Making A Stone Retaining Wall

Step 9 insure level.

Making a stone retaining wall.

You may have a big rock pile that you ve made while plowing your fields. 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. How to build a rock wall 1. The success of your retaining wall depends on a level base.

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. Get project details for this diy retaining wall here. Lay high quality stones and use a geotextile backing to ensure the wall lasts a long time. Follow the block manufacturer s instructions for wall height limits.

You need to decide what type of wall you want and what type of rock you will use. Plan for good drainage proper width height ratio and distance between tiers. For the final course use cap stones stones with a smooth top and flat face. 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.

Preparing a troublesome site one that includes clay soil or a natural spring for example can raise costs substantially. Building a retaining wall is suitable for diyers as long as the wall is a maximum of 3 feet tall in most areas. It is aesthetically important that these final stones fit together nicely to create a smooth flat surface. How to build a stone wall.

Dig a trench that s below the frost line and 2 feet wider than. Once built you ll have a rock solid retaining wall without all the heavy mortar lines. Stone walls take some planning. For a more secure top some experts set the cap stones into a bed.

Ask a stone yard to help determine how much material you ll need and have it delivered as close to the site as possible. To build a natural dry stone retaining wall prepare the site. 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. Anything taller should be handled by professionals.

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. Prepare the footing photo by russell kaye. Building a retaining wall with blocks from lowe s is easy with these steps.