Building A Low Stone Retaining Wall

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.

Building a low stone retaining wall.

This tutorial is designed for beginners interested in building stone retaining walls using a dry stack method but it also works for retaining block and flagstone walls. Building a retaining wall will help reduce erosion improve water drainage and create usable garden space. A wall that leans into the soil it retains is less likely to be pushed outward by soil pressure than a plain old vertical wall. It s a great home improvement project that can be completed in a weekend whether you re a novice or an old hand.

Design and build your retaining wall to slope at a minimum rate of. To build a natural dry stone retaining wall prepare the site. For this 18 inch high wall the footing should be at least 18 inches wide. Avoid having downspouts pointed at the retaining wall and if it s against the house keep soil and mulch well below the siding.

With its diamond blade it cuts the stones pretty easily. Plan for good drainage proper width height ratio and distance between tiers. For dry stack walls the base should be as wide as the wall is tall. Simply mark your stone at the desired size and cut.

It may be necessary to cut some of the stones as the wall comes together. Other materials that could be used for such a project include landscape timbers railroad ties and cinder blocks. The success of your retaining wall depends on a level base. Lay high quality stones and use a geotextile backing to ensure the wall lasts a long time.

Excavate to a depth of 6 inches along the entire base of the stone retaining wall using the string marker as a guide. Use a hand or power tamper to level the 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. 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.

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. The following is a. That s where the wet saw comes into play. Anything taller should be handled by professionals.