Create contraction joints every 4 6 feet.
How to build a short concrete retaining wall.
Install the first course of blocks using a taut string line to establish a straight row.
Finish the surface of the wall as desired.
Then use the marking paint and measuring tape to lay.
Build the footing and insert rebar into the wet concrete.
How to pour a concrete retaining wall.
Finish with crushed stone.
If the wall exceeds four feet in height footings should be poured separately.
Allow concrete to cure.
Avoid having downspouts pointed at the retaining wall and if it s against the house keep soil and mulch well below the siding.
To mark a free form layout use a rope or hose to outline the shape.
Once the first row is installed pack native soil to grade level on both sides of this course to anchor the wall in place.
Continue laying your first course of blocks making sure to check that every block is level.
How to do it.
Dig a trench about 12 deep to create a level surface before laying any 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.
Measure and mark footing locations.
This is often the method used where the slope is quite steep.
Level to level blocks lengthwise and a torpedo level to level the front to back.
Alternately you can build the retaining wall then fill in the space behind it.
After you finish the first course fill the space between your retaining wall and.
Install a layer of large stones for good stability at the base.
Then use a shovel to mark the outline.
No mortar is needed.
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.
Scrape off excess mortar.
Position your first block and use a standard level to make sure it s even.
Build and prep footing.
These wood barriers hold the concrete in place as it dries so you will need to create 2 of them.
Lay out the wall and excavate the slope and the footing trench.
See below for more information on contraction joints remove forms and install waterproofing and drainage system.
Refer to the plan or schematic for the retaining wall.
Stack wood planks to create a frame for the wall.
How to build a short retaining wall dig a trench.