaining walls are generally the same as freestanding block walls but with a few important differences.
How to build a retaining wall using concrete blocks.
Follow the block manufacturer s instructions for wall height limits.
Heavy retaining wall blocks the blocks we used in our demonstration weigh 14 pounds each keep the soil at bay with their weight.
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.
But for diyers retaining wall blocks made of concrete are the best solution.
Build the end or corner with block centres over the joins of the course below.
Build the ends of the wall set out the first course of blocks laying them out dry on the footing ensuring the corners are square.
How to build a concrete wall figure a.
Tie a string to a stake at the wall s desired height and stretch across to opposite stake or stakes.
Using a shovel mark the ground where the retaining wall will be built.
For example if your cinder blocks are 8x8 in 20x20 cm and you want to use 2 blocks to make up the wall s width your total wall width would be 16 in 40 cm.
Cross section of a retaining wall a cinder block retaining wall is only as straight and solid as the base it s built on.
Retaining walls can be build of many different materials including wood timbers bricks or natural boulders.
Mix the mortar and lay the blocks.
Tall wall excavate a trench deep enough to accommodate 4 to 6 in.
If the distance is greater than 8 drive additional stakes so that the gaps do not exceed 8.
Of compacted base 1 in.
Tip use a spirit level to check blocks.
To determine the width of your future wall decide how many cinder blocks you want to use for the wall width then calculate the width using the block s measurements.
Avoid having downspouts pointed at the retaining wall and if it s against the house keep soil and mulch well below the siding.
Drive long wooden stakes into the ground at each end.
Of leveling sand and half the height of the first course of blocks.