A retaining wall can be used to hold back water or materials such as rocks and dirt. The walls can also be used as a way of decorating the garden. Although the retaining wall can be built using various types of materials, the most widely used, materials are the retaining wall blocks. The steps to be taken when building the retaining wall are as follows.
Tools- Ensure the right tolls are available. These include:
- Shovel and other digging tools
- Wheelbarrow
- Gravel and Soil tamper
- Landscaping stones
- Wooden stakes and string
- Level
- Working gloves
Pre- excavation
- Decide on the location where the retaining wall will be built.
- Check with the utility company to see if there are any underground power cables on the site. In addition, obtain building permit from the local authority.
- Mark the shape of the site using the wooden stakes and use some sort of powder or flour to clearly mark the edges.
Excavation
- Dig the trench. The width of the trench should be wider than that of the retaining wall blocks.
- Ensure the trench is approximately six inches deep so that the first blocks may be below the ground.
- Level the low part of the trench and then add a layer of stone dust or sand. Tamp and level the trench using a hand hammer.
Building the Wall
- Place the first stone and make sure that it is leveled. If the stone is not at level, use a hand hammer to adjust it accordingly.
- Proceed and continue with the laying of the foundation course. When laying the course blocks, makes sure that the blocks are level with one another. The foundation blocks should be below the surface.
- Once the foundation course is completed, place one block at every end of the course.
- Cut the starter block for the second course in half using a chisel. This is done to stagger the vertical joints.
- Lay the starter block on both ends of the course and check using a level if both blocks are leveled. If they are not leveled, adjust them.
- Place the remaining second course blocks.
- Fill up the trench with soil and as the soil rises, tamp it to make the wall foundation firm. Continue laying the blocks until the preferred wall height is reached.
- Backfill the back of the wall and at the same time tamp the soil. After this, plants can be added.
The retaining wall helps prevent insect from destroying plants thus helping them grow healthier without any