How To Build A Concrete Block Retaining Wall

By Author: William Hauselberg
Total Articles: 816
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The best reason to use high-quality concrete blocks for retaining walls is their strength and stability. But, to be sure your wall remains standing for a long time, you'll also have to create a stable wall foundation and use a sound method of laying Concrete blocks for retaining walls.

Preparation for Building a Wall

First step is to use one of your concrete blocks to lay out your excavation with stakes and string. Mark 1" both behind and in front of the block for the length of the wall. Next, dig down within those marks to a depth of 6". Make the bottom of the excavation as flat as possible -- use a level to check. Spread a few bags of paver base over the bottom and compact with a hand tamper. Again, use the level to ensure a flat surface. Pour 1" of stone dust over the flattened paver base, and tamp down with a spade. Again, check for a level surface.

First Level of Your Retaining Wall

At one end of the trench, center the first block and tap it with a rubber mallet to embed it in the stone dust. Check the top of the block in all directions for a level surface.

Butt up the next concrete block ...
... to the first and drop it in place. Tap the second block the same way as the first, looking for level with the first. Place Concrete blocks one after another in this way until all first layer is done. Use stone dust and dirt to fill all the gaps.

Upper Levels of Your Retaining Wall

Start the second layer with a half-size stone. Score a center line along a flat side with a mason's chisel, then tap the chisel with a hammer right in the middle of the line once or twice to split the block.

Use a caulk gun to lay down two long beads of masonry adhesive along the entire length of the first layer. Put the half-size block in place at end of the wall to start the second layer. Tap and ensure the level in all directions. Continue the second layer with the full-size concrete blocks until you get to the far end, where you'll use the other half-size block.

The third level starts with full-size concrete blocks all the way along without masonry adhesive. Glue down capstones to the top layer of the wall.

Need to build Concrete blocks for retaining walls? This article would help you a lot. There is wealthy information about Concrete blocks as well.