


You want to use a material that will not sink into the ground layer once the weight of your blocks is on top. This layer can be made from crushed stones or concrete.

Your base layer should be 5-6 inches thick after being compacted. Lay Base MaterialĪfter your trench has been dug and level, you will lay the base material. To get the base as level as possible, use your level to even out the ground layer of soil as you tamp. Use your tamper to compact the soil at the bottom of your trench. Take a look at this steel tamper here on Amazon. Your trench needs to be deep enough to house your base material and cover 1 inch of every 8 inches of height of your first row of blocks. The base is the most important part of the retaining wall, as it will define the stability of the whole thing. With your layout set, you can dig a trench using your laid line as a guide. You find a mason line here on Amazon to help you plan your layout.īefore you move on to step 2, you should check with your local utility company to see if there are underground utilities or cables where you plan to place your wall. Use your string and stakes to mark the position of the wall and where you will dig your trench. This will help you determine how many blocks you will need, as well as other materials. When planning your wall, you need to consider how tall and how long your retaining wall needs to be. Let's start breaking down the steps of building your retaining wall in detail. The choice comes down to preference and drainage needs for your landscape.

Materials for backfill, your base, and even the bricks you use can vary. Supplies and tools you will need for this project include: But, you need to gather all your supplies and material before you start your build. Since water cannot pass through your wall, this well-draining soil creates ideal conditions. Sandy soil is a granular mix with little to no fine particles, meaning it is less likely to stick together and block drainage. How To Build A Retaining Wall In Sandy Soil
