Making A Stone Retaining Wall

Once built you ll have a rock solid retaining wall without all the heavy mortar lines.

Making a stone retaining wall.

The easiest way to build a stone retaining wall is to use the dry stack method that requires no mortar between stones and does not need a concrete footing like mortared walls do. How to build a stone wall. Get project details for this diy retaining wall here. Anything taller should be handled by professionals.

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. Step 9 insure level. To create a solid foundation dig a trench for the first course of your interlocking retaining wall blocks to sit in and make sure the ground remains even throughout. To build a natural dry stone retaining wall prepare the site.

It is aesthetically important that these final stones fit together nicely to create a smooth flat surface. You may have a big rock pile that you ve made while plowing your fields. Dig a trench that s below the frost line and 2 feet wider than. You need to decide what type of wall you want and what type of rock you will use.

If you have your retaining wall built figure about 15 per square face foot for a timber wall 20 for an interlocking block system or poured concrete and 25 for a natural stone wall. Lay high quality stones and use a geotextile backing to ensure the wall lasts a long time. Plan for good drainage proper width height ratio and distance between tiers. Building a retaining wall with blocks from lowe s is easy with these steps.

Build a stone retaining wall with an interlocking concrete block system. Stone walls take some planning. Avoid having downspouts pointed at the retaining wall and if it s against the house keep soil and mulch well below the siding. 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.

Follow the block manufacturer s instructions for wall height limits. Prepare the footing photo by russell kaye. Building a retaining wall is suitable for diyers as long as the wall is a maximum of 3 feet tall in most areas. If you don t have a lot of rock on your property a trip to the nearest quarry or landscaping store is in order.

Preparing a troublesome site one that includes clay soil or a natural spring for example can raise costs substantially. For a more secure top some experts set the cap stones into a bed. The success of your retaining wall depends on a level base.