HOW TO BUILD A RETAINING WALL

[@thereefaholic]

Nice job. All looks structurally solid but would point out one item for anyone attempting this. You want water to go into the French drain but in reality, most will pass it by and saturate the ground below the round stone. Using an open 3/4” clear stone under the footing is the “best practice” as it allows water behind the wall to migrate our and not saturate that lower beam. Also 3/4” clear as backfill is a “stable” drainage backfill because of its angular shape. It will reduce movement over time where the rounds will promote movement.

[@DMDvideo10]

I've done both rail road ties and stone retaining walls. It's a lot of work but the sense of accomplishment I feel and the money I saved is all well worth it. My last project would have cost 20k easily and I did it with a little help from my kids and wife for $2400.

[@gloriabush9499]

You have just answered my question. I got an estimate of 22k for a concrete retaining wall. and was wanting to do something like this. Wonder how long it will last. As long as you maintain the up keep?

[@DMDvideo10]

@@gloriabush9499 My project which was a 2 tiered rounded wall, a 9 step staircase with 4 landing pads, and a curved walkway is now 8 years old. This will be the first year I have to add some polysand to a few spots and level one of the landing pads. If you do it right it will last!

[@heidiperez1925]

Thank you! This has been the most informative timber retaining wall video I've seen. And the most professional. Thank you!!

[@dustinhuffman574]

No....this isn't correctly done...but good filming

[@ethangallup565]

I liked hiw you talked about the importance of the deadheads early on, and then showed why they are so important. I didnt realize this when i prwviously thought about retaining walla like this, great video!

[@bobthrasher9799]

Two little helpful hints: 1. Grind a point on the ground end of your rebar, it will drive through rocks easier. 2. If you coming in contact of solid rock...use a ground rod driving attachment on a hammer drill and the rebar will drive much easier and will also vibrate/compact the material around the rebar as it drives into the ground...

[@DrDocDRM]

This is the way.

[@zapman2100]

you can also use a t-post driver to take up a lot of the work and a sledge for the last little bit.

[@victorquesada7530]

One final tiny tip (literally), Pre drill the ground contact 6x6s BEFORE you put them in the ground. If they are going to be 6" in from the end anyway, then there is no reason to drill through them and have your wood bit hit the rocks below, damaging it.

[@iamleidig]

X2 on pointy rebar. I like to cut the rebar at 45 degree to get stake end. It's much quicker than grinding.

[@Omniverse0]

@@iamleidig You mean you do a 45* cut on two sides? If only one side, I'd be worried about drift.

[@19ghost73]

Good dedication to important details! This project was done much better than likely 90%+ of all commercially done projects of this kind.

[@rodrigopina322]

I have done some woodworks in the past but this woodwork plan kzbin.infoUgkxZF0EMnrujZvqHhGkxiz559uIABJWR9TG helps me do much in a far lesser time than i used to do i have already built several projects with this plan and i intend to do many more soon. Thank you so much!

[@jiggidyjam]

This is a good how to video. I was typing that you need to tell people to locate all utilities before spiking and right when I was finished you said to call 811 so I had to erase and start over. Good job

[@westhavenor9513]

Excellent advice on sealing the cut ends with wood preservative! I would say 2/3 of the contractors around here miss that important step.

[@bryanrussell6679]

Beautiful wall. I love the way you did your deadheads.

[@kevinnilsen590]

Really nice job here. It's all the detail work that no one will ever see but you that makes a job done right. That wall is not going anywhere. Thanks for sharing.

[@dustinhuffman574]

Crazy thinking. ..if in a sub zero weather. ..this will blow out

[@lisaferrara8120]

This project is overwhelming!! I read your comment to another subscriber about how you learned to do this. The time you take to research everything and then accept the amount of labor to make this project a reality is incredible. I learned something today: deadheads! Amazing finished project, Brent.

[@grandmaraps]

Ok. You have just convinced me to hire a professional. This will take me forever even with the rental tools.

[@dirrrrr82]

I like the Miriam Makeba Patapata tune at the end, great work mate n some nice guidance for us too

[@Palpatine4Senate]

OMG I was not expecting to hear Pata Pata. What a fun surprise!

[@AuditRecon]

I'm an interior trim carpenter & that was a nice looking wall. Subbed

[@chrisosti]

Righteous job brother!!!! As a long-time builder of concrete crib retaining walls...you did a great job!

[@johnhewetson4406]

Good Job. What you refer to as dead heads we call Tie Backs but same thing. On some really high walls we put crosses on the back of the Tie Backs but that is only for walls over 6 feet. I really like those screws as it makes life a whole lot easier then the hassles of rebar. Cheers

[@jasonneumann1678]

Man, that retaining wall looks amazing. The way the deadheads were implemented, was pretty amazing and will serve that wall nice, stable and strong.

[@dustinhuffman574]

Wrong...his dead men are not installed correctly. ..not deep enough into the depth of wall

[@jasonneumann1678]

​@@dustinhuffman574 time will only tell.

[@yangz0327]

will never do this myself, but it was an enjoyment for watching and listening to this very well presented project

[@jackaffeldt]

Taking the homeowner special to the next level!

[@HallstedDavid]

Thank you so much for doing everything from the how to, the list, even the apparel. I am now doing this project at my house. Again thanks.

[@cjhock274]

As always, great work Brent! Love how thorough your videos are - thanks for helping all of us have the courage to tackle the projects that seem impossible. Your videos are lifesavers!

[@mteske1]

One tip. Look into ground rod bit for a hammer drill. Makes driving rebar like spreading soft butter on a slice of toast.

[@robertsmith3518]

Bravo! Unless you have tackled a project like this ,you can’t appreciate your hard work. Great job ! You saved thousands and it’s done 100 correct . A sub would have cut hundreds of corners . It’s not their back yard so they could care less. Good job

[@coolasbeans]

Great job. I drill pilot holes and use 3/8 galvinized leg bolts and counter sink washers on my walls. On the top row it gives it more of an industrial look.. its a bit more work and u have to treat the holes like you did your post ends. I also use a grinder and cut a V on the bottom of the rebar to help drive it easier.. I like the project it looks great!

[@Mindmanual1]

First of all nice job, well done with all the effort and planning. A few important comments. Unless you are building a reinforced concrete wall with inner and outer toe-beams, as a matter of principle, it is better to have the wooden wall sloping back by about 10° to 15°also going any higher than 4ft it is best to have dead heads every 3ft and staggered on every layer of long beams. As your raised level even though backfilled with drainage stone, always put in a strong plastic water barrier against your house wall, regardless of whether it is brick, concrete, and certainly if it is wood. If the backfill drainage stone is not compacted for the height of each dead-head stabilizer during the backfill, spaces or cavities will gradually occur beneath the dead-head anchors leading to further subsidence or weakening effect of the anchor dead-heads. This may sound like nit-picking, but when creating retaining walls these details are important in the short and long term.

[@user-lv3th9pe7u]

Video was pretty cringe. Besides what mind manual pointed out, Even a rookie should know to space out seams. at least 2-3' from ends. this guy just throws deads 6“ from an end or between two timbers. Deads also too undersized to do anything meaningful here. Where I'm from walls over 3' need engineer and permits.

[@tyson9419]

Yuh

[@michaelrigdon8543]

@@user-lv3th9pe7uwhere I come from if you don’t have anything positive to say we keep it to ourselves.

[@shivarammahat2624]

Man, I'm impressed. That's 10 out of 10 for me.

[@ThriftyGarage]

I've never heard them called dead heads. Usually they are called dead mans. Overall great job! I will say where it meets the house will be the most likely to fail. Looks like you did a good job to install dead mans in that corner.

[@jeb1487]

Yeah it’s dead man. id say loose the fabric too. The fabric ends up getting clogged and becomes impermeable. A couple feet of 3/4 clean gravel with no fabric.

[@hotsaucejunkie]

Maybe he's a grateful dead fan.....

[@wht240sxka]

Its also not a backhoe or excavator he’s using… so??

[@polloloci21]

I call them chicken heads 😂

[@brookelewis4102]

Damn that’s an ugly looking wall. Should have been clad with a finishing material not left like that .

[@seejanedrill]

You're the Man!

[@BYOTools]

Thanks so much for all the support Leah. Good feeling to have this one behind me :)

[@pablorodriguez5100]

I was going to hire someone to do this but now I want to drive the mini excavator. Thanks a lot!

[@AStanton1966]

Call Check Before You Dig!

[@johnlee7085]

When you call to have utilities marked, realize that they only mark public utilities. Any irrigation or other private services are on you.

[@AdamsAdams-fc1ld]

That was an awesome informational video, now I have confidence to build a small retaining wall, I never heard of the dead head boards and that is an awesome idea, never heard of them because I am not a landscaper , retired police officer 😊

[@RichBshine1972]

Looks great I now have my plan for my backyard thank you for the idea

[@Notmyhandler]

Out of all the retaining wall videos I like this one the most. It’s very “DIYable”

[@eddie2819]

Good job but a few notes: 1) I would recommend to never use rounded rocks for any backfill or base of any wall as they will roll around and move. 2) the timber’s need to be stepped back into the hillside. This means you should technically be able to look down the wall and see a set back usually a 1/4” per timber. 3) depending on your location be careful using so much fabric as if you are in an area with a lot of silt it can clog up drain pipes with socks, fabric, etc. Remember you want to always create a free flowing wall for water. 4) make sure the drainage pipe is always touching the wall and not sitting away from the wall. Ex. If the corner where the drainage pipe wasn’t touching then daylight the pipe out and then install a new drain, or use T’s or elbows. 5) never hide your drainage pipe where you can’t see it. Reason being is if the wall is failing the main indicator is typically a lot of water coming out of the pipes if it’s going to fail due to hydrostatic pressure. 6) for the deadman you typically want them to extend the same amount as the height of your wall. So if you have a 4 foot wall you want a 4 foot deadman. Happy wall building!

[@dennisdickey5659]

Is that 1/4" offset needed even with the dead man and being anchored? Does it matter how tall the wall is? I'm planning on building a 2 1/2'-3' retaining wall in the desert. I like the look of the vertical wall.

[@eddie2819]

@@dennisdickey5659 i would always recommend to put a step back

[@kastironwoman6009]

Thanks Eddie. Excellent remarks!!

[@benstaehr9595]

ALWAYS use round rock for drainage. Crushed rock doesn't have the void spacing to allow drainage. There's no need for batter on this wall. It's not tall enough and using the deadmans eliminates the need. Granted they're no where near long enough, but at least he's trying.

[@osoquik4447]

@@dennisdickey5659 I’ve built various vertical walls without any step back here in the Midwest. Good base, proper drainage and adequate deadman’s provide a strong wall. Like Eddie pointed out, the rule of thumb for backfill rock: bigger the rock faster the water flow; smaller the rock slower the water flow.

[@Auburn7543]

It looks great but honestly liked it before also. Looked like a perfect place to plant a small garden.

[@wrinkledasian5206]

Beautiful back-breaking work.

[@roydenvickers]

I feel building one of these. Great work.

[@zakkychan123]

It's amazing what you can achieve by taking the time and effort to do this, so well done and what a great inspiration! Cheers

[@wilsonzuluaga4968]

I've seen 100+ similar videos. This by far was the best. Wow! Keep it up and you'll have 1M subscribers by 2023.

[@GergC0521]

First time I recall seeing deadheads was with the retaining walls around the beach houses on the outer banks in NC. And I thought, why haven't I used these before!

[@SouthShoreSamurai]

Extremely good video. I extremely like the way you extremely describe everything extremely effortlessly. Extremely.

[@michaelhancock7486]

WOW dude your an artist and a legend. That looks amazing and all the extra stuff you did, i wouldn't had even thought of if i had done it myself.

[@nielsdubbeld2767]

I filled up my retaining wall with beer bottles. Very strong, draining, free and keeps your wall dry! After 3 years no sinking in either.

[@iZiOdGi]

Just building my own wall right now, and i'm not a pro like you, and i break two of my screwdrivers, and one of my chainsaw in the process. But really enjoy about how you positive are despite the problems you' ve encountered, really keeps me pushing the right way. Thanks again for all your advices. And sorry about my poor english, Respectfully, a builder from France

[@colby9743]

You make it look so easy.

[@BYOTools]

The beauty of video editing. Seven days of work done to a 24 min video haha. But hopefully this gives others important a times and the confidence to take it on themselves.

[@stewartsteinkamp8050]

One suggestion: Might want to set back each timber 1/4". With all those deadheads probably don't need to worry too much about the setback.

[@Homelessmilkman]

Cool way to do a retaining wall very different to the ones I build everyday

[@stevedurr2149]

Your husband is probably so proud of you! Great Job.

[@BYOTools]

He thinks it’s great but my wife is WAY more supportive….. lol!

[@Tommy-qf2gz]

LOL

[@deano_s2k]

ROFL!!!

[@westhavenor9513]

Steve is obviously jealous

[@lwuajiro]

Awesome video. I also enjoyed the choice of music. Miriam Makeba.....long time ago!..lol..great work!

[@mlauntube]

Nice wall and very nice video production/instructions.

[@jb7753]

How do you get the first line level against the ground? You mentioned don't stress about levelling the compaction as you'll do that when you put them down. But what do you use for that?

[@dimik3855]

Great execution of this retaining wall and a well-done video of the process. After all that work I don't understand why you used subpar soil to top it off.

[@EverydayBuilds]

I have a similar project coming up next summer. I will definitely be referencing this video when the time comes. Thank you for the time and effort you put into this and sharing your knowledge. Great content!

[@informeddissident]

Watch videos that focus on drainage. Your wall will last longer than his if you do

[@jim9520]

Love your video. I greatly appreciate all the detail you have provided. You are good. Thank you.

[@thetruthonlydementia7379]

Great video. Good luck working on the house siding some day LOL.

[@arnoldtarbooz1420]

Nice job - Informative and from start to finish - I am going to ...well, my idea is still under construction, so it's TBD.

[@pachecolljk]

Finally a retaining wall video that explains how to do it, from A to Z. :) -- I've been looking at building a retaining wall myself, and I think this video gave me the info I needed!

[@benstaehr9595]

Yeah, don't follow this video to build a wall. Go buy some segmental blocks and follow the manufacturers instructions.

[@pachecolljk]

@@benstaehr9595 thanks for the info, besides the aesthetics (wood vs block), is there anything wrong with this video's info? reading about segmental blocks, the steps appear to be somewhat similar

[@informeddissident]

@@pachecolljk his drainage is less effective than it should be. If you're building something tall, it's important to get your deadmans the right length. I wouldn't use 1 foot segments in the large wall. It's not how we would do it, but it's not terrible. It'll last for a good while

[@themonsterunderyourbed9408]

@@pachecolljk -He used the wrong type of fabric -He didn't use the right type of drainage rock (should always be crushed stone) -I would never use lumber for a retaining wall unless it was only temporary -He didn't offset his wall back into the dirt. The wall will always want to move forward. Putting each layer back a little will help with that

[@kevinblitzcki2709]

Hello, You did a wonderful display of workmanship and skillfulness on this build and I hope you would be kind enough to answer those few questions: 1- The metal spike/peg that went 3' deep to anchor the timer to the ground, wouldn't you be worried about that rusting out over time? Metal + moisture + time = Rust? 2- If we're comparing the same build to a stone retaining wall, would timber be more cost-effective, and if so, by how much? 3- What would be the longevity expected from this wall compared to stone/cement build? I'm really looking to do my own retaining wall and I already know hiring a professional is going to cost thousands and having watched a few vids, it looks more than doable but there's always questions to be asked. Of course there's engineering involved in this and absolutely no cutting corners or cheaping out and but the results are definitely worth it. Many thanks again! :)

[@stevehutchinson238]

Nice job. Some landscaping lights would’ve been a consideration… for anyone undertaking a similar project

[@danielrose7697]

As an Aussie Landscaper - we use Geo Cloth or Geo fabric to hold back soil - I'd also strongly recommend not only compacting the base layer gravel but also stabilising it with a small amount of cement this binds the whole lot together, helps repel any long term moisture damage and creates a far stronger base in which to build upon. Dead man is a great idea - but also consider using a "Batter" or an angled finish to the face of the wall back into itself, this adds stability and support (though in some instances it does not look that crash). All in all great job mate!

[@khusnildeo]

what are you doing here? Fellow aussie here too lol

[@BobutBrody]

fantastic instructive video

[@raytapp8107]

From 731 woodworks. Great episode!

[@frankadams2401]

A beautiful job. I am keeping this video on file. Job well done.

[@dax28645]

Oh my gosh. He rocks my world! Inspiring and educational.

[@9realitycheck9]

Liked all except the flex pipe. In our area due to the type of clay & soil movement, I insist on solid pipe, no matter the size of project. But, its a small run and yoh know your soils..so Im sure its a good solution. Also there is an iron method that some Pros use to attach the soil fabric pieces together instead of duct tape.. but.. Nice job. Thnx for your content.

[@martharetallick204]

Your child going to learn so much, just by watching you.

[@BYOTools]

I hope so Martha :) thanks so much for watching.

[@Jasha333]

Beautifully done

[@JamesThompson-xl4yu]

You should also treat the rebar holes to water proof like you did the cut ends. Just a thought. You did well.

[@tammyc606]

Love it. We have a retaining wall ready to fall

[@TheAtomicgenerator]

This was an incredibly detailed DIY video which I am using as my template for my project. My question is that I see most builds using 8-foot 6x6’s. I am building a wall 18 feet long and wanted to know if I could stagger 10 foot 6x6’s with an 8’ 6x6 instead of using 3 8’ beams across each level. I didn’t know if there was a specific reason 8’ beams were standard. The total height would be 33 inches, 1 base layer, 5 layers on top of it, total of 6 layers.

[@thisoldproperty]

Instead of hamering those ros in, grab a drill, put it on hammer setting, and put the rebar into the chuck. Believe it or not, this saves a lot of time as the drill will get that rebar in easier and smoother than the hammer will!

[@Vitamin-Q]

Well Done.... Very Well Done!

[@BYOTools]

Thanks so much for the kind works and all the support.

[@ThatsMistaTwistToYou]

I love your videos so much - you always give so much detailed information, and it's always shot and edited so well. Thanks!

[@alazanjoe]

Awesome build

[@MrCanbuildit]

Very nice look. Was wondering about access from the upper level of the yard to the lower level and the 4 ft drop off from the upper level deck. Are you planning to add some kind of rail and a set of stairs to the upper level deck?

[@falconseyeaerialservicesll8176]

I would have added the stairs next to the house, so u wouldn’t have to go through the house to get to the lower level.

[@harutanaka3647]

This wooden retaining wall last 6 years? When it is new, look nice.

[@knowltonthomas]

love the detail here

[@larrypinter3321]

Obviously a good-looking feature for sure. But I'm wondering if a wall with sleepers into vertical H-section galvanised steel posts would've been much quicker with far less materials.

[@williamhuff2158]

I was thinking why not posts ?

[@sonnybowman]

A properly built timber wall with tie-backs and deadman will require the same amount of timber behind the wall as there is in the wall itself.

[@vickigonya9432]

Great job!!!!

[@ifiwooddesigns]

I’ve recently subscribed to your channel and impressed with the large tasks you do. Very well detailed and thorough. Great job!!!

[@mondavou9408]

Pretty wall.

[@harison548]

You made this challenging project accessible.

[@11d7th]

3:22 What a massive wall ready to crush anything or anyone.

[@derrick9635]

Looks great, Ide of put two drains in the wall as extra ,the gutter / roof water is all going into the wall .👍

[@RT-jf9pp]

normally don't like wood as a retaining wall, but this is really thoroughly professionally done! Very nice!

[@pattig717]

Amazing transformation, nice job!

[@teckbugz1278]

I'm seeing a pool project in the very near future. Keep up the good work.

[@occam5052]

Finally, a KZbin video of merit. Well done. Great structurally sound work 🎉

[@KrustyKlown]

Great Work!!!.... needs stairs that connect to that upper deck

[@thelouiebrand]

I considered this but wood prices are astronomical. Stone it is. Good job man.

[@paulnicholson8524]

That was informative thanks and keep the videos coming.

[@33DRodriguez]

Looks great!

[@jblewis1975]

Great job! Just curious...were you planning to build stairs from the deck down to the lower level?

[@iluchindesign693]

Fantastyczny film instruktażowy Brawo .Pozdrawiam z Polski Jarek

[@copasetic216]

Awesome as always dude

[@jackyeh7512]

Great effort and nice project. Seems a bit expensive way to retain only 4'-0" maximum high soil. The pressure treated wood may not last as long as one might think. Masonry or stone retaining wall might be long term options.

[@themonsterunderyourbed9408]

Yeah. It will rot pretty quickly.

[@sonnybowman]

I agree but the drainage he installed will help to extend the structural integrity of the timber. Precast concrete or stone(dry or mortared) should be the first choice.

[@jaysonhaselton]

Looks great. I would have added steps from the deck with the same timber as the wall

[@joshgreen8986]

That’s awesome! Good job!

[@dannysteele4013]

Nice work thanks for sharing