Build and prep footing.
How to build a short concrete retaining wall.
To mark a free form layout use a rope or hose to outline the shape.
Scrape off excess mortar.
Refer to the plan or schematic for the retaining wall.
Build the footing and insert rebar into the wet concrete.
Alternately you can build the retaining wall then fill in the space behind it.
Then use a shovel to mark the outline.
Once the first row is installed pack native soil to grade level on both sides of this course to anchor the wall in place.
Stack wood planks to create a frame for the wall.
How to pour a concrete retaining wall.
Level to level blocks lengthwise and a torpedo level to level the front to back.
Measure and mark footing locations.
How to build a short retaining wall dig a trench.
Allow concrete to cure.
Install the first course of blocks using a taut string line to establish a straight row.
Avoid having downspouts pointed at the retaining wall and if it s against the house keep soil and mulch well below the siding.
Finish the surface of the wall as desired.
If the wall exceeds four feet in height footings should be poured separately.
After you finish the first course fill the space between your retaining wall and.
Lay out the wall and excavate the slope and the footing trench.
Dig a trench about 12 deep to create a level surface before laying any stone.
Create contraction joints every 4 6 feet.
Continue laying your first course of blocks making sure to check that every block is level.
The cheapest and easiest material to use is 2 in 4 in 5 1 cm 10 2 cm boards cut from a softwood like pine.
Your retaining wall design will determine how you mark the area.
These wood barriers hold the concrete in place as it dries so you will need to create 2 of them.
How to do it.
Position your first block and use a standard level to make sure it s even.
This is often the method used where the slope is quite steep.
Keep the boards less than 8 ft 2 4 m long so they aren t too difficult to handle.
Finish with crushed stone.
To create a flat area in front of the wall the process involves cutting back or notching into the slope then building a retaining wall to hold back the remaining hillside behind the wall.
Install a layer of large stones for good stability at the base.
If needed reposition it using additional.