How to Build a Retaining Wall | DIY Made Easy | Adbri Masonry

So you wanna build a retaining wall?
Your choices are endless. But with Adbri Masonry, we've got some good news for you.
Here's our SIMPLE do-it-yourself steps on building a retaining wall that would serve as a great weekend project for any day you want.
www.adbrimasonry.com.au
Watch now and know why it's that easy!
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Adbri Masonry Australia

[@1habicher]

I like the products and instructions and watched some that have not been done as good and have always wondered why some not look as good as this because they did not follow these good and easy steps. So do it right and enjoy it!

[@thegirlwithdustonherface]

I like the cute little on-looker at 3:58!

[@johnny30806]

That finished product looks very nice.

[@shakejones]

great video! thank you for sharing mate!

[@fglend73]

A great weekend project, that would take me months lol

[@traceypaul4228]

Same here

[@yantrakar]

Exactly what I needed. Thank you man. 👌

[@61JWolf]

Would have been nice to see the process where the wall had to be stepped up.

[@AlexGFitnessProduction]

great video love them

[@moderskeppets]

Big Fan. Great stuff as always!

[@mihaipopa9414]

Great video, thanks.

[@arielgamilla8754]

Hi, I am going to build retaining wall with the Adbri Versawall, I want to ask if i need the no fine concrete in 1 meter high by 13 meters long? I also notice that this versawall don’t work nicely with the return, the split face of the corner block only works outside, could anyone have some idea how to do this? Thakns

[@erickjason9092]

I love those blocks! I have never seen them in this country

[@johnm.evangelis693]

Good job mate!!!

[@dazza944]

Where do you start... You start at the ground and work up. Excellent

[@letsdanceonhere]

Great video mate and a bonus dingo at 9:25.

[@dazza944]

And always use wet concrete so it can be tampered. The ridges you leave on the concretes surface act as a key for whatever is being built on it. You’re not screeding a floor it’s serving a purpose

[@mcethos8678]

Beautiful man! Looks like I have a good reference point for building my first wall. Many thanks!

[@elsagrace3893]

It does look smart. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 I wonder if I can lift the stone.

[@phimosis26]

Beginner here. Just wanting ask why aggregate is being put in instead of mixed cement? would it hold better? does the base of the brick does not have to be buried in cement? Appreciate your answer. Great video by the way. Thanks !

[@alexeygembik608]

Amazing

[@ronalvalerio1195]

Thank you for the video. Question? Can I use this idea for steps on my back yard?

[@AdbriMasonryAus]

You can use these for outdoor steps, though you will need to set up your base differently.

[@ScottTaylorE49]

Hi. I've just bought quite a bit of Adbri Versawall (and some pavers). I'm interested in the curve you put in. I would like to do a curve/radius instead of a 90 degree corner. I assume that there would be limitations on the radius it can do. Could you please tell me what the recommended radius would be ? Thank you.

[@JamdeLuxe07]

thank ya mate!

[@yousefalnajjar5414]

Amazing man This is another super pro

[@leochan6239]

Amazing!

[@abedj1220]

8:35 grab yourself a "lumpy"? Love it. learned a new word. I am going to use that next time

[@AdbriMasonryAus]

We are here to educate :-)

[@k-dinho9247]

I call it a 'mashy' for mash hammer

[@funkyfilu]

Helpful video. Thanks Mate :)

[@colleengorringe2931]

Looks great, what sort of glue do you use to stick the top caps on?

[@nathanholland4877]

Nice video and helpful for the DYI plans! I think this was asked before but maybe not answered. Do you let the sand and cement fully dry and set before laying the blocks? In the video it still appears damp. Cheers!

[@AdbriMasonryAus]

Hi Nathan, it's best to start laying the blocks while the sand and cement mix is still damp. This way it's still malleable and you can make adjustments to get the blocks level.

[@johnrichard398]

What type of cement & sand do you recommend? And, is it 6:1 sand:cement or cement:sand? Thank you

[@k-dinho9247]

Q: when building a retaining wall and you want to pave on the retained side instead of garden do you still back fill roughly a foot wide with screening rocks all the way to the top (minus depth for rubble, sand & paver)?

[@AdbriMasonryAus]

You will still need to back fill with aggregate as this prevents pressure on the wall from soil seepage.

[@matheya]

Looks lovely ! Can we use these blocks for 120cm. tall wall ? And fill it in with spil ? We want to level our yard so it's not on a slope ?

[@2008Baseballguy]

the Aussies have awesome videos.

[@liamcampbell543]

Do you let the sand and cement footing dry before you lay your blocks???

[@alanmcgarvey6505]

Its basically a dry mix so you can lay your blocks right away.

[@iainclarke9635]

Hi. Loving you videos and thank you so much for being so clear and simple. i am about to build my very first wall. One question. When laying the first course into wet concrete (I'm going to fill the blocks with concrete rather than blue metal), how long should I wait before laying the next courses? I worry about the whole thing sinking. I need to lay 6-7 courses and have been told to do it all at once rather than letting the concrete set and starting again. Thanks in advance and sorry for such a basic question.

[@AdbriMasonryAus]

Hi Iain, I'd be happy to provide some advice on this. I would need to know what method of reinforcement and back fill you're using for this project. Would you be able to email me the details at [e-mail] - I'll then be able to provide some technical designs and advice.

[@cleeper6554]

What is the best design for a retainer wall that is a solution for a small creek that floods my property during heavy rains. I have about 200 feet to cover and the creek is not straight as it has curves.

[@AdbriMasonryAus]

If you'd like to email [e-mail] with some pictures and some more details (distance and height of house from creek) we can work with you to come up with a solution.

[@wwmw51]

Where do you buy the block?

[@hellogoodbye1245]

With the dampened cement sand mixture do you ever fully wet it? & if you do, how? Is this wet with just a hose down at the end once you’re done with the layer & cap or is this wet after the first layer? Or just don’t wet?

[@AdbriMasonryAus]

Hi Clair, there's no need to wet it fully. It will harden over time.

[@amandabruney3835]

My issue is the road sits higher than my property. So guess just do steps in reverse. Thanks

[@k-dinho9247]

Gotta love Jason Hodges presenting too!!

[@Mika30041975]

Thank you.

[@hemisilbery3545]

Thank you

[@history4675]

If I'm building a small edging wall (4 1/2 inches tall when done), do I need to compact the dirt when done with the trench? Does it have to be perfectly even? Or only worry about perfect when compacting paver base and cement/sand mix?

[@AdbriMasonryAus]

Compacting the roadbase is always going to give you a better starting point, but if your wall is that small (assuming one course high) you could skip the compactor. Simply dig out a trench deep enough to allow for 30mm depth of sand and cement to a ratio of 6:1 and a bit of the block footing to be submerged below the grassline.

[@history4675]

@@AdbriMasonryAus Only two three inch blocks high. Nothing too large. Just want to get it right this time on my second go of it. Thanks for the reply!

[@robertpayne3041]

I like this wall system. Is it available in WA? Retaining walls here over 500mm need a building permit and possible engineering. Does this system comply?

[@AdbriMasonryAus]

Hi Robert. Unfortunately our Versawall blocks aren't available in WA, however, our Versaloc blocks are produced by Midland Brick in WA. These blocks can be built to 600mm without reinforcement. By the sounds of things in WA, you will still need a building permit, but you won't need to core fill the blocks. www.midlandbrick.com.au/Products/Blocks/Versaloc

[@craigjones7409]

Does the ag pipe need to drain into stormwater or does it just drain in the ground and/or through the base of the retaining wall?

[@AdbriMasonryAus]

Hi Craig, this can be different depending on your projects location. If you don't mind, could you send a few more details of your project to our email ([e-mail]). Images would be great, especially if you could depict where any storm water drains are.

[@stephenmason5682]

Don't go on any long vacations, there won't be any block when you get back home?

[@elizabethaleman1693]

If the footing gets hard before putting the first layer, is there a way to fix it?

[@AdbriMasonryAus]

This ratio of sand and cement hardens gradually and not as hard as concrete (but still firm enough to support the wall). So long as you're not leaving the footing overnight, it shouldn't harden so much that you can't work with it.

[@ericgluckman6701]

Looks good but didn’t see an exit for the drain pipe. How is any water build up going to get out?

[@jayc4715]

Its not..he got paid and gtfo..fuk it

[@danielrose1392]

It probably works fine with such sandy ground, but I would rather not build it this way around here. A lot of clay and water will be stick behind.

[@FPVMike]

can i start laying the second course while the cement mix is not fully set? Or could this ruin the level?

[@AdbriMasonryAus]

Hi there, Yes you can continue to build the second course and the other courses. Kind regards, Adbri Masonry Team

[@SinnerSince1962]

I love how he says here: heeee....

[@rubenvazquez4147]

How will the blocks retain the dirt if he didnt put no reinforcement no rebar in the footing or in the block that wall will eventually get pushed over?

[@AdbriMasonryAus]

Hi Ruban. With the weight of the aggregate within the blocks, this downward pressure is greater than the pressure behind the wall. This system has been designed by experienced engineers to ensure a correctly installed wall will not be pushed over.

[@highestcount]

Am I tripping? At 9:00 the entire world sways a bit. Took me several watches to realize that the earth wasn't shifting but rather the camera lens.

[@younusdanka7605]

It looks a million bucks!😁

[@hollypeters1652]

this looks super, is there anywhere we can buy these blocks in the states?

[@AdbriMasonryAus]

Hi Holly, unfortunately are products aren't on the US market. You should be able to find similar products by Anchor or Keystone.

[@latiffesa]

can u sell this in Malaysia

[@mjonausk]

Ag pipe to no where!!! But looks sweet.

[@wmalik1657]

Wheres the agi pipe outlet to dispose water..

[@ankitsrivastava9101]

Do you put water over the sand and cement mix?

[@AdbriMasonryAus]

There's no need to add water once the wall is built. The base will set over time.

[@Bud4Ooz]

How’d you do the skit turn with the caps

[@AdbriMasonryAus]

Hi Eli, for the curve you will need to use a brick saw to cut some angles off the edge. The size of the angles you cut off will depend on the curve of the wall, but think really narrow slices of pizza off each cap on the curve, so the end result looks like a curve rather than the edge of an octagon. I've included a video below on using a brick saw if that helps. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oIuZoHWPfbaofpI

[@Bud4Ooz]

Adbri Masonry oh man, thanks. 👍

[@freshpootube]

Not a very deep trench for a retaining wall. You thinking it'll be OK because it's sandy soil?

[@AStanton1966]

Any retaining wall 3 feet or shorter is mainly cosmetic and you don't have to be too fussy. When you start getting up over 3 feet in height, you better know what you're doing. I've seen a tall wall, that someone in my neighborhood probably spent over $10,000 for it, fall over. If you live in a cold climate, you don't want any wet earth to freeze behind the wall and push it over.

[@dannykrinkle4726]

Can I find your products in the US?

[@ashleygould8273]

I have bought these blocks and intend to lay the on an existing slab 60cm high by 6m. A few questions.. 1) do I need to lay a mortar bed for the first course? 2) Will the wall be ok if I intend to waterproof it.. (the amount of dirt/gravel it is retaining is very minimal) 3) Do I need rebar for this job if waterproofing is done? Thanks

[@AdbriMasonryAus]

Hi Ashley. If you're only building to 600mm, the compacted roadbase followed by sand and cement mix that Jason outlines here will be fine. Waterproofing will be fine and there is no need to add rebar, so long as you fill the blocks with gravel and backfill with gravel behind the wall. Essentially everything done in this video will suit your build.

[@rickyboy1947]

PISA STONE WALLS ARE THE BEST

[@billyreydarusin8004]

Hi that’s the awesome job. Where to buy them blocks?

[@AdbriMasonryAus]

Hi Billy, these blocks are available from landscaping supply stores throughout Australia. If you can use the link below to find the nearest reseller to your postcode. www.adbrimasonry.com.au/find-your-nearest-reseller-partner/

[@phillysphinest3946]

Camera man brought the perks

[@jamesknight3057]

Thank you for speaking metric! No bothersome translations necessary..

[@rickfarmer1130]

I watched enough of your video to know that your retaining wall will eventually start tipping toward the down-slope. Retaining walls need to be L-shaped, with the wider base (being at least twice as wide as the wall height) being buried under the soil on the uphill side to prevent being pushed over. This is simply a stopgap that looks nice for a while.

[@nathanwells9136]

Where would the drainage go? Wouldn't it get caught in the L shape you made and push it forward?

[@taylormcpherson1087]

y

[@tyronekim3506]

Nice video. You put glue on the top (cover) stone to hold it down but not in the adjoining concrete blocks. Why not glue the concrete blocks together?

[@AdbriMasonryAus]

Thanks Tyron. That's a good question. With the interlocking joints and lugs of the Versawall® blocks, so long as you core fill the blocks with bluestone, there is ample weight to hold the wall solid. The caps just need glue to hold them in place on top.

[@tyronekim3506]

@@AdbriMasonryAus Thanks for the clarification. Best wishes.

[@Showmeyourpootypoo]

Hit it with a "wacka"

[@jagjotoberoi4095]

How do I build this on a sloping block?

[@AdbriMasonryAus]

It's hard to say without seeing the site, but depending on the elevation of the slope, you would need to dig out a level area where you can build the wall, and possibly put multiple walls in to make a tiered wall system.

[@lordbutz]

Is there an English version?

[@BazColne]

Some of us get frost.

[@shoofle]

How do you cut the cap stones for the curve 🤔

[@AdbriMasonryAus]

Hi Shoofle - we have a video that shows you how to cut pavers and cap stones. You will need a brick saw though. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oIuZoHWPfbaofpI

[@richier1ch]

How deep should the first block be if my height is 650?

[@TheCallmom]

What about just building a normal wall. Not one for retaining. Would these work just fine with same method? Or would they not be sturdy enough?

[@christybambi]

yeh it would, if it is a long wall on a slope make sure u have gaps for drainage.

[@ronmortimer252]

Nice little retaining wall...now if we can just get rid of that ugly looking fence. :)

[@quasidafa]

where does the Ag line lead to?

[@AdbriMasonryAus]

Hi there, Thank you for your question. Jason would have connected it to a storm water drain if there was one nearby or had it drain out of the side wall. If you need assisting with yours, feel free to contact us by emailing [e-mail] with further details of your project.

[@lantourismo7352]

Where can we get these in WA?

[@AdbriMasonryAus]

Hi there, This product is not available in WA. There is the option to order this from our SA location. Please email [e-mail] if you would like to speak further.

[@waterbird91]

I would rather go w/ solid blocks. Rainwater could get inside hollow bricks & blow out the wall. I saw u filled in the hollow bricks w/stones, but u wouldn't have to do that w/solid bricks. Just a suggestion.

[@Liberallez]

What's the "glue"?

[@AdbriMasonryAus]

Hi Liberallez. Any quality masonry adhesive will do the trick. We don't recommend any particular brand as there are so many available and they differ from state to state / store to store.

[@Sammy213]

"start square, you'll finish square" unless you're me😆

[@AStanton1966]

Also start in the lowest spot.

[@taweewatjankhampa746]

Can you provide the company name that sells that type of brick, sir?

[@marcusmccreight1403]

BIG JO APC sells them. (australian paver center) versawall

[@AdbriMasonryAus]

Adbri Masonry manufacturer the product Big Jo, if you let me know where you reside in Australia, I can put you in touch with a local supplier.

[@michaelfalk1686]

Why didn't you follow the construction guidelines? "Fill cores and 300mm behind each course with granular rock (blue metal) for drainage and compact"

[@taweewatjankhampa746]

Adbri Masonry Wow, thanks but be living here in the Northeast of Thailand, really appreciate that!

[@stevendiiorio2211]

@@AdbriMasonryAus hi can I fill these blocks and back fill with scoria? I have heaps left over from another job. Thanks

[@jimmyjames6318]

Great vid, thanks. If only you sold this block in the U.S.A.

[@imammesum]

this is moss missguided way ... way to go

[@debbieduvall4847]

What type of glue is the best. He never mentions a type or brand of glue

[@AdbriMasonryAus]

Hi Debbie. There are no particular brands of glue we recommend. So long as it is designed for masonry applications, it will do the trick.

[@wallacelux]

"hit it witha wacker" love it

[@deldridg]

Mate - our council 'workers' are unlikely to be holding a shovel. :-)

[@nasqad3357]

deldridg the only thing they can hold is a pen lol

[@deldridg]

@@nasqad3357 ...and they don't do that very well either. Our DA application has been in since early August 2019 despite bold proclamations of a 3 month turnaround! 9 months and counting!!!

[@thearchibaldtuttle]

How high can the retaining wall be using this type of foundation?

[@seansmith8786]

Anything above 3' consider talking to a structural engineer.

[@AdbriMasonryAus]

Hi Archibald, our Versawall Blocks can be built up to 800mm (4 courses) without reinforcement. Anything higher than that you will need to talk to a structural engineer as Sean said, or utilise the engineering specifications in our retaining wall brochure. These diagrams when adhered to are recoqnised by local councils when it comes to height restrictions.

[@danielthomas5844]

CAN'T BELIEVE YOU USED THAT OLD DINOSOUAR COMPACTOR ON THE FOOTING

[@Paintballguru92]

Hey why doesn't mine look like that?! :(

[@AdbriMasonryAus]

I don't know, did you use our DIY friendly interlocking blocks?

[@Paintballguru92]

@@AdbriMasonryAus So far I only have the trench halfway dug haha. I was making the homer simpson DIY joke.

[@dv8tyler692]

363 people actually know how to build a retaining wall.

[@jamesdavis8731]

the wall looks great, no doubt. But I would doubt the structural integrity of the wall. No vertical or horizontal rebar. Loose gravel inside the blocks. Nothing solid like concrete inside the blocks. Not sure about this. Certainly not what I have seen built in the United States. And the thing is, adding the rebar and concrete in the blocks would increase the price, but make the wall soooooooooooooo much stronger. I guess with this wall the price is the main consideration.

[@AdbriMasonryAus]

Hi James, you're right, price is one of the main considerations for this block system. While reo bar and concrete fill would of course make any wall stronger, these blocks have been designed by engineers so that their own weight, when filled with aggregate and the correct drainage and infill is used, is heavy enough to withstand the soil it retains up to four courses high. For walls higher than 800mm we definitely recommend an engineered wall with more structural reinforcement, but for 800mm or less it's just an unnecessary expense when the wall will hold. If you have any doubts I can put you in touch with one of our engineers.

[@davehelmVO]

Is there an American version of this video? Asking for a friend.

[@firesurfer]

There are only like 100 of them.

[@cobbricklaying6120]

I like ice cream 🍦

[@RafaelRamirez-vk4vu]

I never saw the barbie , or the shrimp....

[@danielthomas5844]

why did you dig the trench so deep and bury all of the first block? I would dig a much more shallow and narrow trench and so i didnt waste money on those expensive blocks. I would put the blocks on a concrete base and tap them level when the concrete is wet so the blocks lock onto the concrete. Then I'd fill the first course with a bit more wet concrete and lean them back into the earth. why did you put the gravel in each time you laid a course? I'd build the whole wall first then pour the gravel in the top, as this JUST MAKES SENCE. otherwise you have to sweep gravel off EVERYBLOCK, EVERYTIME. LIQUID NAILS DOES NOT WORK MUST USE CERAMIC GLUE why dont the caps have indents to allow for them to sit securley on the blocks with out having to knock off the lugs? A small child could easily drag the caps off and have it fall on their head… BECAUSE LIQUID NAILS DOES NOT WORK MUST USE CERAMIC GLUE. why didnt you offset the caps evenly? Why arent the caps made to suit the length of the block? because the caps are shorter than the length of the block this means its impossible to evenly offset the caps AND YOU HAVE TO BUY MORE CAPS THAN BLOCKS THUS INCREASING THE COSTS TO CUSTOMER (AND OF COURSE SALES PROFIT FOR SUPPLIER) why are the final shots of the wall all distorted and therefore makes it VERY HARD TO SEE THE FINAL RESULT?

[@liamwindsor5854]

Why’d you watch the video if you know it all ya goose

[@completeconcepts3643]

Haha Fkn dick

[@allenletizia321]

why not just use sand? Then lay first row down on sand . I was going use sand .

[@AdbriMasonryAus]

Hi Allen. We'd advise against just using sand as it won't be as stable. By adding cement in with the sand it will hold firm over time.

[@allenletizia321]

@@AdbriMasonryAus Thank you .

[@120ohm]

Looks great and installs quick but does anyone honestly think that's the proper way to build a retaining wall??? I'll admit I've never been to Australia, maybe they have some crazy "gravity"... In my opinion it takes very little extra effort to lay some rebar and pour a proper footer, mortar your joints, and dowel/grout a few verticals. I've seen far to many "retaining walls" crumble apart and the owner is left doing it all over again... I'm all for DIY projects and innovative building materials aimed at those with less experience. But the product shouldn't sacrifice its ability to preform just so it can be made easier to install. Should always respect the elements and build stuff to last! Its like the peal and stick flooring of retaining walls.

[@AdbriMasonryAus]

Hi Justin - valid concerns, but I can assure these blocks have been designed by engineers so that their own weight, when filled with aggregate and the correct drainage and infill is used, is heavy enough to withstand the soil it retains up to four courses high. For walls higher than 800mm we definitely do recommend an engineered wall with rebar and concrete footer, but for 800mm or less it's just an unnecessary expense when the wall will hold. If you have any doubts I can put you in touch with one of our engineers.

[@ryszardmilaszewski9218]

Ha Ha Ha!!!

[@africanhistory]

So the council workers down under do that also? I thought it was an African thing.