HOW TO BUILD A RETAINING WALL

This DIY retaining wall construction project is all about how to build a retaining wall from start to finish. This block retaining wall shows the step by step process of making a retaining wall from excavation, to crushed rock base, to installing cement blocks and top cap. Bring Your Own Tools (#BYOTools 170).
Apparel List:
-Georgia Boots: bit.ly/2UNJIAC
-BYOT Shirt: bit.ly/36tsgE0
-Knee Pads: amzn.to/3y2T0XT
Material List:
-Belgard Retaining Wall BLock: low.es/3RxqNCk
-Belgard Top Cap: low.es/3qykRwU
-Larger Retaining Wall Block (Not Shown In Video) low.es/3U3uvoT
-Ground Cover: amzn.to/2Wb5YVJ
-4" Drain Pipe: amzn.to/3syejyG
-4" End Cap: amzn.to/3D9c8Xs
Tool List:
-Tape Measure amzn.to/3hrUYeG
-Wheel Barrel homedepot.sjv.io/4eaXo9
-Shovel amzn.to/3x4onRd
-Circular Saw goo.gl/itL8ST
-Circular Saw Blade amzn.to/3qqKL5R
-Speed Square amzn.to/2FrIuQK
-6' Level amzn.to/2J301Qo
-2' Level amzn.to/2RuPUHF
-Hammer Drill amzn.to/34Rec6m
-1/2" Hammer Drill Bit amzn.to/2S6pTU6
-Utility Knife amzn.to/2SsOToC
MUSIC:
0:00 - Venice Beach: Topher Mohr & Alex Elena
15:22 - Pata Pata: Miriam Makeba (Matt Cherne Remix) www.chernebeats.com
#byot #diy #howto

[@The_real_dylan]

You would never get this quality of a wall from a landscape contractor when they found out it was 1 foot. Nice job.

[@valeriebeauchemin1178]

I am fully impressed! It’s just a complete kzbin.infoUgkxGqOCINHE0Z0E5gxzSdNi9NWGugRY5Hm2 plan with the best resources and step by step instructions . These shed plans are so satisfying as if the sheds build themselves on their own. Worthy work Ryan!

[@Fpv___]

Used the same blocks and caps in early spring and made 2 flower beds. The grey really looks good.

[@brochslanders1845]

Nice, I'm glad we got that done. Felt like I was there every step of the way :)

[@BryanTangren]

What a great video! Covered everything except costs, though I'd assume that would vary by area. Thanks for even breaking down the different types of stone used and their purposes.

[@Brian18741]

Great job Brent, looks great! 👍

[@matthewmeyerj]

The wall looks so natural like it has always been there. Before it just looked like a tripping hazard. I’m betting before with rain, it was a muddy mess.

[@dc5duben96]

all ur diy videos are gold! really helps all the newbees like me lol

[@spicynomad]

i would have never think to put a retaining wall right there, brent. i always thought they were for uneven and slope land. it turned out pretty to. retaining walls can be cumbersome and ugly. sometimes they arent built well from the base. im going to consider this kind of wall for flat areas. well done.

[@jasonkendal3407]

Very nice - great time lapse video.

[@jetlaggedchef6806]

Terrific project! I actually used the same blocks to built a 100 foot retaining wall across the back of my house. You guys don't often get the torrential downpours in PNW like we do in Florida, but I do have one suggestion for the project. That yard looks fairly level... it wouldn't have taken any effort to add one more row of bricks, then use sand to slightly grade the yard away from the house. One thing we know in Florida is water abatement... and the key to that is sloping the yard away from the house, especially if you have a retaining wall that drops down to the house.

[@deevpavel]

Один из не многих блогеров из США, который говорит грамотно и по делу!

[@russianaloha4576]

This is BEAUTIFUL

[@jackfoxxx68]

Nice looking wall and great job. Just as an FYI the 3/4 - 1/4 angular goes down 90% compacted. We use that for all of our base layers 95% of the time. Love your content BTW.

[@Moondoggy1941]

Nice job, it looks really nice.

[@vhomukwevho]

Our very own Miriam "Mama Africa" Makeba on the sound tracks 15:24. You have just gained a new subscriber

[@fallbrkgrl]

Very nice 👍! Unfortunately, I'm one of the folks that doesn't do all of the necessary prep work...you know, the "instant gratification" type 😏 I really need to start working on this issue. Thanks for another great project! ❤️🌵☀️⛈️🌈☮️

[@BYOTools]

We all have a little of that in us Laurie haha! Thanks for watching and all the support :)

[@jtek5si]

Thank you for the tutorial.

[@HectorRivera-gs3zt]

That is freaking awesome

[@jim9520]

Great video.

[@Simon-zz3iz]

Please add a break down cost of the material. It helps to know how much would such projects cost. Thank you!

[@ranganathanraju8061]

very nice and useful video

[@sunnindawg]

Excellent

[@freddygutierrez902]

Nice video. Curios why you chose wooven fabric over nonwoven, since it's filtration properties aren't as good as nonwoven.

[@aaronyfong]

Awesome vid as usual. What boots are those? Thanks!

[@SunFirefarm-qh3fn]

Most appreciative of English and proper grammar.

[@user-xd6lk9nz4u]

Great project! I'm wondering if you think it would be an issue in the future when dirt gets sprayed off of the concrete into the french drain area...over time it could build up. How would you address that? Thanks!

[@jonathanhall5127]

I’m thinking rope lights might look good under the top cap?

[@LouisianaPlanting]

Question, how many inches did you offset each brick on the top tier? Looks like maybe 4 inches? We are using the same Belgard bricks and I didn’t hear you mention that but in the video it looks offset by some inches please advise.

[@anindirizky5711]

Perfect timing. I'm looking for tips for draining the water in my house to make it look more beautiful

[@BYOTools]

Great to hear and glad the video helped :)

[@johnlee7085]

Do be sure though, that when you put in drainage pipe, the holes always go down. There’s no need for the sock when the pipe is installed correctly. Also, if using an underdrain pipe, be sure to use drain rock, 3/4” open graded without the fines.

[@johnomahoney7755]

Nice

[@JamieVauxnut1]

Call me old fashioned but I like my retaining walls fixed to the ground normally a concrete footing or pins and mortar in the joints...

[@BYOTools]

Good point Jamie and that is something I would consider if this was a larger retaining wall but since it’s so small there is no need for that in my opinion. Hopefully I can take on a larger retaining wall in the future. Thanks for watching!

[@MrChazzahc]

@@BYOTools professionally answered

[@JamieVauxnut1]

@@BYOTools definitely see it as more decorative and not taking much load at all so don't see it moving much over a period of years. Just personally if I were doing it for a paying client I'd stick to old fashioned methods to be belt and braces, just avoid even the slightest problem. On your own property something like that is cool and at least its a way of testing durability for future projects 👍

[@johnlee7085]

Technically, this is called a landscape wall and not a retaining wall. Less than 3’ of grade change. Yes, a retaining wall does need a foundation, though not necessarily a poured concrete foundation. Lots of modern advancements.

[@TrainFlood]

“Old fashioned” be a dry wall-no mortar only gravity and tightly fitting stones. They last hundreds of years easily.

[@rodi505]

So nice and clean. Wish it was taller so you could see more.

[@odesamusic]

How many tubes of adhesive did you have to use for that? thanks

[@AinnurAUDIYAndaraa32_]

love❤

[@Moondoggy1941]

3' x 3' 1/4" plywood is your friend, use it once use them a hundred times, put all your dirt and grass on it, makes clean up so much easier.

[@chrischan3199]

Where did you tie in your pvc pipe to?

[@vigneshmpn]

Can you please share the gravel base you used? Probably add a link to it in the description. What do you think about using paver base?

[@johnlee7085]

Paver base is too small an aggregate for supporting a wall. 3/4” base rock, or roadway base is what you would ask for at the material yard. If you’re putting in drainage pipe, be sure the holes always go down. It’s backwards in the video. There’s no need for the sock when the pipe is installed correctly. Also, if using an underdrain pipe, be sure to use drain rock, 3/4” open graded without the fines instead of the base rock.

[@eszyx8062]

:) first from esteban great job

[@BYOTools]

Well done and thanks for watching!

[@goatiger]

What is the block called and where did you get it?

[@ifiwooddesigns]

Silly question. One area in my backyard has a pitch which would require a lot of dirt removal to dig down 6”. Would it be ideal to just dig a couple inches, add landscaping fabric and stones without the crushed rock? Only reason is that removing that much dirt and disposing of it would be a nightmare.

[@johnlee7085]

You could, but without a solid foundation the wall might be unstable and move.

[@TommyG_0311]

Oh man, I had to use a SDS demo hammer when I was building my deck and it was an absolute lifesaver, and back saver. 🤣

[@BYOTools]

Literally One of the best tool purchases I ever made for myself. Saved a lot of time and my back for sure haha!

[@johnlee7085]

It can be done in many cases without the hammer by presoaking the area. Clay soil is quite pliable when wet, though tools are more fun. Done both.

[@joehanika]

One thing I would recommend to those looking to do this, I would throw some sand between the crush rock and the blocks. Really helps leveling them! Curious why you did not? Any reason?

[@BYOTools]

Good question Joe. Sand would make it easier to level but I find that sand destroys your ability to have a level base that won't move for years to come. You never see sand used on a large retaining wall and the same principle is applied here. Thanks for asking the question and for watching.

[@porksmush]

Can you give any tips on doing something similar with a down slope? I'm currently trying to do my first project at my house and I'm doing a sort of retaining wall/raised flower bed on a front section of the house, but the slope at the top (where I plan to start) to the bottom is about a 13" difference. I've tried doing math and visualizing it many times and just confuse myself like crazy, then I got all the material and just started moving things around trying to figure it out that way. I'm currently waiting for the yard to dry up after heavy rain yesterday so I can't do much right now. My only solution I came up with was to go to the low side and start digging a trench all the way to the top (high) side and just make the base of the trench level from bottom side to top side and then fill accordingly with rock and keep leveling as I go and then start laying blocks. My blocks are about 4" tall so I planned on doing one layer buried and for most of the wall just having about 2 block height the whole way except towards the really low side and probably going to have to do 3-4 blocks there. Thanks for the videos! Love them. Take Care & God Bless!

[@johnlee7085]

I did something similar last year. It is probably easiest to start at the low end and work up hill. Dig down as shown in this video, then dig uphill keeping the trench bottom fairly level. Don’t obsess too much here because you will make it absolutely level with the crushed rock. Check your depth as you go. When you get to where the first course of block would be buried, go about one block further, then add a step the height of your block. Continue in the same way. Dig the level trench and step when you get a full block buried. Do be sure though, that when you put in drainage pipe, the holes always go down. There’s no need for the sock when the pipe is installed correctly. Also, if using an underdrain pipe, be sure to use drain rock, 3/4” open graded without the fines.

[@jameslastname9171]

Why do I feel like I’m listening to a magic show for snakes?

[@dqauto500]

I have a section leading up to the garage where I need a small 1-2’ retaining wall but the other end goes flat where there’s a tree with the roots above ground.

[@johnlee7085]

You could do it. I did last year. You just step the depth. I explained for another person above.

[@memorizeproverbs]

I'm wondering why the holes on the pipe are randomly oriented. I was taught (and it makes sense) that the holes should be at 7 and 5 or 8 and 4 (positions on the clock if looking at the cross-section) so that as the water rises, it immediately starts to enter the pipe and drain away, rather than having to soak the ditch longer to reach holes that are higher up on the pipe.

[@johnlee7085]

Absolutely right. The holes always go down. There’s also no need for the sock when the pipe is installed correctly. Also, if using an underdrain pipe, it is also appropriate to use drain rock, 3/4” open graded without the fines.

[@janemagee97]

❤

[@BYOTools]

Thanks for watching!

[@christiniadavid5889]

Can you post the link for the retaining wall block that are over 2" tall.

[@BYOTools]

I have a noted and linked in the description of the video. Take a look and let me know if you can’t find it.

[@akhosha2]

I guess you bought them all. Sold out 😂

[@jhickox]

What's the price on those blocks?

[@ekinzhung5630]

How much the whole thing costs!

[@tonny6603]

Hi Brent, have you ever build this retaining wall in sloping land?

[@johnlee7085]

Yes

[@AlainStar]

👏👍💪🔥

[@BYOTools]

Thanks for watching!

[@robertgrlic6505]

So you have drainage in front and back of the wall but where does the water exit?

[@robpeterson1118]

Inside, the drainage white pvc pipe helps to distribute the water so it doesn't just pool at the downspout area, but water is carried all the way around the slab over to near the house from the downspout... if water is flowing off the pad it may help to transport water.. in that somewhat leveled channel, but all the water would be trapped inside the retaining wall. I was expecting you to send the pipe into the yard in a burried drainage with a cap in the yard. Outside.. I really don't get it, does the yard slope toward the house?.. when it hits the channel created around and by the black tubing, where does it go, besides creating a "moat" around the retaining wall and over by the house. It looked "fun" and "professional" to have the pipe behind the wall on the flattened surface though.

[@robpeterson1118]

I do work in clay soil mostly so maybe this soil just drains better over all. Overall this was well done, digging/leveling/capping/securing/compacting, clean-up and grass. Water control was attempted and cudos for that! It's super important.

[@shanuv12]

Glue instead of cement, good to know that .

[@blamuk]

The blocks really need a back lip to retain anything.......even at 2' tall. The glue will eventually fail. I made that mistake 10 years ago.

[@SunFirefarm-qh3fn]

Oh ooh small little ?

[@RuelM77]

In the first 10 seconds, from green grass to yellow grass.

[@blueb4829]

Great job, but I don't see the purpose of having a retaining wall in that spot.

[@danielcrawford2757]

should add some steps

[@gauseb]

Heighth

[@saljablo2767]

The word height isn’t pronounced as if it’s spelled heighth.

[@martharetallick204]

And let's not get started on those tight-knit spaces! 🙂

[@ericdaniels2901]

😂

[@smithbrownjones]

All you've done is create a trip hazard. Better off leveling the whole lawn to match the level of the patio; build a small retaining wall around the perimeter. 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@BYOTools]

I'd like to think of it as a perfect step, a tripping hazard would be something that is an inch or two off the ground. At least in my opinion haha. This is what the client wanted and they LOVE it so at least I have that :)

[@smithbrownjones]

@@BYOTools Lol. Clients aren't always right; but they do often get what they want. 🤷🏼‍♂️😆👍🏻

[@toddhefer6084]

Looks great Praise God. God Bless in Jesus Christ Name Amen.

[@cryengine_x]

dude 3" isnt a retaining wall lol

[@delt19]

It's holding back the army of weeds from invading the patio!

[@ifiwooddesigns]

Silly question. One area in my backyard has a pitch which would require a lot of dirt removal to dig down 6”. Would it be ideal to just dig a couple inches, add landscaping fabric and stones without the crushed rock? Only reason is that removing that much dirt and disposing of it would be a nightmare.