How to Build a Retaining Block Wall

[@larrygreenlee6194]

Manuel has been doing this for 30 years, he’s pretty good at it at this point, you could say! YaY Manuel!

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

I concur

[@kennethamend8557]

With the proper skill set, proper tools and teamwork...you 2 are EXTREMELY efficient!!

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

I concur TY

[@Stevenowski]

This video reminds me of my dad laying up his last wall. He was 81! He did block work for 62 years. 🤗🇺🇸 Nice work!

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Thats OSS

[@СергейСкащенко-в3р]

@@OdellCompleteConcrete our foreman laughed with you armouring. Rassia spends greetings.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

That guy is a Stud. TY

[@boblafountaine9560]

How old was your dad when he passed if he has already?

[@jcfpv3454]

I was exposed to massive amounts of silica dust without knowing or protection while drilling holes for housing and blowing out the holes with compressed air now I am trying to get a Whole Lung lavage to remove the silica dust in my lungs before it's too late please spread awareness about a possible hope for removing the silica dust from lungs before it causes fatal damage

[@craigjoseph9374]

Blown away by your work and your old school ingenuity.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

ty

[@here2there880]

While i cant do concrete on my own drive because of back issues, watching your videos allowed me to find a great contractor in my area. Was able to ask the important questions and made sure they could answer. Definitely weeded out a sketchy one and found one who i really trust to do a good job. Keep up the great videos.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Glad to help

[@stevelundt6498]

I was a Bricklayer for 35 yrs with the state of NY and I must say that you did an excellent job !! Perfection!! That wall looks fantastic and will last for 50 yrs.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

I concur TY

[@ebk304]

Amazing job brother! I absolutely love your videos. As a new Cement Mason it’s so helpful to me. I have done some Res but I’m in the Local 555 Cement Masons here in Portland Oregon. I do hundreds and hundreds of yards at a time which is usually blow and go slabs. But I like the more detailed res work. Anyway thank you brother be easy and God Bless you 🫡🙏🏻

[@californiacritic9779]

Step down looks great. I would've made the wall even all the way through. Great job as always Maestro Odell.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Maybe some day. Thanks

[@evanofelipe]

Another neat clearance and preparation of footings, is the mark of Odell workmanship. It’s a real treat to see. Like all good jobs, it’s what’s you can’t see that makes all the difference. Great job.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

I concur TY

[@paramotorpilot1749]

Nice job. You take a lot of pride in your work. A true professional.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Thank you very much!

[@calziz]

These are some of the best videos I have seen great instruction 😊

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Wow, thank you!

[@markmoreno2145]

Awesome work. Nothing is better then having great hombres for helpers.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

You got that right!

[@01cissy]

My back is killing me just from watching this video. Very nice work.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

I feel that

[@joycejeff38]

It’s great seeing you guys build retaining walls. You guys do it all.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

We try

[@kenkobra]

Looks great! Thanks for the tip with the caution tape. I know it's overkill, but when I built my retaining wall, for my flower bed, I filled the block with concrete from top to bottom. It also included rebar in every other block as I had a bunch laying around. When the next person buys my house and wants to remove it they will be in for a surprise.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

That's a great idea!

[@808TheDuck]

How we did it!

[@sacramentohoney9635]

You have the big boy toys to play with. Thank you for the informative video.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

TY

[@hawkforce3109]

Love the teamwork efficiency, it resembles an assembly line.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Yes TY

[@RANSOMCE]

Always worth the watch.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

TY

[@digitalgoonie]

I love watching your videos! I’ve done three concrete projects at my house that have turned out very nice because of your instruction! Thanks!

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

That is awesome!

[@roybanker]

You guys really need to expand to our area of Oregon. Almost every home needs concrete replacement work! Homes built in the 50's, 60's. You would have NO competition....especially your quality! You'd make a killing!

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

That sounds good. TY

[@roybanker]

@@OdellCompleteConcrete Fly...or drive out here. Look around for a day....maybe submit some concrete work offers...see where they land. I'm retired and could pick you up and show you around!

[@sgreene2058]

I second this sentiment. I’m in Portland in a home built in 1950. So many concrete projects.

[@Hoppervision]

I'm in the Portland area and also need a retaining wall.

[@TheHelpmidi]

Another Portlander here hoping you’ll come to our area please!

[@darkpassenger65]

Work of art. I love watching professionals work.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

TY

[@fuseplan1039]

1) Why did you not use geogrid to reinforce and stabilise the higher ground? 2) Why did you not use a waterproof membrane or waterproof sealer behind the wall? 3) Why did you not put drainage behind the wall?

[@the_jonathan_o]

Very satisfying seeing the straight lines of the mortar.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

For sure

[@julietphillips1991]

Thorough job, neat and tidy, always satisfying to watch and happy for the homeowner! I believe there is a new driveway in the homeowner's future, built by Odell Complete Concrete.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Fingers crossed!

[@andyscorner101]

A truly great step by step video on wall deconstruction and then installation of a new wall. You and your crew are masters of your art. Of that I am sure. Thanks for sharing. Greatly appreciated.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

YW TY

[@freepress8451]

Fascinating watching you and your team. Still remember when you were an instructor and you built the wall for the students 'Teaching Students Concrete Basics', you made it look so easy

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Yes that was fun, I cant wait to back in the classroom

[@stevt77]

@@OdellCompleteConcrete where were/are the classes? I’m in SoCal too.

[@T.E.P.]

WOW huge ... great work again guys! always love catching your vids

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@jeffbarron5500]

It is nice seeing a plan go from mouth to reality, I am in SD, Ca. and here its all talk , no action( that you are happy to pay for)

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

I hear that alot TY

[@josesoyelgatovoladorhernan3049]

Good job that wall don’t go nowhere is very solid and strong 💪

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Yes it's a good one. TY

[@Daffodil956]

Wow super duper quality work👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Thank you so much 😀

[@raytorres4442]

Very valuable information; thanks Odell. Manuel really knows what he is doing.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

For sure

[@davidd8435]

Only one word for this job, amazing.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

TY

[@T.E.P.]

also just noticed the new logo in the corner ... looking good guys. gonna be a great year for your channel

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Hope so! TY

[@stoveboltlvr3798]

Now that's a footer done right. I like your caution tape trick and the wet sponge finish, that works on drywall too. That wall will outlive the house!

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

For sure TY

[@jj358mhz]

That caution tape necktie was a nice touch.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

yes it really makes the difference. TY

[@dapapadon1829]

That is some nice looking work. Great job!

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@dc5duben96]

great work as always guys, i enjoy watching all ur guys videos

[@kaycox5555]

Top notch and beautiful!

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

TY KAY

[@gregsappington9991]

Another great job from Odell

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

TY

[@leemcmullan]

you are a BADASS!! Love your videos! Your construction terms are so much fun to learn!

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

TY

[@sumyunguy777]

That ended up looking great! Thanks for sharing.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Thanks for watching!

[@pqworks9019]

You certainly built a very solid wall! It will definitely last over 100 years

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

I like to think so

[@scottm3130]

Great looking wall. Nice job guys.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@sammypollard6460]

A job well done with pride ! And it SHOWS !

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Ty Glad to see you know the difference

[@zaneroberts3813]

If you do t want a wall that size falling or moving I’d add some piers into the footing u will be surprised how fast them small footings move . Couple meter deep piers will really keep it solid . Looks great but what you did just an idea we used to have to use piers anything over a certain height as it will get immense presssure behind it

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Earth teeth, sounds good

[@kennethtibbitts6641]

YOU AND YOUR CREW DO EXCELLENT WORK!

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

TY

[@markadler8968]

Nice looking wall. Also your foundation is bulletproof. The only thing I would suggest is putting a concrete cap on the top of the wall after its complete to protect it from the elements.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

For sure TY

[@ricardodiaz6187]

Man what a great idea tying the tops of the vertical rebar.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

For sure

[@seangreene64]

If it was my wall I would have just ran it the same level as the block at the column. Great as always. 👍

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Interesting

[@craigrschulz]

Beautiful! Excellent job!

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@MotoBuilder]

You do incredible work. Masters at the trade 👍🏼

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Thank you so much 👍

[@UaeDelta]

Its nice to see how masonry and concrete techniques are differently used around the world. Retaining walls normally consist of full blocks here.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Yes it is

[@rce2553]

That Vermeer looks like the Jack of small equipment, hammer did great on the demo. Nice work!

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Yes it worked well

[@Mr.Clutch415]

Superb work, Mr. Odell. Quedo chingon!

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Gracious

[@myopiniondoesntmatter505]

I love your video's man. I for sure appreciate them. One day I will tackle one of my projects and use 1 of your videos to guide me. Again thank you sir.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

TY GL

[@michaelgarcia5159]

Another great job! I'm always amazed at your professional work and ethic. I wish I could be your camera man.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

You can if you can multi task with a shovel

[@brettlogan73]

That is a good looking wall. You guys did a great job on it.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

TY

[@Djm9393]

Sweet full send bro never lift! Bro you gotta hire Manuel every time his work is so clean and nice excellent craftmanship primo

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

For sure

[@charlie-s_life]

Really nice O'dell.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Many thanks!

[@peterdean5300]

Wow great job, you make it look so easy

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

TY

[@tonygolledge7906]

I can say this is the first masonry wall, I've seen built on a wet footing. I'm still scratching my head. But we'll done to you!

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Yes a better system

[@artifactsantlersoh]

Bravo man, looks really great!

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Ty

[@chadwhite8352]

Looks very nice. You make it look so easy.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

TY

[@swilldenn7160]

I'm glad to see a block wall going in and actually filled. There are a few who don't and it's scary. I am concerned, however- there doesn't seem to be enough stone behind your wall or a drainpipe to channel the water from packing dirt against the wall. It's probably not an issue because of the concrete and rebar?

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

No worries good for a 110 years

[@onetwothree4148]

I'm guessing they just don't get much water

[@saulguzman80]

I enjoy watching all your videos😎👌👍💯

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

I appreciate that

[@Phantastikal]

Amazing job on the wall and also on the video editing!

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

TY

[@thierrylaborde_6097]

you do amazing work bud

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Thank you kindly

[@b00573d]

Great job as always!

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@jeffp7776]

Oh the comments on the Facebook repost are a trip. I tagged you in my comment. Looks good

[@jm1551701]

You do really fantastic work, you and your crew work like a well oiled machine,

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

TY

[@AlMai222]

Best concrete work in California no CAP 🤜🤛

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

TY

[@LM-gu7rj]

That Vermeer seems to come in handy for you. Definitely reduces laborers. How do you feel about it? Are you content with it? do you wish you had something with more capability or is this good what you mainly do?

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

I could use a mini excavator and a bigger skidsteer. That would handle everything I do to perfection

[@MotoBuilder]

I did a block wall a few years ago using this method and it turned out awesome. I'm now doing another one, and the grade changes a bit more. To minimize the amount of concrete in my footing, I plan on stepping the footing. This method is super cool, because you havent made any forms for the steps. However, Its just going to be me on pour day, so I dont think I can manage setting that many blocks into the concrete on pour day while the the mud sets up. its especially hard because it steps up about 6 times on one of the walls... My new approach would be to step the footing with some forms, each 8" high, which would allow for mortar on the bottom of each block, and then the top of block would line up with the top of the next subsequent footing. How do you feel about this approach? a lot more work but if its laid out properly I wouldnt have to cut the blocks. Thanks!

[@strong4865]

Nice to see it done proper after retiring and living overseas now 10 years .what they use is a clear plastic tube put water in it that is the level lmao .. nice job - i did some onld churches on america over 100 years old the concrete is a nightmare to break

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

I've seen that technique

[@strong4865]

@@OdellCompleteConcrete it works i guess ls , but a lazer level is nice , just saying - or even a simple power saw :) i started concrete early 80s america , where we had to off load dump truks of number 5 or 8 by hand ----- sure did love the first bobcat i saw -

[@horsge01]

You said waterproofing for the blocks, but I missed it in the video. How do you deal with water pressure on the backside?

[@dylantrinder1571]

Fantastic job. Thanks for sharing.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Thanks for watching!

[@ytraortiz]

excellent work Sir!

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

TY

[@mikeflynn4373]

Great job lads.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

TY

[@unexplainedwearenotalone3537]

Clean job bravo to team ur awesome.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

TY

[@bg147]

That will last forever. Cute house. Do you think these houses were built in the 1950s?

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

yes

[@femanvate]

@10:35 Nice drone footage :) -comes complete with shadow of a guy. Great video btw. You make good work look easy.

[@Mr.Clutch415]

10:25 drone footage.

[@femanvate]

@@Mr.Clutch415 ahhh, missed that

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Hi Edgar How's the wall holding up?

[@liamplz2783]

Thankyou for this video. I'm getting ready to do my own small wall and it was helpful to watch. Nice job on your wall. Great Work!!

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

TY GL

[@henryvargas2915]

Good job Odell 🙌🏽

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

TY

[@Martinez-mr3uy]

Nice vid, nice looking work, good narration.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

TY

[@Appetite4ATX]

Drone footage is excellent 👍🏼

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

TY

[@Fry_Plantain]

That wall was exceptionally well built.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

TY

[@prmayner]

great job as always.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

TY

[@jesusrodela515]

What did you use for waterproofing on the ground side below grade? Also, just weep holes? No gravel ? Im having something similar built with split face cmu and was curious what you used. Thank! Great work!

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Drylock

[@davidferris7114]

This is an example of exactly what not to do, when setting your rebar it should always be put in chairs and a min of 2” off the ground, stickers should facing opposite the direction of the load, never wet set concrete blocks on your footer until footer has cured, never place dirt on footer to suck out moisture, this causes cracking and deterioration. Placing a load on a footer without proper cure time will result in wall failure.

[@Luis-wx2jn]

Certain. In Europe this way of building would not pass quality standards.

[@mikefalk9332]

Also, no weep holes, drainage tile or backfill compaction let alone gravel backfill

[@hsandv70]

As always, great work !

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

TY

[@johnknipe5752]

Your the best bro!!!

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

TY

[@halfdohm]

so glad you took most of that ivy out. Stuff is hard to kill.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

That's what I've heard. TY

[@craig7350]

Thats impressive how you can get those steps in the footing, and getting those courses level in on shot.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

I concur. TY

[@messenger8279]

Excellent work

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

TY

[@rce2553]

16:44 Nice Tie! Does block work and dresses to impress.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Yes that the key. TY

[@roma3116]

The same construction as a previous wall means the same problem will appear... where is drainage? No drainage was the main problem whay the old wall collapsed

[@grubburg5201]

Clearly wasn't the same construction

[@mmanut]

BEAUTIFUL WORK GUYS‼️👍👍. Vinny 🇺🇸

[@19993gt]

Looking good!

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

TY

[@kedarpanday3050]

you dont need to put gravel behind the wall and pipe with fabric cover for proper water drainage ?

[@deconteesawyer5758]

That's covered under the taillight warranty.

[@thelouiebrand]

@@deconteesawyer5758 Lol

[@nmatthew7469]

It's a desert there, very little rain. Weep holes, waterproofing. Last wall was free standing and lasted 60 years. This wall by contrast has a concrete footing and rebar. Listening skills are critical.

[@deconteesawyer5758]

@@nmatthew7469 The one eared man is king of the deaf village. The neighbor on the high ground going forward will be compacting the previously free draining soil above using it as a parking lot. Compacted soil does not readily absorb water and will shed it down to the uncompacted area adjacent to the wall. Decades ago heavy rain meant a couple consecutive days of light rain whereas we are more likely today to get more rain than that, concentrated in a couple hours which will fully saturate the soil adjacent to the wall, which likely never happened before.

[@roybanker]

So fascinating to watch this project, done by professionals! Ballpark price?

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

5500