Retaining Wall Weekend Project

Below are simple instructions for building a retaining wall for your next weekend project. This is a great DIY project that will add value to your property and help beautify your landscape. Choose your stones from Pavestone’s selection of retaining wall products on our website.

Tools needed for installing Retaining Walls:

• Shovel & Spade
• String Line
• Paver Edge Restraint
• Landscape Spikes
• Gloves & Safety Glasses
• Hand Tamper
• Paver Sand
• Carpenters Level
• Tape Measure

STEP 1: Site Preparation and Excavation.

Stake out the area where the wall will be installed. Dig a trench 12″ wide and 4″ deep.

STEP 2: Base Preparation.

Tamp soil in trench to create a ridged surface. Add 1″ of leveling sand to the bottom of the trench.

STEP 3: Leveling and Laying Stones.

Lay stones sid by side and check for level. Stack additional courses with the bond staggered on the course below.

STEP 4: Use a hammer and a mason’s chisel to score the stone on all sides except the face.

Pound the chisel on the score line until it breaks.

You can view and printout the Retaining Wall Project Worksheet here to assist in determining the square footage of retaining wall blocks needed for your project.

If you decide to install a retaining wall in your yard, please email us the pictures so we can display them on our blog.

Related posts:

1. Project of the Month – 40 Foot High Retaining Wall
2. Retaining Wall at Shaffer’s Crossing – Project of the Month
3. Retaining Walls – Frequently Asked Questions
4. Segmental Retaining Walls – Not Your Father’s Retaining Wall
5. Pavers & Retaining Wall Products

Tagged as: diy projects, installing retaining wall, Retaining Wall, retaining wall blocks, retaining wall installation, Retaining Walls