Building a DIY RETAINING WALL with CONCRETE BLOCKS & LIGHTS!

[@craftedworkshop]

Catch up on the entire (Not So Tiny) House Build Series here : kzbin.info/aero/PLlG1IdP-XNnmVsgBODfKbtPu-LFi6F7bB 📹 SUBSCRIBE : goo.gl/V5gcNJ Purchase (Not So Tiny) Tiny House Building Plans : bit.ly/notsotiny

[@Ree1981]

HP Love Crafted

[@JimPepperTactical]

I’m a hobby woodworker which is how I found your channel. I do retaining walls and patios for a living so I would like to think I know what I’m doing. Other than a couple minor inefficiencies on time you did a phenomenal job and basically everything correct. Amount of money you saved is substantial by doing it yourself. Just goes to show you that being fearless and doing your homework always pays off. Strong ass work man

[@craftedworkshop]

Thanks a lot, Jim! Definitely reassuring having a pro approve the work.

[@blamuk]

I can't help but to feel that ot would have been MUCH faster/easier to pour a concrete footing and level that instead of burying a full course of blocks after so much leveling work.......I'd probably just then pour the whole wall in concrete and stamp it, but thats a different product entirely. But with the road base/gravel/leveling etc. and the blocks arent cheap, a concrete footer seems to make most sense.

[@jadesystem]

Incredible video. Never seen anything like it. One man's vision from start to finish is extraordinary. This is unconventional and very sophisticated. Most people would of just put in a deck but this man is a visionary beyond the scope of mediocrity. You dream it, you build mountains with it. Thank you for setting high standards upping the bar on unique projects. You're a modern day Moses building a unique city for Pharaoh !!

[@aztecharomor]

adding soil in 6" lifts and actually compacting it. Crafted Workshop, as a geotechnical engineer in training and a former inspector, you don't how happy it makes me to see someone actually do this. I have failed more job sites than I can really remember for not doing this one thing.

[@harryl7946]

Not even building a retainer but yet I still watched it all the way through. 🤣

[@craftedworkshop]

Nice, thanks!

[@experiment_lain3292]

Zero intentions as well 😂 but I wanna do something with those blocks.

[@objektivone3209]

Very intelligent hands and mindset of the same guy who at the same time has high pedagogical skills. This is rarely seen with youtubers. If the project is done without the support of professional media people, then I am very impressed.

[@craftedworkshop]

Yup, just me and my camera, thanks a lot!

[@cpe1704tks.]

The million dollar wall. Nice work, I'm jealous.

[@jadesystem]

Very professional project. I've never seen anything like it. Its unconventional and unique - why be normal !! Its captivating to watch and to absorb talent apart from our own abilities. What is amazing is the focus and determination of such a grand project; that what they've envisioned is the exact end results. It never dawned on me that you could bury cinder blocks below the surface as a footer. Nor did I see any mortar between blocks or concrete mixed and poured. Its something new to me yet stretches my intellect on new ways of thinking. Since concrete is not used, the blocks can easily be dug-up and repositioned. The geometry and mathematical calculations was right-on before each leg. Just a well-planned, well-thought out, and well executed project from true artisans and craftsmen. .

[@brandon7968]

Major props for getting this done, This gives me a new found respect for any kind of masonry guys. The amount of stuff you need to know & tools needed to create something that seems so simple on the surface is insane. Keep killing it!

[@craftedworkshop]

No kidding, this was a HUGE learning experience and gave me massive respect for hardscape pros. Thanks!

[@NATHANBUILDS]

Dude, this is a huge project. Looks fantastic. I need to find an Eddie.

[@GreenRiverRider]

I used Cornerstone 100 when I built a retaining wall in February 2020 to level the area where I'm building my detached garage. It's great block and really easy to work with.

[@craftedworkshop]

Yup, definitely glad I went with their system, plus their instructions were excellent.

[@alexfruci5349]

Way to go man, You are definitely my favorite channel on the tube!

[@craftedworkshop]

Wow, thanks!

[@SynthVerseSounds]

Man I just can't wait to see the final product. It looks amazing already.

[@craftedworkshop]

You and me both! Super excited for it to continue looking better and better.

[@GooseGuyHonk]

Really enjoying this series.

[@craftedworkshop]

Thanks Zac!

[@T.E.P..]

this whole project has been incredible to watch ... absolutely amazing and GINORMOUS learning experience. So glad the Perkins Brothers brought attention this way. All the vids on this project are good rewatching tooo

[@timpgod]

I just can't get enough. I hope you're adding an edition to your house next...

[@craftedworkshop]

Hah, I've got another big project potentially in the works once this one is wrapped up!

[@laineromagnola6671]

When i saw the model of the patio I actually said wow out loud.

[@rhondakennedy819]

I've never seen those kinds of blocks. I'm a fan of wood & stone. Be kind to one another. Stay safe. Love to all

[@vicd7350]

The skidsteer and the mini ex are game changers.

[@craftedworkshop]

For sure!

[@mohedaicebear]

man I hate waiting for these. I want watch all of them 😁 like a movie they're so good

[@mikemcgown6362]

So just binge watch it once the series is completed.

[@craftedworkshop]

Hah, thanks! Maybe go back and rewatch them in the meantime, it's been fun for me to do that along the way.

[@WaynesWorldStudioVancouver]

I done my retainer wall by myself with those 75lbs block sure is a work out especially I have wheel them in 40 feet. Cutting the corner caps sure is tricky I think I have to redo few of them. Those lights are nice, wish your video was done four years ago, I sure can learn from that. Thanks!

[@ModernRemade]

I cannot even begin to comprehend working through a project of that scale; let alone while filming too. Legendary 👏

[@FlyingAceAV8B]

That is a significant amount of work and you are doing it correctly. I’m sure it will last longer than most of us.

[@Tyler0maha]

I’m jealous of two parts here. Having someone with the backhoe to assist with digging, and second the dirt appears to not be what I had on my property which is clay. Thick - heavy - full of rocks and trees clay. Why couldn’t you have started this project last year lol. Anyhoozles, looks awesome! Great job

[@mikemcgown6362]

Thanks for the video! We're going to be building a house this summer and the area we're building on has a slight grade difference so a flat slab patio wouldn't work. This idea is a good idea for our problem. I wouldn't want the ground to be level all the way to the house. Has to have a slope away from the house. Deck posts wouldn't be as permanent as the block wall, so I decided against the posts. We'll have a porch on the front and a patio on the rear. This idea would work out real good for our property. Once again, thanks for the video! Wish you well with the rest of your project!

[@craftedworkshop]

No problem, glad it was helpful and it sounds like this would work great in your situation!

[@mikeweckesser4450]

nicely done. Its amazing what goes into a properly done retaining wall and paver patio. Exactly why its hard to find good walls that actually hold up over time.

[@craftedworkshop]

Yup, can definitely see why people skimp on the details, so much work!

[@vgmijpn8ball]

My back hurts just watching this. Great work!

[@johnsimmons532]

Great job you sure do learn fast

[@craftedworkshop]

Lots of time spent researching on this one, but I think it paid off!

[@kennethharwood2083]

Born in Asheville, lived on Biltmore just south of McCormick's Sports Park and then on Whitefawn Dr. Still have some family in the area.

[@craftedworkshop]

Nice, we love it here!

[@sapelesteve]

Awesome work Johnny & Crew! Looking forward to seeing the finished product... 👍👍

[@craftedworkshop]

Thanks! Excited to start getting the inside of the house finished out.

[@imraneo]

So satisfying watching this series. Incredible learning experience as well. Thank you! 🤘🏼🤘🏼

[@craftedworkshop]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@matmcpaul9060]

Why no geo textile fabric around the drain?

[@debybrooke157]

grueling!!! really making progress!!

[@davecurda2350]

Wow a ton of work but it’s going to be spectacular

[@craftedworkshop]

Thanks Dave, the finished space is AWESOME!

[@Katballe19]

Looking very good! 😊

[@craftedworkshop]

Much appreciated!

[@Wordsnwood]

The return of crouching Johnny! 😁 I had to say, my body is in pain just watching this. Looks great, but not me, man!

[@craftedworkshop]

Hah, the #johnnysquat returns! And yes, it was pretty dang taxing on the body, glad to have the project behind me.

[@kennethjohnston1891]

Great job on the patio. I commented negatively on the little deck but I have to say you did an awesome job on the patio and retaining wall!

[@craftedworkshop]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jojomojo9823]

Very beautiful lights. Most night lights just create light pollution and do not light up the areas around them all that well. In the 90s there was a French company which used computers to calculate how to best light up things, while at the same time minimizing light pollution. And some part of Paris were light up after their consulting. And wow, when you what that looks like, you start hating normal lights.

[@chrisnorwood2302]

Starting a retaining wall build with this same block this week if the weather holds up. Honestly not looking forward to it, but looking forward to the end result

[@edwardkenny2356]

Excellent work 👍

[@craftedworkshop]

Thank you!

[@thereefaholic]

Looks great and very OCD. I love the “a tool for every job” way you work. But I need to ask why “daylight” the drain under the house?

[@marks-0-0]

I have a real dislike for wooden decking so would definitely opt for a similar system fo this, well done.

[@SpencleyDesignCo]

Each video pulls me more into it! Feels like I’m actually building it with you! Keep up the excellent work 👍

[@craftedworkshop]

Thanks a lot man, cool to see you following along!

[@berkc06]

Looks sick man

[@craftedworkshop]

Thanks!

[@briansschneider]

Wow, great job. Huge space. Great video, thanks!

[@m0nsterman902]

This is why a straight line can be much easier. Sometimes technology doesn’t make things faster. You could’ve used a string line for your base too

[@rosswheatley1577]

Well done

[@craftedworkshop]

Thanks!

[@tokf33]

I think the real star of the show is that hat

[@NASTYcraftX]

Out of all the parts of this project, this one is a big NOPE for me haha. That did not look enjoyable at all. I think I would have paid any amount of money to contract that out.

[@craftedworkshop]

Hah, it was surprisingly rewarding but definitely a TON of work. Contracting it out would have been MAJOR $$$!

[@wkm001]

I'm with you Nick, this looks awful. The end result looks awesome and the video is great. But the work involved looks awful.

[@derekgardner1861]

I own a hardscaping business and I definitely suggest paying someone to do it. And that's my completely non-biased opinion

[@bigbadstad]

I was thinking the same thing. Thanks for doing this video. You just convinced me to pay someone 😂

[@supermo26]

Stamped concrete

[@kennedyngure8662]

Satisfying work

[@Anton-no3ey]

Super! Nice Job

[@craftedworkshop]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@yvusglass6616]

Thank you very much, informative video. I wish you success in future projects. Good luck.

[@christocoetzer6847]

Hi, great video. Are you able to share you Sketchup model? I am trying to figure out how to do gradient/contours/slopes on a Sketchup model. Thanks, Chris

[@Cliffepoos]

Great video series dude. I have a question if I may, which is, why not just build a bigger deck instead of the patio? Wouldn't it have been cheaper to do and taken a lot less time and effort and eliminated the need for machine rental? Do you have any reason other than asthetics? I mean, if you prefer the look of the patio that is all the reason you need, but I just wondered if there is another reason I am missing? Cheers.

[@perpetualgrimace]

The homeowner's association limited the size of the building, and the deck counts towards that limit if I recall correctly

[@Cliffepoos]

@@perpetualgrimace That would certainly explain it. Thank you.

[@craftedworkshop]

That's exactly right!

[@davidnewkirk2438]

@@craftedworkshop Oh wow that's a big deal. I kept wondering why not just build a deck! SUCH an effort for the patio. (The quality you built it at surely you could park a truck on it!). Thanks for the videos

[@jays_not_here_man]

Very nice work, and great description as you go, thanks!

[@craftedworkshop]

Glad you liked it!

[@dlswot8950]

Excellent video 👍

[@rand0mtv660]

Man, shout-out to Eddie! Dude helped you out a ton! :)

[@T_157-40]

With corner posts; you could make permanent and beautiful raised garden beds. I want those in US.

[@claytonwarrington2878]

Looking good!

[@craftedworkshop]

Thanks!

[@YouTubeJunkie2023]

Very well done!

[@MCsCreations]

Pretty amazing work, dude! But it's a damn heavy work as well! 😬 Take care with your back! Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@craftedworkshop]

No kidding, was nice to have a few solid days of editing to rest up! Thanks!

[@bholuwhoop5944]

Hey Johnny, I think it would be great if there would be like a roof or something like that on top of the patio.... Great video by the way, loved it :)

[@craftedworkshop]

That would be cool! I'm planning to add a large umbrella to add some shade in the space.

[@bholuwhoop5944]

@@craftedworkshop Nice :)

[@wendylow5748]

Yay Eddie!

[@VladislavCantea]

nice hat man

[@craftedworkshop]

The safari hat, as I call it? That thing was sweet but it was too difficult to take my hearing protection in and out so I kind of quit wearing it.

[@thomashuisman8128]

Am I the only one who’s getting excited about the laser and started making pew pew pew sounds?😂

[@WELDEROFMASTER]

Very good brother thanks you videos tutorial next time 👌👍👍

[@craftedworkshop]

Thanks!

[@gigavault7529]

Is the retaining wall level al around with the pavers sloped? Trying to do something similar. Thanks

[@pr0mptish]

has mini ex, uses shovel :D love it good build man looks great

[@drserge714]

why not build a deck out of trex thats longer than a foot extending from your house? whats the purpose of the retaining wall?

[@devancebowen]

Omg overwhelming is a understatement 😑

[@craftedworkshop]

😂

[@joematterer4260]

Did you account for slope at all? Im building a similar wall with the cornerstone 100 blocks and this was a helpful look at what to expect.

[@charliecolasante3776]

Hey bud great job. How did u make your 3D plans? The pictures showing us what your gonna do. Very interested in that. Thanks. Good work.

[@roymcelwee9334]

Dude. You’re killing it. Hopefully your chest is all good now.

[@Stan7670]

Damn, you guys are good.

[@JeanRoi]

That’s some project 👍🏿

[@craftedworkshop]

Definitely was a ton of work!

[@BigDertskitchen]

Yah man this one was a good one!! take a break, but not too long we really want to see more of this house build lol!!!

[@craftedworkshop]

Hah, thanks! Next video will be on the porcelain pavers, then a video on building a cool outdoor table for the patio, then back inside to get the house finished out!

[@BigDertskitchen]

Nice we can’t wait

[@markymarc3384]

The patio design looks exactly like what @TheChristianHardscaper did in his videos

[@Tony-nl6pf]

How much was this project?? Seems like it cost more than the house itself.

[@coffeefortwosolly]

Done it again 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 🙋🏻‍♀️🇬🇧💕jane

[@craftedworkshop]

Thanks!

[@zacharywest8634]

Great work! Looks good, well explained, learned a lot but...why didn’t you just build a deck? Seems as if you did enough grading that you could

[@tonyaction5284]

Why didn’t you use mortar to bond the blocks?

[@tomaszwida]

how much did u pay for a gravel of this size? are these materials also marked up same as lumber is? also can u share the price of these wall blocks? are they expensive? im looking at lowes and the price is around $4-5 with these whole in them

[@gruntsauce1513]

Hey man if you don't mind, what was that 3d modeling software you used? Thanks!

[@sergalvisc]

After the video, the only thing I was thinking. Why that construction didn't have a concrete base 🤣🤣. You should've opted for a concrete base 👍

[@snackgila]

👍👍👍👍👍👍. Thank you

[@mariushegli]

I have nothing to say really, but I appreciate your content, and wish to help with the yt-algorithms.

[@craftedworkshop]

👍

[@jhonatas5104]

This is a little off topic but you sound just like Tyler from Music is win

[@FabianRoman-l3e]

What 3D modeling software do you use or recommend?

[@luizzahome]

tebrikler başarılar usta güzel iş oldu :)

[@craftedworkshop]

Teşekkürler!

[@YoshEeve]

What battery powered caulking gun did you use?

[@VanDerPol]

Step 1: Convince your wife you need a super large patio area for garden dinner partys. Step 2: "Honey, the patio is too large to move the gravel by hand." Step 3: Rent skid steer. Step 4: Childhood dream come true - Skid Steer Madness all day long!!!

[@craftedworkshop]

Basically! Like a kid in a huge sandbox 😁

[@adamritchey4209]

Hey, since I know you have tons of free time(LOL), would it be possible at some point to get a basic run through on how to use sketchup? I have 26 years of computer experience, including programming and all that, but I cannot make that program work for me to save my ass lol. It just doesn't click with me for some reason.

[@bamabry]

A great woodworking channel did an excellent video on this. It's what I used to learn kzbin.info/www/bejne/qGOuZ5qjmMiSoKM

[@keepingupwiththejamess5295]

Where can I get these blocks from I live in wales

[@Chrisfragger1]

Mind if I ask, How long did this take and how much did it cost?

[@williambrown1172]

Does your neighborhood, HOA, city, or county require written permission from each of the property owners who ajoin your property? I remember when you started this you spoke a bit about the HOA approval, but I was curious if that process included neighbor approval? Thanks

[@mikemcgown6362]

I wouldn't live in a neighborhood that has a HOA!

[@craftedworkshop]

The HOA is the one who gives permission, but they did speak to my neighbors during the approval process.

[@abelyanez2162]

What was the spacing from one light to the next? In other words how apart you place the lights

[@craftedworkshop]

I just divided the number of lights on each face of the wall so they were spaced evenly. They weren't exactly the same on each wall.

[@bob81pizza]

That's a track loader, not a skid steer. But yes, super fun to play with

[@davecarter4129]

Doge might have dropped, but at least I get some Tiny House build action this morning!

[@craftedworkshop]

Hodl Doge and GME!

[@davecarter4129]

@@craftedworkshop I've always thought you were a very smart guy... now I know I was right all these years... HODL!!!

[@bogey19018]

No soil stabilizer?

[@MichaelFinnell]

Just curious...why did you go with paver patio and not just a wooden deck? Lumber prices?

[@mikemcgown6362]

Just his choice.

[@craftedworkshop]

HOA limited the footprint of the building, and that footprint included the deck. Hence this separate paver patio!

[@MichaelFinnell]

@@craftedworkshop thats nuts. I hate HOAs. Looks great though!