How to Install a Retaining Wall
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Adding a retaining wall to your landscape is a
perfect solution to address trouble spots in your yard or to accent
areas of beauty. Retaining walls can be a functional way to
prevent erosion on slopes or a way to draw attention to raised planting
beds. There are many options and a wide selection of styles and
colors to blend in seamlessly with your home and its surroundings.
You can build it! Installing a
retaining wall on your property is an easy project for the "do it
yourselfer". As with any project, the key is planning.
Selecting the correct size and style of retaining wall block is
an important starting point. The following are other factors,
which should be taken into consideration before beginning your
project;
• What is the length and height of your wall?
Correct estimates can save time and labor.
• What is the proper base material for your
wall? Sand, gravel, and chipped limestone are all suitable
materials depending on the height of your
wall.
• What drainage system is most suitable based
upon the location and size of your wall?
• Is terracing or multiple levels being
considered as components of your project?
If you are searching for ways to create a focal
point or something more practical like replacing the old rotting
railroad tie retaining wall, your friends at GE Landscape Supply are
here to assist you with all your landscaping needs. Whether it
is estimating quantities of materials, determining which material best
suits your project, or assisting with site selection, our goal is to
help you create the landscape you desire.
Recommended Tools
• Shovel
• Flexible Tape Measure
• Rake
• Hand Tamper
• Level
• Rubber Mallet
The materials needed for a 20’ long by
3’ tall retaining wall are as follows:
• 90 Diamond Beveled Blocks
• 83 Diamond Straight Blocks
• 16 Diamond Caps
• .55 tons of 1/4” Chipped Limestone for
base material*
• 2.25 tons of 1/4” Chipped Limestone
for backfill material*
• 20’ of Slotted HDPE Drain Tile
(optional)
* material may vary based upon the size of the wall
or builder preference
Installation
1 Using a shovel, dig out a trench. The trench
should be as deep as your building stones are tall. If your
retaining wall is to be greater than 4 feet tall, the trench
should be deep enough to completely bury the first layer of stones
below grade.
2 Grade the base of the trench with a garden rake.
The bottom of the trench should be smooth and level.
3 Fill the trench with 4 inches of chipped
limestone, gravel or other base material. Grade the base material
until it is smooth and level.
4 Use a tamper to compact the base material in the
bottom of the trench. Check the grade with a level. Add a
block and again use your hand level to make sure the first course is
level.
5 Place the first layer of building stones on the
prepared base starting at the corner. Position them side by side and
level in both directions. Set them with a rubber mallet. Backfill with
gravel or other material. If the wall is four feet or taller, be sure
to completely bury the first layer in the ground.
6 Continue assembly by placing building stones in a
staggered pattern relative to the layer directly below. Pull each stone
forward to secure.
7 Backfill each level of the wall as it is
completed. Finish by placing a layer of soil over the backfill
material. Be sure to compact the soil.
8 Relax and enjoy the long lasting beauty that a
properly constructed retaining wall adds to your landscape.
