How To Build A Cinder Block Retaining Wall & Bench Seat

Building a retaining wall can be a long process. This video will show you step by step how to construct a retaining wall made of decorative split face cinder blocks.
This specific project is for a retaining wall that also functions as a bench seat for around a fire pit area. Check out the video to see the steps and follow them to build your retaining wall!
You'll Need:
Coated Work Gloves
ebay.us/liG0S4
1 Foot Level
ebay.us/NofE69
2 Foot Level
ebay.us/Fo6BMm
6 Foot Level
ebay.us/lccI67
Masonry Saw
ebay.us/k3VH0E
Or You Can Use A Circular Saw
ebay.us/5xWLUj
Masonry Blade
ebay.us/3cxsgD
Caulk Gun
ebay.us/C2fj4E
PL 500 Landscape Adhesive
ebay.us/e7i14L
Hand Trowel/Shovel
ebay.us/Kq7E0F
Cinder Blocks For Your Wall
Check with your local Menard's, Home Depot, Ace, Fleet Farm, Et Cetera.
_____________________
How To Video Channel is a project created by Spencer Coffman to help you learn how to get things done in a faster, more efficient, manner. spencercoffman.com
Your support is appreciated.
spencercoffman.com/Donate-Venmo
spencercoffman.com/Donate-PayPal
CashApp: spencercoffman8
_____________________

[@HowToVideoChannel]

If you shop on Amazon, please use Amazon Smiles to support Social Media Ministries. smile.amazon.com/ch/87-1084575 Coated Work Gloves ebay.us/liG0S4 1 Foot Level ebay.us/NofE69 2 Foot Level ebay.us/Fo6BMm 6 Foot Level ebay.us/lccI67 Masonry Saw ebay.us/k3VH0E Or You Can Use A Circular Saw ebay.us/5xWLUj Masonry Blade ebay.us/3cxsgD Caulk Gun ebay.us/C2fj4E PL 500 Landscape Adhesive ebay.us/e7i14L Hand Trowel/Shovel ebay.us/Kq7E0F Cinder Blocks For Your Wall Check with your local Menard's, Home Depot, Ace, Fleet Farm, Et Cetera.

[@hanzvan]

Wow! Great job! Thank you for this. This looks very achievable if I’ll do it myself for the first time. I really love the final look of it❤❤❤

[@HowToVideoChannel]

You’re welcome! I’m glad the video helped you! Let us know how your project turns out!

[@TSBOFRLM]

So amazing!!! Love this.

[@HowToVideoChannel]

Thank you

[@ca6177]

I like the wall! Thanks for such great instructions!

[@HowToVideoChannel]

Awesome, glad you liked it!

[@JLThisisMe]

Really nice work and well explained. Subscription well earned.

[@HowToVideoChannel]

Thank you so much!

[@Luis-xe9dt]

Looks good. I will dig a trench, prepare a concrete base for cinder blocks and put some concrete mix on the small gaps between the blocks to add stability.

[@HowToVideoChannel]

Nice!

[@JohnWiese-uz9xc]

Your right that's how it's done i do it the same way definitely need a concrete base

[@HowToVideoChannel]

Awesome!

[@robhowery2609]

Great video. I am planning a similar project and was considering a concrete footing rather than compacted gravel. Is gravel sufficient with a shorter wall like this?

[@HowToVideoChannel]

Yes, a hard packed surface with a bed of gravel will be great!

[@rodneysharon9654]

As a new DIYER, this is a great video and explanation. We’re planning on doing this project after seeing your video and have shared it to other several times. Can this be done on an existing concrete patio surrounding a pool with wearing holes in the bottom?

[@HowToVideoChannel]

Thank you for the encouragement and support! Yes, you can construct it on an existing patio. However, I’d recommend building it outside the patio. That way, if there is ever an issue where the patio needs to be replaced the wall will be able to remain.

[@SandiD1959]

You've got an amazing voice - a bit like Michael Buble. Can you sing like him?

[@HowToVideoChannel]

I don’t think so. Thanks for the compliment.

[@keeshm3601]

Hi, great video. I am doing something similar. Cinderblock wall and bench with porcelain paver in the middle as the patio. I notice most videos use gravel base but I’ve already purchased a paver sand base. Will this work the same, or do I need to use gravel ?

[@HowToVideoChannel]

The paver sand will work as long as you compact it well and make sure it’s a couple of inches think. Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@jokay-jokay]

Great video! I live in CO and want to make something similar but the retaining wall would be holding some dirt. Would it still be okay to fill with gravel or should I use something else? Walls would be about 2-3ft tall.

[@HowToVideoChannel]

Yes, that should work well. Make sure you have drain tile and rock, gravel, dirt behind the wall.

[@weilizhang2411]

Thank you for posting this, I am going to do the same project. How is the wall last? Is the base still level after years?

[@HowToVideoChannel]

You’re welcome! The wall should last a lifetime if properly built.

[@erikbeck213]

How many blocks can you go up building a wall like this. I’m looking at building a tier wall and wondering if the gravel is sufficient for 3 tiers?

[@HowToVideoChannel]

As long as your base is solid your wall can be built:

[@CaptM44]

How much adhesive did this take? Was it a 10oz tube?

[@HowToVideoChannel]

For the entire wall? Several standard size tubes.

[@JLThisisMe]

If that patio was built out of paver bricks (about 2 1/8" high, plus 4-5" of paver base and 1" of paver sand)would you go about building the sitting wall the same way, or would you make the gravel base deeper (or pour a foundation)? I've got my backyard excavated and am trying to move forward without any surprises

[@HowToVideoChannel]

6 inches of a gravel/sand base would be good for building the bench. Of course, depending on your climate, pouring concrete footings would also work.

[@JLThisisMe]

@@HowToVideoChannel Thanks for the response. I'm in Los Angeles. Does that make a difference?

[@HowToVideoChannel]

Yes, since you don’t have to deal with the freezing and thawing of the ground like in the cold winter states you can safely choose either method. I’d recommend the gravel/sand in case the ground moves and it’s also less expensive.

[@JLThisisMe]

@@HowToVideoChannel thanks!

[@paulflogeras2309]

Great video. Could I use the same process for a decorative retaining wall around a pool. As a DIYer I like how your process was all dry stacked, and I wouldn't have to use a concrete mortar. I did notice however that cinder blocks don't interlock like some other landscaping stones. If my wall is not structural (and will only be 2 rows high) cinder blocks should work for me. I would assume filling them with gravel is key, correct.

[@HowToVideoChannel]

Yes, you can definitely use the same process for a decorative wall around a pool. Filling them with gravel will help with stability, which is important because even though you intend it to be purely decorative there is bound to be a kid walking on top of it, climbing on it, or people using it as a bench.

[@b3arwithm3]

Newbie here. What is the purpose of the gravel filling inside the blocks? Thanks

[@HowToVideoChannel]

Stability. You could do without it if you needed to.

[@b3arwithm3]

@@HowToVideoChannelthank you. i live in a earthquake zone. Probably not smart to leave them hollow

[@HowToVideoChannel]

Filling them will definitely help.

[@chupapi1283]

Good job, how much did this project cost?

[@HowToVideoChannel]

In this case, about $2,000.

[@francinefore7421]

Does that adhesive work just as good as mortar?

[@HowToVideoChannel]

It really depends on what you are building. Mortar has more strength for taller projects. But the adhesive is sufficient for extra strength in retaining walls. After all, most retaining walls are dry-laid without any bonding agent.

[@francinefore7421]

@@HowToVideoChannel I have a brand new concrete driveway. I want to lay a 2 ft wall on the new driveway. Neighbors tell me use concrete bags but some say adhesive will work.

[@HowToVideoChannel]

If you’re using retaining wall block then I’d lay them dry or use adhesive. If you’re using concrete block then use mortar.