What are the basic steps for building a retaining wall?
Set the first row of bricks on 6 inches of compacted gravel. Make sure you level the row accurately, as this is the basis for the rest of the wall. Then add additional rows of bricks, checking to make sure that each remains level. For drainage, the base of the wall needs a 4" drainpipe. Additionally, install landscape fabric behind the retaining wall and fill with stone, This also takes the pressure off the wall.
What material is best for retaining walls?
Walls can be constructed out of a variety of materials. Choose a product that will enhance the appearance of your home or property, and will also withstand the demands of time, weather and activity. Some of the more popular materials include:
- Fieldstone - Stone walls are rot-proof and require no painting, sealing or replacing. Fieldstone creates a rugged, strong wall.
- Lannonstone - Lannonstone walls offer the same benefits as fieldstone, but use cut blocks of quarried stone.
- Concrete Wall Blocks - The manufactured blocks create a very stable wall. Remember that any concrete block wall over 4 feet tall or near a driveway should be reinforced with geogrid, which extends into the soil behind the wall.
- Timbers - Although attractive and inexpensive, timber walls are the least durable. Make sure that the timber you are using hvae not been treated with a toxic preservative.
- Railroad Ties - Popular a few years back, walls made of old railroad ties are very durable. It's important to note, that many ties were treated with creosote, which is a toxic preservative.
Types:
- Versa-Lok Retaining Wall Systems
- Anchor Wall Systems
- Unilock
- Keystone
- Lannon Stone
- Fieldstone
