Common Retaining wall mistakes & how to AVOID THEM, bad designs, bad base, wrong block....#2

[@Datsyukiandeke]

This is EXACTLY the kind of stuff I want to hear. Never skip details, they make all the difference. I hate it when guys give you the steps but don't show you the little things or actually walk through each step in real time. You're helping so much by giving all those little details, keep it up! Like you said, noone ever told you these things and you had to learn those little things yourself. Experience is everything. Experienced teaching helps all the more.

[@surfboard6074]

your demonstrating and explaining the details was in no way an "over" explanation, it is very much appreciated. You are a great teacher, and complete agreement with previous poster, an EXCELLENT video. It is great to see an experienced contractor share his wisdom. Thank you!

[@Dirtmonkey]

Thank you for the awesome comments, I really appreciate that !

[@robloxmaniacdanceandshake7871]

Every video teaches something even an experienced contractor could take and use....Yes, this video was excellent...

[@itslexiandgrace2259]

Been doing this for 18 yrs. I still enjoy watching advice on the basics !

[@tylerbausman4028]

I am 15 and I’ve been working for my uncle who ones a landscaping company and I’ve never learned how to do this but I’ve always wanted bc next year once I turn 16 I’ll be able to go out on the job site with bc right now I only work at his shop keeping to maintained so knowing this a little bit will help me next year

[@Drphilgud-qs6rz]

Keep doing what you're doing you're teaching people stuff for free on KZbin that really can't afford that are working dead-end jobs like myself Landscaping in Southern Arizona hundred and eight today needless to say you're teaching me what I need to know for free what people charge thousands to learn at seminars so thank you and keep doing what you're doing please

[@robertmagyar4735]

There r a ton of free seminars, from the manufacturers. They will also be willing to help u out if u just ask. Because almost everything of Importance that he talks about in this video is WRONG !!! Please, please aquire training from proper place . Techo Bloc travels the country every year with an awesome seminar ! Check it out. N then you'll realize how bad it is for this guy to b teaching people ALL the wrong methods

[@davelindstrom6005]

@@robertmagyar4735 - Hate, much? Do you work for Sales Pitch Incorporated or something?

[@w900L]

Robert Magyar what is he doing wrong?

[@michaelstout776]

@@robertmagyar4735 What is he teaching wrong?

[@firesurfer]

@@michaelstout776 Nothing. It would be best not to listen to people that can't construct a proper sentence.

[@phillipbonner5215]

Holy cow Stan the more in-depth the better people will see what not to do you know we all love your videos or we wouldn't be here watching them

[@freakazoid4691]

The people who watch videos like this want every little detail you have to offer. We watch to learn, not to kill time. The more you can teach, the better. :)

[@crichard98]

Hi Stan, I am looking out my window at a 40 foot retaining wall built three months ago leaning over and failing that was supposed to last twenty years. The contractor blamed me for not putting down vegetation on the slope and has refused to tear down and rebuild the wall properly. I simply don't have thousands of dollars laying around to pay another contractor. I can't tell you how much I appreciate you taking the time to produce your videos. My teenage son and I are going to start the rebuild next week. I just have to feed the kid. Again, THANK YOU!!!

[@colestaples2010]

My parents have the same problem, I'm trying to offer to rebuild it if they pay for equipment rentals but that's even expensive after paying contractors previously!

[@Nevir202]

Chad Richardson he was talking height the whole video, so when I read “40 foot retaining wall” my eyes popped outa my head for a second. 🤣

[@edmundooliver7584]

was it a mortar and rebar wall or a cementless wall?

[@Flint-Dibble-the-Don]

So how did that turn out for ya?

[@jimboslice3646]

Not overkill at all. Every good wall builder I've talked to says that first row is far and away the most important part and it takes time and patience to get it level from the first to last block, but when it is, its stack and go with level checks and quick adjustments. When you cap it and look down the line you don't see that wavy crap most contractors install. If you don't see guys on their knees with a level, hire someone else. This is my opinion as a customer, not a craftsman. I think knowing this getting the right base material is a no brainer.

[@TheChrisricciardi]

There's so many poorly made retaining walls out there. I was visiting one today, new construction, 1 year old and made by developer, already failing. With your help, I now sound like I know what the hell I'm talking about with clients. Let's do more of em Stan. We want videos on every kind of retaining wall, from massive natural boulder walls to simple stacked slate, and everything in between. Your channel is taking off because of the in depth nature of your content. Thanks Stan! God bless and go get em!

[@c0olj85]

I'm not even a contractor and I LOVE IT! Gives me a lot of knowledge for my own property and the right questions to ask contractors for any job I hire them for. Keep em comin Stan!!! Thanks!!

[@Dirtmonkey]

Awesome 👍

[@hardy1682]

You are 120% right, this is the stuff no one teaches you! You are a FANTASTIC teacher and I appreciate that there's someone like you out there to help us nobody's do this correctly. You take time out of your super busy day, and post these videos. Not many people would do this! I cannot thank you enough, and I hope you keep going! Everything you are saying is the perfect amount of detail! I love to know why this doesn't work, or why you use this material or equipment, etc. I hate when people just say "don't do that". Well why? I want to know why, and you don't sound very credible if you don't know why you do something. You should know the reason for EVERYTHING you do. And you do!!! Thank you!!!!

[@concreteuprising7426]

Stan... Your spot on! My company lifts settled concrete slabs (driveways, porches...etc). I would say that 1/3 of the slabs we level are due to retaining wall problems. Change that to "contractor problems". Like you I run my company with only perfection in mind. When a bad contractor installs a bad wall it affects my company. How can I guaranty against settlement when I know that a wall is going to move and the slabs we fix are going to settle again. I tell my customers to get their walls fixed or replaced and then I'll fix their driveway. The issue is that in my business there are hackers that go for the dollar and will do the job anyway. The customers really don't know their being taken advantage of. You spreading the word makes my job easier...

[@carsonreeder3167]

Seems like a business opportunity

[@owl1873]

These critical details are the basis of a successful finished product. As a DIY dad I want to start right so that i dont have to stop and work my way back to fix a problom that stems from a bad start. Knowledge saves time,money and frustration.

[@robertcasey7312]

There’s no such thing as too much detail. The details are what make your videos so damn useful. TY

[@sergeantspeed5941]

Amazing information. I LOVE learning the nitty gritty about jobs. Nobody teaches me as I grew up pretty isolated, KZbin has helped me learn everything from roofing, to computer building, to body repair and painting. Keep it up. Youre helping the younger generation learn!

[@matprather5833]

I was going to mention about the drain tile that you said it wouldn't really be needed but is a safe guard and I agree. However, with our recent weather lately having 8 inches of rain in an hour here in Northern Iowa yesterday I think that is a time when you want to have lots of drainage behind a wall with the tile to take the water away fast. Just thought I would mention that because I sometimes forget about those freak rain events and am glad when I have installed them when I never thought they would be used.

[@FUNNYBOY12375]

Mat Prather do you live in North western Iowa cuz I live in eastern nebraska

[@matprather5833]

Northern Iowa towards the center close to I35.

[@FUNNYBOY12375]

Mat Prather ok I may know ware that is but not 100% good with Iowa ither way your right thir has been lot of rain

[@ceramccool1517]

Mat

[@frankm6546]

You ask for feedback. I’m a new homeowner, spent my life in the books studying to have a medical job. Never got my hands dirty. I own a home and have to build a retaining wall and can’t afford a pro to do it. Thanks to your in-depth video, I feel very confident doing it myself. You are the only place on KZbin where you actually show ppl how to do it! Your level of detail is perfect.

[@Dirtmonkey]

You are welcome Frank , thanks for the awesome comments and I'm sure your wall will turn out great! Thank you for watching

[@bobbyblazeit]

I searched "building a retaining wall" and this video pops up, my house is right across the street from this apt building! I remember you building it. So weird lol

[@PolarisEricson]

Kind of cool lol

[@dethmaul]

I love it when things work out like that!

[@Bl00DmixedWithPoison]

Thats dope hahaha

[@carlpeterson8279]

With a name like Bobby Blaze It, you’re probably just high af

[@wade5941]

Absolutely love your videos. I build most of my walls by myself and had to find ways to eliminate labor. Started using high fractured 3/4" crushed rock for base. I screed my 2' wide 6" deep footing level, lay landscape fabric, and then 1/2" electrical conduit to screed a 1/2" washed sand leveling base on the money. A little more cost on the rock, but make up for it in labor. Then I start laying blocks. Each block lays in on the money and any minor adjustments are made with a single rap of the dead weight hammer. Never had a wall move on me. Thank you for taking to time to make these videos. I have watched them multiple times and they never get old.

[@jamessylvester3437]

The level of detail you put out is important, valuable, and I'd love to see more videos like this!

[@Dirtmonkey]

Thanks James! I'll keep that in mind

[@honorharrington4546]

I've never built a retaining wall and I may never need to. That said, I love the opportunity to look over your shoulder and find out What you are doing and Why. Every person watching your videos is your apprentice! Whether it is a kid new to the trade or one of your peers that has a light bulb moment and goes "That's why!, what you are doing matters. THANK YOU!

[@manusamoaus]

This is the kind of information I want and need. I thought I knew how to build a retaining wall, but now I know I did not know as much as I should.

[@Dirtmonkey]

😀👍

[@richardb.6303]

You have honest work ethics. When you do the job, you do it right. So please keep up the full details. If you're going to teach, teach it right. And if somebody gets lost or bored to the details you're teaching then they're not going to get it done right.

[@KenMrKLC]

Great info Stan... I have nothing I could question or argue... As a matter of fact I have used both gravel and class 5 or course stone dust as base material and never thought of the ease advantage of removing material when laying your base course.

[@Dirtmonkey]

Thanks Ken 😀

[@katrenco]

Definitely NOT overkill! Seeing is essential for many people when learning, especially when learning a hands-on task. I am one of those who needs to SEE it being done as well as HEAR the what, why and how. SUPER INSTRUCTION VIDEO and INSTRUCTOR! Thank you!

[@Mrjdown05]

Love all the extra information. I'll probably never build one in my life but I love knowing how things work and quality craftsmanship that you and your team produce. Keep it up

[@jbcutajar]

THANK YOU!!!! I've been watching your videos for fun now for the past year and we are retaining wall put in our property and it's sad to say but many of the contractors we've had out have had terrible advice and when you know the facts. I know i'm not a contractor at all but the fact that you put this information out for anyone is fantastic and has allowed myself as a novice first time home owner to avoid some very costly mistakes. Even though it's important to find someone who has all the skills and knowledge you hand out for free but it is also important that a home owner becomes educated so they can find the right people and know what to look for during this whole process. Thanks again and God bless

[@frankg6563]

That was a very good video. I was actually expecting that much detail and more. I would have liked to see that project from the start. From excavation, fill materials, compaction, where to place the french drain, steps, to cap block. I would stay tuned in for the multi-series vids to watch your work. Keep it up.

[@sgt.sharky9832]

Stan I'm over 50 now. I don't know if I'll ever use the information you gave me in these two video's on retaining walls, but I did find the information interesting. I hope your channel continues to be successful. I think its great your willing to pass on information you have learned in the course of your life. Thank you.

[@Dirtmonkey]

Thank you Scott for the great comments!

[@garysimon7765]

I'm older and doing a 5 block high and even though he ain't taught me jack yet I'm enjoying watching others do it.

[@sgt.sharky9832]

@@garysimon7765 so where is your video? Oh I'm kidding, smile.

[@Absaalookemensch]

You retained my attention. Thanks for the videos.

[@dorsheimer]

I don't get it!?

[@Absaalookemensch]

@@dorsheimer Retained-as in retention wall.

[@rebeccam4431]

🤣😂🤣

[@pmslikker]

love your videos on retaining walls and your thought at min 8 about showing the base step instead of the talk only. ALL the steps shown and explained is a real help. thank you.

[@danihu03]

This is good stuff. Not overkill. Need to know. I love this type of perfection.

[@gregorykyser9383]

I don't have a business but I love the detail in your videos... so I watch them just for the knowledge... be as detailed as you like... people can fast forward if they really are pressed to screw up.

[@tjschrader5742]

Can you explain how curves lock in with versa lock blocks? Love that style of block and have seen all your videos on them. Just dont exactly understand how the pins still lock in on curves. Do they always go directly into the holes when straight and the grooves when curved?

[@arnoldromppai5395]

yes they do

[@w900L]

There are slots on the block, so when you stack one on top and drop the pin through, it will set in any position within reason. If you’re doing an extreme concave build, the pins won’t go in. These blocks also don’t have much of a bevel, so you can’t do a real hard convex curve without cutting.

[@RadggsAutomotive]

Did my wall 7ys ago with a sub-ground 18'' cider block and sand foundation with a 1/4 bubble bump which went 4' high from ground level. The back dirt wall was dug 2'-3' back due to structural curve, with fiber barrier against the back dirt wall, back-filled with gravel and a drainage line at second brick level. The terrace was started 30'' back due to proximity to property line. I used many of your technics in my build, so thanks for the conformation. Only problem I had is when ground hogs dug through the drain putting gravel on 2nd level. My 36'x 6' wall gained my yard and additional 36'x 25' pad; previously a hill causing my yard to be a swamp.

[@davidfricker3258]

The detail is good although we could probably figure it out but with lost time and many mistakes.

[@carlocases]

You could go even deeper for professionals and it's never too much. When it gets over the heads of the DIY viewers, you're going to a place we need to refresh and revisit. It's always helpful to see problems and solutions we may not have come across. You bring up issues concerning a mistake or two we have all made, and sometimes get away with. I always use drain pipes when the walls are installed behind and above living space and outbuildings, it may be overkill but I am more comfortable with using them. Thanks for your efforts in making informative videos and for confirming many of our practices and procedures. Appalachian Design & Build.

[@mikemiranda1154]

This is the type info that is invaluable to the novice like myself. Thank you for the details you provided us today and keep up the info.

[@Dirtmonkey]

Thanks Mike 😀

[@charles-ih7zp]

Nothing is overkill the more you show attention to detail shows me your that much better then other contractors and why i would want to hire your company.

[@larrycox7890]

keep up the good work , learning a lot never to old to learn

[@Dirtmonkey]

Love to hear it Larry and you are right !

[@martinjuarez7594]

I have a retaining wall project starting in March and these videos are amazing. Thank you and please don’t ever thing the smallest details or over kill. The devils in the detail.

[@MR-wp4oy]

Do a video on Permeable open-cell concrete grid pavers.

[@bryanwien]

I'm an mechanical engineer, turned general contractor (FL). I find your videos very informative and slightly distracting at the same time. Your definitely not a fly-by-night contractor. I applaud you on your lightheartedness and plethora of information on construction means, methods and most importantly the "WHY" - central to the idea of retaining walls.

[@michaelkaylor6770]

Drainage, do a series on French drains, and sloped drainage, your experience could really a guy like me!

[@Dirtmonkey]

I'll keep that in mind, thanks Michael

[@jesseblank7695]

The demonstration is great man, putting level on back end of block if you dont have a string line is something I have never thought of to keep the course straight.

[@nicholaserkelenz6431]

awesome video. Thanks! Really liked how in depth you went.

[@Dirtmonkey]

Thanks for watching 😀

[@pdrg]

I'm not even in your business, country or anything and the level of detail is good. People can always skip a subject if they are confident, but filling in those gaps is always good. Watching someone who knows their business is always interesting and much as the topic of this film, getting the foundations strong is always worthwhile in knowledge as well as anything else :)

[@Solar2go]

Wow, fantastic video Stan! Keep these in depth series comong, please. I know I've learned a lot from them. I even sent a fellow from church your links to learn as much as they can. I still think that your wall outclasses that building though.

[@Dirtmonkey]

Thanks so much & for supporting! Means a lot 👍

[@paulstewart7903]

Being retired after 40 years in the construction industry, I can quickly determine the real trades from the wannabe’s and you definitely are the real deal. Thanks so much for your straight forward detailed explanations of the topic and lack bulls..t. Keep them going buddy!!

[@philbuilds116]

I would like to know how you do steps in a retaining wall

[@timtaylor9195]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aV69cqh8npagepY

[@philbuilds116]

Tim Taylor apparently my app was glitchy because the search came up with nothing. Thanks

[@timtaylor9195]

See if you can find Stan's video entitled "DIY Guide to Everything Retaining Walls w/ Versa-Lok -Including Stairs, design, Construction & more" dated Jan 17, 2018. It may answer some of your questions.

[@d0nn13m0n0]

The more detailed the information the better. I’ve learned more about retaining walls from your videos than I did from my last foreman. Thank you sir

[@raymundo7687]

Great content

[@Dirtmonkey]

Thank you 😀

[@mariastallman2759]

Just discovered your channel - you explain things very well. Your explanation of the terraced wall was extremely helpful. I acquired a rental property that has a sloped front yard. I’ve gone around the neighborhood for examples of what other property owners are doing on their slope and I see many using this terraced wall and not doing it properly and it’s noticeable. Even if I don’t do the work myself, I’ll at least know what to expect of the contractor. Thank you and I’ll be watching more of you.

[@Dirtmonkey]

Awesome to hear Maria and I am glad to have you here, thanks !!

[@tcaphou]

more detail the better

[@Dirtmonkey]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@s.burgoon5597]

I'm actually really enjoying your in-depth videos and its nice to see not only the materials, suggestions, techniques, but the reasoning why through experience. Your videos have actually made me reconsider the way I do my walls not because I've ever had any issues but because of a more simplistic method that could stream line the process and save on installation time.

[@edt5276]

8 or 9 minutes of great info buried under 10 minutes of "Let's just 'wing' this video" jibber jabber. Not a huge fan of hip, time wasting, rock & rolly intros with clever editing. Not sure why someone would repeat that gimmick a 2nd time in the middle of a video.

[@justinrumbley1863]

The more in depth the better. You know every little step that needs to be done but people just learning could have issues if they leave out some of the little things. The more you include the better everyone watching it is.

[@invstyer]

In-depth defines professional and why pro builders are who they are. Information and education being shared by those pro's, will never be out of style. In-depth is proper, and proper is professional. Keep proper information coming.

[@JuSoGu]

I'm a UK software engineer, not a contractor, so it's of no direct use to me on two counts but even so, I find the videos really interesting due to the details, as they show the often hidden challenges involved in tasks with depths that most people won't appreciate. Thanks for your time and effort, Stan!

[@kevinbelport4926]

Spent four hours watching your videos on retaining walls. I'm raising a corner of my front yard (4 feet) to make more car parking. Now when I hire a contractor I'm confident I'll understand what they are explaining and weather they know what they are doing. Thanks.

[@Dirtmonkey]

Thanks so much for watching Kevin, very glad the videos have helped you out

[@marcusludicrous2456]

This is definitely NOT over-kill. You couldn't be more helpful. The info you provide is by far greater detail than I've heard anywhere else, and it answers questions I haven't been able to answers too. Thank you for this.

[@Dirtmonkey]

Appreciate that Marcus, thank you !

[@oliviaabramson6071]

very informative and helpful. sometimes too much detail, but I understand the need for it. I have learned a lot and really appreciate the detail on the spacing about the terracing. I now understand why my retaining wall is failing...for a number of reasons. The previous owner didn't pull permits, etc. so it's a nightmare. No deadman, no drainage, timber ties, no pins, no footing...oh god.

[@milsontelrev]

This kind of videos are excellent. I don't think you went too much in depth, the more information you give us the better. Every job should be done right and this helps a lot. Thanks for all you do for us!

[@gerardorugeriomartinez7315]

You're videos are perfect for serious people who want to know the correct way to build

[@Dirtmonkey]

Thanks Gerardo !

[@michaelkester4706]

Thank you Stanley. I like to be detail oriented and totally believe in Good projects start with good Foundation, Foundation, foundation. I’m looking to start my exterior projects around my home. I’ve been ignoring for almost 25 yrs. I’m planning to remove asphalt driveway and install block pavers.My driveway sits about 6” above my neighbors attached driveway and am looking to separate the two driveways with a small retaining wall. I know I need to get it surveyed and get a permit. But I won’t do anything if I can’t do it right. So it takes me longer to research my project than it does to actually do. Thanks again for the small detail

[@joehenington6666]

Just wanted to say Thank You for your videos. Truly a huge help when doing my 54 ft long by 6 ft tall retaining wall. Had to do myself since 4 contractors I called either said they were not interested or wanted to charge way to much. Due to inaccessibility.

[@caseyrees2656]

Excellent detail and in depth instuctions. U answere any and all questions with this amount of detail in videos. I never would have thought retaining walk require this much knowledge to build. Iv never done one and iv been asked to build one for someone, and at first i was like they cant be to hard to do, now i know its best i dont even attempt it for a customer who wanted me to build it after i finished escavating a pond for them. Cause had i tryed it wouldnt have turned out and it would have failed and as new buisness just getting goin that wouldnt been good publicity. Thanks a million...

[@allenbeermann8413]

You should definitely be happy with this. That was comprehensive and well spoken. You made it a comfortable experience. Easily understood. Helpful.detailed and I feel more confident now that I've watched that, on what to do and what material to use. Thanks for the excellent video. Super great guy to watch and learn from. Keep them coming.

[@reneejuhl524]

Even if I don't tackle the job myself I now know what to look for when a contractor bids and works on my job. I really appreciate these videos. Well spoken, to the point, a little playful, and enough information we don't get bored yet and are not left with even more questions. Terrific job!

[@dunnboys1]

The more info the better as far as I’m concerned. My yard slopes down to a lake channel so I’m studying up on retaining walls so I know what to look for when my wall is built. Keep em coming. Thanks

[@Dirtmonkey]

Glad it was helpful and hope it turns out awesome !

[@chrisb3184]

This is very good information! I'm having to build my first retaining wall. I want to know all that I need to know now so that I'm not having to make ANY repairs down the road. Thank you for make these videos.

[@knollychilcotin6757]

Thank you for sharing your understanding and experience in building a retaining wall. You are very knowledgable about what you do and not keeping your successful ideas but sharing them to everybody. Not afraid to share your secrets for a successful project because you keep on coming up with new ones. Your habit of analyzing and realizing efficient solution pushes the quality of a project a notch higher than the previous one is a very good characteristic of a true builder. Keep it up!

[@Dirtmonkey]

Really appreciate the great comments, thank you !!

[@joeswartz8255]

I like the extra detail. The detail that your adding is what other videos are lacking. Then you're left guessing what they were doing.

[@matthewhamilton8968]

Yes the in depth approach has given me a better understanding of the right way to build a retaining wall. Keep it up man!

[@Dirtmonkey]

Awesome! Thanks Matthew 👍

[@bd8026]

I’m not a homeowner any longer, but I like all the informative videos that are a great teaching tool for the contractors. I got hooked on your videos seeing the pull plows! I’ve never known those existed before now! And the X3’s awesome tools!

[@Dirtmonkey]

Thanks , so glad you like the videos!

[@Kenaiwolf]

THANK YOU! You've answered a lot of questions I've had over the years, while staring at my unusable hillside and thinking "That needs a retaining wall".

[@Dirtmonkey]

Happy to help! Thank you !

[@hernangimenez6657]

Thanks for shareing your knowledge. Where I live I connot find those blocks. The way retaining walls are built. is completely different. I think the way you do it is wiser. Knowing more is never too much

[@Dirtmonkey]

You're welcome, thanks for watching !

[@dorsheimer]

Just came across your videos. May never build a wall but the information you give fantastic. I love the in depth knowledge you provide. In my opinion you cannot get too in depth. you also explain so average person with zero experience can understand Thanks and keep it up!

[@dorsheimer]

Obviously I'm not an English major. Punctuation and capitalization not my strong points. That's why I teach preschoolers.

[@LivinLezley]

YES YES YES!! Thank you! More Detail, the BETTER! Use all types of learning techniques. I learn best with visual, listen and then hands-on (with guidance). If it is overboard, you are doing it right. the deliverance and organization are key though. Thank you again!

[@Dirtmonkey]

Will do! Thanks for the feedback!

[@jacqueshacerias1204]

Just found your channel today and I'm hooked! Thank you for all you provide. Please keep providing in depth/overkill details (how to) on all things retaining wall. There is so much bad info out there. I'm recently dealing with some major erosion into a dry creek/drainage ditch in my back yard and have zero knowledge on this type of situation. Ive LEARNED so much today by spending time on your channel!

[@poloslandscaping1453]

I absolutely love the super in depth hands on videos where you actually illustrate the work. I truly do appreciate you taking the time to teach me your ways. Stanley sir you are a saint

[@Dirtmonkey]

Very nice of you to say Marco, thank you !!

[@carlocases]

I had a Building Inspector tell me early on there is no such thing as "Overkill" with construction. He told me to not listen to people complaining about 'Building to Code" on projects. He said for me to consider Code as the D- of construction because anything below Code is F work. He advised me to always strive to do A quality work, and even if I slipped up and slid to some B or B- quality, I would still be two grades above Code. That really stuck with me. So Stan, your videos never contain "Overkill" !!

[@istvanmeissler2238]

Thank you for taking the time. Details were well explained and well demonstrated. For the same reason, well laid dry stack rock foundations made 200 years ago still hold up well. Early building codes stipulated mortar only, which yielded a poorer result. The government doesn't always know best it seems.

[@chrisleonardi2062]

finding a video on the correct way to set a base block is few and far between every other video doesnt show base preperation, it shows block installation on sand. not what i want! thanks again stan! taking the extra time to show everything is very helpful!

[@Dirtmonkey]

Thank you Chris, appreciate the great comments!

[@chrisleonardi2062]

Stanley "Dirt Monkey" Genadek thank you for getting back to me! I’m installing a patio with a circle kit split between the far edge with a seating wall coming off the foundation I’m starting the wall first. Burying a course and bringing the same up 1 inch above the class 5 and setting my patio after the wall is in. I’m assuming he circle kit gets installed when I start getting close Also have a free standing wall with pillars and lights. I really truly do appreciate your videos and how far they have come. You. Kieth. And Brian are my go to guys! If you have a quick second check out our website fairwayprofessionalservices.com our branding is top notch! Enjoy your busy season coming up. I’ll keep watching!

[@wavetrader742]

I need a retaining wall to replace a home brew landscape timber wall put in by a previous owner. I want block construction which is beyond my ability at my age so I'll need to hire a contractor. Prior to viewing your videos, I had no idea how the project should be done. I now feel a lot more confident about how the work should be done, how to select a contractor and how to evaluate the contractor's work. I realize that a lot of factors come into play when designing a wall but now I'm confident that at least I can ask better questions. Thanks for all the details!

[@Dirtmonkey]

You are welcome and happy that the video helped you out. Thank you !

[@jetmec2500]

You're a craftsman that takes pride in his work, As long as you give the nitty gritty, Ill take the time to soak it up.

[@westcoastbeergeek7154]

Just about to build a small 2 foot tall wall and absolutely loved this video series, best one I've seen so far and like that you addressed the water going through the wall intentionally vs mortaring it. Also seriously appreciate the base material and leveling example. I've got 3 walls to do in the next few years, this will really help me plan them out better.

[@brandonmckinney2648]

Everything is worth learning about. 15years of landscaping and I learned by trail and fire. Now I find other people that have learned the hard way. Every trick every fix Everything is always a reason to teach. Rule of thumb for me is learn something new everyday you breath.

[@TheLatinMass]

The more details, the better! Great job teaching so many of us... weekend warriors improving our homes and career landscapers alike.

[@Dirtmonkey]

Thanks Ryan & thanks for the feedback 😀

[@thelouiebrand]

Man I love your retaining wall videos. I’ve become obsessed with walls and you’re the fn man MAN.

[@liamstancombe8785]

Loved the videos keep them coming learning from someone who explains not just what you should do but why make it easy to understand and knowing why we do thing the way we do helps with me at least to understand how to do other jobs thats again really helps

[@NuNuRokd]

I'm not a contractor just a young new daring home owner. I spent about a week building a 13x13 patio with cheap 12x12 1.5 inch bricks. And man was it exhausting. Seeing you leveling that block made me cringe at what I just experienced doing it recently. Have you ever heard of paver base boards they sell at Lowe's or HD? They're supposed to take the place of step 1 gravel. Major Fail. Super hard to work with returned it and ordered a delivery of 9 tons of processed dirt. Anyway your channel is great I learn a bunch even though it's more designed for people who are familiar with this kind of work. I kind of just use common sense to fill in the blanks of things you assume people watching understand. My next project is a small retaining wall in front of my garage. It's a crappy rock wall holding up about 1.5 foot of grade. I want it to look nicer. So I'll be searching your content for advice.

[@shanecorrigan1096]

Man these videos are amazing i wouldnt mind watching videos like this the rest of my life. So informational i really really appreciate it

[@Dirtmonkey]

Thank you Shane, In really appreciate YOU watching !

[@jbwelch89]

these are excellent videos. dont worry about boring anyone thus far you have gone into great detail. and the comedy with the crew def keeps the peoples attention in between slow points. you have helped me find 3 flaws in a wall i was planning to build with these 2 vids i highly appreciate it and will keep following!

[@mikekahn4710]

These videos are awesome.! I know absolutely nothing about building walls, but every video I learn a lot. Thank you!!

[@Fishinbobss]

I am in the beginning stages of building a retaining wall. I've been doing research, planning on making my own blocks to use. All this information is very helpful. However I never thought about building codes. My wall from the highest point will be about 10ft and at the lowest point be ground level. The 3/4 clear gravel was very helpful along with using a packing machine and grid. Like I said all this info has been very helpful, sadly I have been discouraged and am thinking that I need more of a professional to handle the task. Keep up the videos and hope to educate.

[@Coltrabagar]

The detail is good. I don't know what type of editing time you have to work with, but the only improvement I can see is to do a few more cuts during the talking times just to tighten up the pacing. The amount of detail is great. You could just do with a bit less "white space", as it were. I'm not complaining at all. But since you asked for our opinion, you got it. Thanks again for this training.

[@Dirtmonkey]

Thanks Travis and I appreciate the feedback !

[@kingjames8283]

Love the block you are using and worth the extra expense. If I lived on a property with steep pitch, I'd prefer single wall engineered with steel i-beams pyle driven and faced with steel rebar mesh of 1/2" diameter rods which is hidden a few feet behind retaining wall to take the pressure and ground movement off the retaining wall and allow water to flow freely. I work in interstate highway construction on the transportation side and the MSE wall panel systems we now use to build up sections of roadways and ramps uses methods similar to what you've displayed in this video. We use steel tie-back straps to connect all the wall panels which is covered in compacted sand. The back sides of the wall panels are covered with mesh fabric to keep the sand from escaping and water seeps through the sand down to embedded drain tiles which are ported outside the wall panels. While this whole design scares me, fact is it works. All elevated highways and ramps across the nation are now built with this method and it looks damned attractive.

[@DKW1975]

I understood what you were saying about the base but sometimes it is good to see it done. It may be overkill for some but when your trying it teach others not everyone learns the same way. Even those of us that do something everyday can learn new things by watching it be done.

[@arisvideodrop3595]

You're not going overboard. Keep it up. This is awesome

[@Dirtmonkey]

Noted! Thanks 🤓

[@Brxchu]

i just installed my first retaining wall with the landscape company i work for and we do pretty much exactly as you do, it was almost like relearning it all plus more! it was detail oriented but it all is insightful and helpful! i learned multiple things from the series