How To Build a Retaining Wall

[@philipgonzales3962]

Installed retaining walls for years now. Decent video. Couple things i'd change would be - use 57 gravel for the base. You technically want 6 inchest of base, but with a small application 4 would be fine. And then use a thing layer of pea gravel, (not the rounded kind), to make it easier to level. Use a deadblow hammer, not a rubber mallet, will make your life much easier. That fabric he used, use that under your gravel so your gravel does sink into the ground over time. Use a long level so you can check a few blocks at a time. The small one he used will work for leveling one block, but you do not want it to be only using that. You want to check a few blocks together for level. Put 6 inches of gravel behinf the wall as well, and make sure you compact with that tamper ever 3 inches or so. Lastly when leveling your block front to back it's okay if it touches the back line. You'd rather your block be going towards your weight rather than out. I said last, but but some cap block to make it look even better and research some landscape lighting to install. In something like this i'd recommend wall cap lights and path lights in the bed. And don't use solar crap lol. Good luck everyone!

[@leungfy1]

how about a 4' wall. I watch numerous videos. I know that I should dig deeper and wider for more gravels and perhaps use geogrid every second row. My problem is the wall is below grade (top tier basement wall), so adding a perforated pipe for drainage behind the first row of blocks becomes a problem (nowhere to drain to), so can I count on water weeping out from between the blocks? I also want to replace my existing window well with a 4' block wall but I have the same problem. I am not sure if relying on the weep holes (gap between blocks) will be enough to alleviate the pressure behind the walls. The last thing I want happen is the wall collapsing into my basement window. Please advise. Thanks.

[@wilmoodesigns8892]

I completed many years ago using this method I used sand instead of paver base I have clay soil. My retaining wall still looks fantastic. I am a woman and did it all by myself. It is not to difficult except for the 1st row. I am in the process of doing another one with different levels that should be fun. Cheaper than hiring someone.

[@quakerboats9840]

which sand did you use?

[@kreativelykinya]

I just laid my first row, also all by myself, also in clay, rocky soil with tons of roots. It is gratifying!

[@DVD927]

You’d enjoy the KZbin channel called SeeJaneDrill - trust me she’s great

[@DVD927]

That masonry saw part intimidates me….tips? I have a circular saw, can I just put a masonry blade on it or do I need a special saw called a masonry saw?

[@curtismayfield4166]

I'm doing it tomorrow, I put them in wrong no wonder I'm not wowed, got ALL the materials ready ,wish me luck.

[@ColdperpetratorLv]

Why can’t all videos be as informative as these one thanks a lot I’m a fan

[@klmita415]

We watched, we shopped, we built, Thanks 🤠 chiseled the blocks by hand and it turned out great. It was easy, but labor intensive.

[@devonp8837]

Used this video for guidance, keep in mind the first layer of brick takes a lot of time to ensure level and straight. This is most important when putting the wall up.

[@cycroidxl9243]

Devon Parkhurst thanks for the advice

[@blazehard281]

Devon Parkhurst h

[@danbasta3677]

Very true, as it is the foundation to begin with. Once sll of the first level ground area is layed properly, constantly checking it for level (plum), then the second level can be installed as well, also checking for level and straight so that everything after fslls into place accordingly.

[@Rosangela161]

The best video. Simple and easy. Thanks friends.

[@michaelyoung04]

Rosa Angela any updates???

[@LyleBPhillips]

I'm in the middle of this project. Some thoughts: It's def not as easy as you think it's going to be after watching a 3-minute video. There's a def learning curve to doing this. Def buy a tamp, a rubber mallet, and a contractor's level if you can. I used Paver Base to get my ground floor level and that worked well. Don't use gravel or larger rocks for that. I hope that's helpful!

[@mr_4point681]

How did it turn out??

[@CJ-jf9pz]

Any tips?

[@michaelyoung04]

Updates???

[@maddog12186]

Pea gravel

[@washablejunk281]

I use a hammer and piece of wood instead of rubber mallet

[@Zest4life890]

You need the flange on the bottom of the blocks because that keeps it from sliding, because of the weight of the blocks, when they’re piled call up

[@leungfy1]

how about a 4' one. I need to build a 4' retaining wall but since it is going to be below ground level (for my basement), I don't know how to add drain behind the wall. I wonder if I can just use the method in the video and only use rocks for drainage and let water weep out from between blocks without adding any drain at the back of the first roll. I also want to build a window well using the same concept as I also find adding drainage behind the wall very difficult. I plan to let water weep into the well area where there is an existing drain. Will this work, the last thing I want happen is the wall collapsing.

[@catherinemurphy873]

Very nice 🐱. Thanks 👍

[@thelovelydrkeyx3250]

To whomever can help. What if I can't dig due to a huge tree and it's really thick roots? Any other suggested starting options?

[@thiscorrosion900]

I think you'd simply have to give the tree base area its space, and dig the wall around it, giving it some clearance. Not much choice otherwise.

[@datty5559]

I’d like to see how they cut the stones to make the right angle adjacent to the walkway to the porch.

[@kreativelykinya]

You can score it with a brick chisel like the one he used to break off the lip on the brick, then just tap it on the score line all the way around until it breaks in half. Takes a little bit of time if you want a clean break. If you have access to a saw with a round blade (circular or tile saw) use a masonry blade and cut it that way.

[@kacktie2844]

What can be applied to the back area of the wall that is abutting another porous block so that it doesn’t seep through? I’m doing this abutting to a block wall and water stains can not develop on the opposite side of the wall where my neighbors live. Thanks! I was thinking something like flexseal but is there something better and long lasting?

[@bennyfactor]

there are specific coatings and applications for sealing the outside of a foundation wall that you would want to use. Flexseal is a clever idea but it's unlikely to be rated to do that long-term. You'll also need some drain tube. Look up "waterproofing a foundation wall from the outside" for ideas.

[@7ajhubbell]

Thank you.

[@TheMendez2]

I understand putting down the paver base, but not sure why you have to worry about drainage???

[@alex.mcintosh]

If the retaining wall *retains* water, too, you'll have a lot of water pooling up above the wall. This is undesirable.

[@colombianflag717]

Thanks

[@younisaltaee2907]

I likes very much thanks lowes

[@gabrielcontreras3547]

Deff rrd q

[@coreysapp9433]

kl!!??

[@kaycox5555]

Beautiful!

[@VelvetCrone]

do you have to curve the corners on these, or can you get a right angle by cutting the blocks?

[@datty5559]

You have to cut it if you want a right angle.

[@dakotaboysnomadicadventures]

Is the landscape fabric really necessary I wonder? I feel over time the dirt would clog it and it would move..starting a wall soon, and only plan 5 rows to of 3.5 inch tall blocks as long as it got some good gravel behind most it that'd be good right? ✌

[@tonyh7734]

the fabric is only meant to keep the soil from mixing with the gravel, which needs to be unsoiled to do it's job of water drainage.

[@techvibeshd5379]

I just love this idea. It'l looks so nice and has that cosy home feeling. Can I use your video for my compilation. I ll give you credits

[@jerusaamofelinos]

Lovely!

[@kennymullins3357]

Jkjji,

[@LamTran-rz1nd]

Kenny Mullins i

[@ceflaco]

For ease firs layer use sand after gravel or screen soil

[@bastienclarke1810]

Nice

[@mcrane2653]

Will this work for a shed pad?

[@shatterstar913]

the second he said masonry blade, i was out.

[@laluz4473]

😂😂🤣😂 ditto!

[@GaryVolts]

I've cut the smaller 4" high blocks with a cold chisel and hammer. I've never had one break wrong. They have an indentation molded into them to help them break in 2.

[@ArmandSalmon]

😂WOW, I scrolled down to write the exact same thing and see your comment. 😂

[@mariepena2569]

🙉🙊🙈

[@mariepena2569]

Too complicated

[@allenletizia321]

Lowes were I bought my blocks man help me out . Except he did know nothing how to lay them . Help load pallet up. I bought 3/4 STONE for my base so water can go to the front for derange

[@waterbird91]

These blocks used here are quite expensive. The retaining wall would cost around $ 1,000.00. I plan on a retaining wall using less expensive blocks, which would make it more affordable for those of us w/ shallow pocket books. It's more or less always about the cost involved. So, I guess I will continue looking for a more cost effective way to build a retaining wall around my garden to fill w/ flowers.

[@pjmuffin]

These blocks are about $2 each.

[@josephbragdon1316]

Maintenance of a garden retaining wall?

[@jacobbelfield9835]

Little to none if you level properly, drain water properly, and lean an inch per 3’ towards the soil being held in

[@lmychajluk]

Can you make right angles and/or tie 2 walls into each other? I have a project where I would want to build a shape similar to a capital letter 'E', with an extension coming off the bottom of the 'E', and fill along the long edge of the 'E'.

[@tmichael1262]

get your diamond blade ready!!! as much as lowes and youtube tries to tell you "anyone can do this" it is simple not the case. Yes your average person will be able to get his done. but will it hold the test of time? no. will it be level" no. will there be gaps? yes. will a few bricks get knocked off? yes.

[@chamasjiro]

Several sources say NOT to install fabric behind the wall because it keeps water from draining through the wall blocks which are designed to allow the water to drain away. On larger walls the weight of the build up of water will eventually cause the wall to collapse.

[@tiffanysgottimetoday4589]

I did a 2 layer around the front of my house I just layed them down lol I didn’t do any of this😱😂 I hope they will hold up

[@FrancescaFrancesca]

It won’t. The ground and earth naturally shifts. Having a solid base is what extends the life of the wall.

[@rosajimenez6592]

I did the same.😁👀

[@charlesrowley1657]

you can hire me

[@watr77222]

Did it hold up?

[@tiffanysgottimetoday4589]

@@watr77222 yes they still are up just fine

[@dp4491]

Not to argue with the experts, but if you use fabric barrier then those pores will clog up with dirt and trap water. Not what I want to see happen with my project, but that's me.

[@jmack20007]

Does your lawn that has several feet of dirt trap your water?

[@williampineo4074]

@@jmack20007 I doubt his lawn has the fabric underneath it

[@UnicycleIdiot]

David P not true, sir. It seeps through slowly

[@dicksonrk]

IMHO, the fabric serves no purpose. I've dug into old landscaping that had the fabric...it looked like shredded burlap.

[@daicaghund3587]

That was my concern as well. If you have a clay soil I wouldnt imagine that fabric would allow water migration very quickly at all.

[@jimc6694]

?? When you fold the fabric back across the gravel, what is to keep weeds from still coming up between the blocks and the gravel?

[@zachdunford6808]

the fabric is to help keep the rock from getting packed with dirt.

[@dicksonrk]

Roundup

[@awckid3]

Please bring back your older videos.

[@jmack20007]

Throw away your old videos... please.

[@mronemanband1]

just level out the dirt and have at it and no glue

[@pringlesartificiallyflavor1419]

Easy and and very simple and watchable and five stars

[@oofogman420oo2]

Sorry but I'm a block layer and we use 3/8 inch base. Have fun laying block on gravel that big haha

[@satyaprakashsharma9791]

oO Fogman420 Oo abdeshanand a Ul

[@collinrobinson5670]

Do you know why they say only 28” high. I need to go about 4’ high.

[@Daoedsjah]

@@collinrobinson5670 Check out 'Dirt Monkey' on youtube. He explains going higher than 28". 4' requires a Engineer since its a larger load to carry.

[@kararamsey3263]

@@collinrobinson5670 bo

[@NickC4real]

Why only 28” high? I’ve seen walls like this 20’ high

[@andreahill5128]

because legally, any wall about 4' is considered load bearing, and needs to be done by a licensed professional. Lowes here is showing you a small wall for a flower bed. Any wall above this height needs more layers under the earth, and usually, gravel and sand packed to form a drainage layer. Certain blocks allow for certain heights, not all can make high walls. At a certain height, you would need concrete and rebar foundation, as well as large drainage pipes.

[@clelianoemidettler1773]

MUY BELLO......

[@ariannaobryan8941]

Dinosours

[@Kathayne636]

Dinosours? Is that like a sour candy? What does it have to do with anything?

[@TheCandrews26]

This is a lot harder than they make it look🥴

[@bigchiefmena7708]

Can you use sand for the trench instead of gravel? My wall is going to be 3 ft. High.

[@david89065]

No i wouldn't recommend sand can shift with water.

[@tylerarkansas2569]

U can do up to 8 ft high.put gravel then little sand and spread concrete bag powder on top then level block. Once first row is complete spray blocks and trench very light with water hose and let sit for 2 hours. It’ll be ready to go up from there and never mobe.

[@pjmuffin]

@@tylerarkansas2569 If you're going 8 ft high, I hope you have a permit, calculations, and proper drainage.

[@YorkieNerd]

But like, can I not dig out a 50 foot long trough that half a foot deep and just stack it on the ground as is?

[@mario7076]

Can I only do two rows? Or is 3 necessary?

[@CJ-jf9pz]

I did something like this and within a couple years, it started leaning outwards. No idea what I did wrong

[@mike92505]

Impacted ground base with pavers sand mixed with damp soil is the first step. Like the video says, start with the first row at least half of the ground base. Step two is probably most important. You need gravel behind the wall. About the size of quarters. This will form a barrier between the dirt and wall. When it rains the dirt will expand from the water and if the gravel its there, the water will start to deposit between the gravel, instead of pushing against the wall directly.

[@dannyt2951]

No dude has nothing to do with that, you need to compensate for the wait on the wal by not building it up perfectly plum, your mottim block should be out 3 inches compared to your bottom block every 4 ft of height on the wall

[@jmack20007]

@@dannyt2951 I agree with what Danny T is trying to say. After the first row, make sure the lip of the paver is up against the back of the first row pavers to hold back the force of the backfill pressure. Also, if you build the wall too high and the pressure is great, it can cause this Pressure can be caused by build up of water against the back of the wall, you'll need to allow proper drainage at the base with gravel and weep holes, during its construction. I suggest you do an internet search on building retaining walls, with an emphasis on drainage and mitigating pressure against the wall. Good luck to you.

[@TheDeanosaurus]

Sometimes the fabric will clog up with dirt and not allow moisture to weep through the block. The build up of soil and hydrostatic pressure will push it out away from the hill side. There’s other methods like the level mesh that sits horizontally between the blocks and level into the hill rather than vertically. And as others have said you want your base block to lean ever so slightly back into the hill. Many possible causes though

[@Dennis-kj9qx]

Fabric should only cover the inside face of the wall down to the gravel so water can drain. The cloth got blocked with dirt and held the water.

[@joshuasabatino6128]

Subscribed

[@lowes]

Hi, Joshua and welcome.

[@susilodrs4183]

Lowe's Homprovement

[@bhartipawarvlogs9778]

👌

[@drew5555555555555555]

Why did I buy what I thought I needed before looking up what to do? Back to the hardware store.

[@yunoletmehaveaname]

Don't use fabric because your wall won't be able to drain and you'll have a blowout

[@johntylerkerlin]

@Lisa Diedrich I've seen conflicting opinions on this. but i believe the fabric will collect any clay like soil and not flow well enough. the rock will work longer without the fabric filter.

[@swtrevelation]

Where does the water drain? Does it run towards the house?

[@imapcfreak]

Out the front of the wall unless you add a French drain with pipe

[@abuathal6745]

👍

[@zachsmith8992]

this is good for kids who likes building im 22 btw

[@Kathayne636]

You grew up so quickly.

[@maba7242]

un natural way

[@SimplePleasuresMTB]

Trumps building a wall 👍🤙🤘🏻😛

[@williamjackson5942]

Trumps going to jail!

[@عائدالسماوي-غ3ش]

السلام

[@salvadorordaz5260]

ceciliA. ToRRES

[@MA-yv8dw]

Call 811 b4 you Dig!😒

[@nolayaheardme402]

Looks like almost a thousand dollars

[@em20245]

It would have been nice if they used something that was actually beautiful. I guess it’s better than before, but it’s ugly

[@dickiegreenleaf750]

OH HELL NOOOOO

[@mariepena2569]

I hear you,looks very complicated

[@josearenas3194]

Wrong video

[@barryrhyno3190]

that was done completely wrong and would love to see what it looks like now

[@ltcajh]

+Barry Rhyno Do a video.

[@physhtailswims2169]

what was wrong with it? Barry

[@williamjackson5942]

He didn't make the video....so it must be wrong...

[@mrob75]

sheesh...such a big to do about nothing...Just lay down the pavers...You're not building a house...

[@kennethjohnson1478]

Thanks

[@A_Lion_In_The_Sun]

like they say in the construction business, close enough, amiright?

[@jmack20007]

That's the dumbest thing I've ever heard said. If the wall is not built properly it can come apart with back pressure, and look ghastly from weeds going thru it. Youre the type of person who'll throw things together, and complain when it doesn't work, and say..." I followed the directions and now look at it ".

[@charlesrowley1657]

thats right do it cheap and then complain later....you roll the dice you pay the price

[@mikerenshaw1363]

Don’t use fabric it will make the wall fail

[@williamjackson5942]

Wrong!

[@Ava-oc1dg]

Are you kidding me do you know Im 62 and I live with my 85 yr young mother how the heck are we suppose to put up a wall.Do you know how expensive those blocks are?

[@kmacradio]

They are $3.88 apiece at Lowes. They weigh 67 pounds apiece. You could always hire a strong young kid to place them for you.

[@williamjackson5942]

@@kmacradio They are 1.98 each weigh 24 lbs each and measure 12 in long by 4 in high and 8 in deep! At Lowes today! The ones you speak of are much larger and intended for a more serious type of wall.

[@Order-in-Chaos]

If you clicked the like button on this video, the maximum value of your house is around $300K in a high value real estate area and about $125K in a low value area. Basically you're a proud owner of a house in a trailer park neighborhood.

[@pjmuffin]

troll

[@Order-in-Chaos]

@@pjmuffin troll's arse