Building A Low Stone Retaining Wall

To build a natural dry stone retaining wall prepare the site.

Building a low 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. 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. Plan for good drainage proper width height ratio and distance between tiers. Design and build your retaining wall to slope at a minimum rate of.

Simply mark your stone at the desired size and cut. Other materials that could be used for such a project include landscape timbers railroad ties and cinder blocks. Avoid having downspouts pointed at the retaining wall and if it s against the house keep soil and mulch well below the siding. 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.

The following is a. That s where the wet saw comes into play. Building a retaining wall is suitable for diyers as long as the wall is a maximum of 3 feet tall in most areas. 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.

It may be necessary to cut some of the stones as the wall comes together. For dry stack walls the base should be as wide as the wall is tall. Excavate to a depth of 6 inches along the entire base of the stone retaining wall using the string marker as a guide. Lay high quality stones and use a geotextile backing to ensure the wall lasts a long time.

It s a great home improvement project that can be completed in a weekend whether you re a novice or an old hand. The wet saw is the perfect tool to rent when building a retaining wall. Use a hand or power tamper to level the base. Follow the block manufacturer s instructions for wall height limits.

For this 18 inch high wall the footing should be at least 18 inches wide. Building a retaining wall will help reduce erosion improve water drainage and create usable garden space. With its diamond blade it cuts the stones pretty easily. The success of your retaining wall depends on a level base.