How many time have you seen retaining walls that are bowed broken or have been lifted out of the ground. This is caused by erosion,The down-slope creep of soil and other material under the force of gravity. These forces of nature are the reason for most of the damage to Retaning Walls. So when building a retaning wall you should consider the purpose of the wall. (Estectics value or functional value )

Estetic Value, if the Retaining Wall is for a back drop to show off your garden you can use patio blocks or flag stone, or other stackable materials. It will look nice and be a conversation piece for friends and family. These stacking blocks arre very popular and sold at most home improvement stores (Home Depot, Lowes). The designs that can be created are amazing! The really creative designs can be found on magazine covers and web page banners. They look nice, But offer very little protection against erosion.. .

Functional Value, If you have mud in driveway every time it rains, or water pools on your lawn because the neigbors house sits higher than yours, you need a Retaining Wall to hold back the water and soil erosion. (Water will always find it's lowest level) Some Retaining Walls have dual functionlity, as they are also used as sitting walls or around a patio.

You want to build a retaining Wall that can withstand the heavy pressure of water, soil erosion and be maintenace free

Before you begin consider the following:





Calulate, the size of the Retaining Wall and the amount of material needed (always add 10% more than you need)

Footings, use 2x8 or 2x10 lumber, and Should be below the frost line.

Rebar, use at least 1/2 " if not 1" raised from the bottom of the footing.

Vertical Rebar and 6" horizontal concrete mesh.

Concrete, use type m ready mix for the footings (and ,Yes it does make a difference).

Mortar Mix, use Type s to lay the block (and, Yes it does make a difference).

Concrete block, use 8x8x16 common block (Buy half blocks or cut your own?).

Drain Tile, use perferated drain tile, preped and properly placed at the bottom of the wall (This is important ,if you are not sure of of this task go to

http://www.homeownerdiy.net(faq page 3) to see the proper placement.

Cap blocks, use 4x8x16 solid cap blocks (the Retaining wall must have a cover).

Finish coat, will vary (see the Retaining Wall Video Clip.)





This is your guide to a durable Retaining Wall that will hold back the erosion and last for many years.

Check your Local Building Codes (you may need a permit)

Good Luck with your Project!