How to Build a Short Retaining Wall

This short retaining wall was installed to fix grading issues we have on the lake house that caused water damage to our siding. Keeping the water draining appropriately was the top priority. Stay tuned for more of my exterior makeover!
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[@FelicianaDelacruz]

This was an awesome video. We used this video project to deal with a sidewalk that tends to flood and it worked perfectly. Couldn't have done it without your great tips and video!

[@brucecrane9605]

I've had a retaining wall for my flower bed on my list for a long time. Sooo glad I saw this video before I jumped into this project. I learned a lot, can't wait to get started on my DIY project. Thanks so much.

[@JamesDeese]

Because of your recommendation, and watching you use it on the kitchen build I bought a work bench. It is amazing!

[@carlb401]

A little tip when using bagged materials, rather than cutting the top of the bag and turning it over, just cut the bottom of the bag and lift. It will be easier on your back. 🙂

[@Christopher_Bachm]

I saw this done, before. It sounds just as clever, now. I never remember...

[@Christopher_Bachm]

Your fearless approach to each new project is inspiring to me. Really a great learning experience, too.

[@h.collier3544]

Wow.. that's a first class retaining wall and landscape project! As always, well done!

[@diylilyardor3435]

This turned out amazing! WOW that's a lot of work :) Good job girl!

[@norcross26]

The house is really coming along. Looking great. Great job

[@waterlooboy]

Hey Melissa you and your family did a nice job! I hope this takes care of the water issue! I think it will!

[@Guatemaya1]

Wall with no concrete is going down in a couple of snows 😢

[@jgraham8248]

Thank you! This was a joy to watch and informative.

[@CoolBreeze640]

This project turned out great, looks good!

[@delliott777]

Excellent work. I've been thinking about building a retaining wall at my house.

[@brianbutler9757]

The wall looks awesome! Great job!!

[@FrankGraffagnino]

really really nice. if anyone else is considering something like this, one thing you can do is leave a bit of a lip with your top caps so that you have a place to attach an outdoor led strip that faces down and lights up the walkway and the wall. Also just gives a place to hide other outdoor wiring under the lip if needed.

[@WelcometotheWoodsBlog]

What a cool idea!

[@progression_decibel]

What brand(s) of LED outdoor strips are compatible with mounting to things like rock/concrete walls?

[@greenman7yyy]

I very much appreciate that you are nearly if not appropriately dressed for most of this task. I like your endorsement of the calapsible workbench and am looking into getting that model. Thank you for HIGHLIGHTING it ..)

[@ronjh6372]

Beautiful work.

[@Mr47wereim]

Hello from Kiev!

[@leonardfrank3449]

Thanks for this video, very helpful 👍

[@ironhorsegladiator5034]

With contractors and handymen charging excessive rates of about $500 per hour here in CA, your videos are worth millions. Thank you.

[@7kardia750]

At those prices, they will eventually put themselves out of business. Not smart!

[@richiecaelwarts7873]

Nice job on the wall looks great your a little fire cracker for sure love your videos .

[@robertevans6481]

Looks great!!

[@kevinmackinnon6425]

Looks great!

[@EugenioFranklin]

Hi Melissa, huge fan here. There's a easier way to level up sand. Wrap a string around a block of of wood and do the same on the other end, make sure it's leveled and build it up to it. Hope I was clear enough.

[@ptessier73]

Great job!

[@Darshyboy]

I have those exact pants Don, good choice.

[@margamoons-filip5205]

Good to see you again 🐸💚

[@tii2015]

Really nice job! Subscribed!

[@ron827]

Looks very professional and glad to see your techy husband even knows how to use a shovel. You are fortunate to have Don available for such a labor intensive project.

[@majahanson311]

I think a rain gutter attached to the fascia would go a long way to keep water out of that area too

[@conscience-commenter]

For sure .

[@felixreali7101]

great, as always 😊

[@nonothingcook4194]

I have question, it looked to me that the drain pipe at both ends, or did see that incorrectly. Now, thank you for making this video, extremely helpful for me.👍😊

[@kljunatic8157]

not bad my only suggestion would have run a guide line to keep the wall straight. Its all in the detail and that can ruin all the hard work

[@diverdave4056]

i was shocked that she did use a string or dry line to run the first block straight ! and later in the video she was using one ??? i use a 2x6x10 as a guide to help lay out the paver base in a straight line and to keep it level !

[@rowanchong7225]

Wow nice…thanks 👍

[@JacobFrey]

This lake-house is lucky to have you.

[@WelcometotheWoodsBlog]

I feel the same way about it ♥️

[@mczilla8628]

Wow great video you know your stuff! Definatly going to use these tips

[@brucecarmell6050]

Great video thanks for the education. I'm about to start a similar project. Question: Did you use construction adhesive to secure the wall caps?

[@WelcometotheWoodsBlog]

Yes, some people use adhesive between every block, but I just did the top caps.

[@fredr.5723]

Hello from Hudson Valley NY. Great video! Thank you ! Planning to do this same thing this spring. Question: how has the drainage pipe been holding up? Draining, Slope , pea gravel (adjustments? issues?) Thanks again God bless

[@WelcometotheWoodsBlog]

I would’ve added more pea gravel if I were to do it again, but the drainage pipe is holding up great!

[@michaelneal900]

how exactly does a retaining wall keep water out. Pardon my ignorance.

[@ronbrown124]

I forget you guys gonna move there or rent it out in the future? Anyway you and father-in-law doing nice work

[@WelcometotheWoodsBlog]

Stephen's grandparents are living in half the house. The other half is going to be renovated for the next couple years. The future of it isn't clear but it will take me a long while considering I'm doing it myself.

[@Autism_Forever]

Won't water collect on the poly since it is non-permeatable plastic? I used landscape fabric in the past which let water through but also let weeds through sometimes too :))))

[@GretatheEvilGremlin]

It will. I use a geo textile, rather than a basic weed fabric. Pebble base, then 20mm gravel, and top dress with pea gravel, slate or finish of choice.

[@JQUICK21]

I am sure you have a Miter Saw and I know they surely sell blades for concrete blocks.....

[@sasuenglish252]

It looks like you put mortar on top of the base before you laid the first course of pavers. Did you?

[@WelcometotheWoodsBlog]

Nope, it's just wet and compacted

[@sasuenglish252]

@@WelcometotheWoodsBlog thanks.

[@dosam_6146]

You should never put the gravel right on top of dirt. They’re going to mix together pretty quickly. Use a pro grade landscape fabric between the two. Also you should have used clear 3/4 inch stone. It’s best for drainage. If you just don’t like the look of it you could have put some pea gravel on top of it.

[@dosam_6146]

Oh, you put dirt on top of the gravel also? Hmm….

[@chinov9445]

That dirt will migrate thru the pee gravel n eventually clogged that sleeve on the pipe🤷🏽‍♂️

[@DingoAteMeBaby]

Seems like a very dangerous way to use that saw

[@georgecoffman377]

There isn’t a totally safe way to use those saws and he was doing just as any operator would do.

[@georgecoffman377]

Looks like gutters might help also

[@keenowl1410]

Why didn't you put up a gutter? Would of helped a lot.

[@WelcometotheWoodsBlog]

Because the arm on the downspout would've had to be 10 ft long to get to an area of lower ground to drain properly so we just regraded everything. Now that is graded properly I can install a gutter, but that's for another video.

[@andyfromiowa]

KZbin pointing out the most replayed part of the video. Sorry guys, were busted.

[@Rikenzi]

C'est glauque...