How to Build a Retaining Block Wall

In this video we show you guys how to demo and tear out an old cracked up wall that was leaning over. Then we show you how to setup the area for an appropriate foundation with reinforcement for the new retaining block wall you will see us build on the hillside for this homeowner. Enjoy and don't forget to LIKE, SHARE, SUBSCRIBE and COMMENT! Thank you all for your support!
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WEBSITE - www.odellconcr...
INSTAGRAM - / odellconcrete
FACEBOOK - / odellcompleteconcrete
TIK TOK - vm.tiktok.com/...

[@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

[@craigjoseph9374]

Blown away by your work and your old school ingenuity.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

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

[@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

[@the_jonathan_o]

Very satisfying seeing the straight lines of the mortar.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

For sure

[@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

[@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

[@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 🫡🙏🏻

[@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

[@hawkforce3109]

Love the teamwork efficiency, it resembles an assembly line.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Yes TY

[@01cissy]

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

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

I feel that

[@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!

[@joycejeff38]

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

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

We try

[@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

[@jj358mhz]

That caution tape necktie was a nice touch.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

yes it really makes the difference. 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!

[@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!

[@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

[@darkpassenger65]

Work of art. I love watching professionals work.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

TY

[@ricardodiaz6187]

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

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

For sure

[@davidd8435]

Only one word for this job, amazing.

[@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

[@craig7350]

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

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

I concur. TY

[@markmoreno2145]

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

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

You got that right!

[@RANSOMCE]

Always worth the watch.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

TY

[@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!

[@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

[@josesoyelgatovoladorhernan3049]

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

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Yes it's a good one. 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.]

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

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Hope so! TY

[@sacramentohoney9635]

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

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

TY

[@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

[@T.E.P.]

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

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@raytorres4442]

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

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

For sure

[@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

[@Fry_Plantain]

That wall was exceptionally well built.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

TY

[@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

[@MaxPower12]

Best comment of the video is that “Manuel is pretty good at it at this point after 30 years.”

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

For sure

[@AlMai222]

I died when he said that 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@nmatthew7469]

That redwood could be reused for something. It's like the old cedar and cypress I find here in 1920s Florida builds, termites don't eat it and it's very fragrant when you cut into it.

[@NR-pn6mn]

😂😂😂😭😭😭

[@rowaidabrune9030]

@@OdellCompleteConcrete y

[@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

[@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

[@sammypollard6460]

A job well done with pride ! And it SHOWS !

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Ty Glad to see you know the difference

[@halfdohm]

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

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

That's what I've heard. TY

[@pqworks9019]

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

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

I like to think so

[@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

[@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!

[@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 -

[@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

[@kennethtibbitts6641]

YOU AND YOUR CREW DO EXCELLENT WORK!

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

TY

[@chadwhite8352]

Looks very nice. You make it look so easy.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

TY

[@dc5duben96]

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

[@peterdean5300]

Wow great job, you make it look so easy

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

TY

[@sumyunguy777]

That ended up looking great! Thanks for sharing.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Thanks for watching!

[@leemcmullan]

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

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

TY

[@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

[@scottm3130]

Great looking wall. Nice job guys.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@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

[@bg147]

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

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

yes

[@brettlogan73]

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

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

TY

[@jm1551701]

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

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

TY

[@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

[@jeron9272]

The amount of corners that you guys are not cutting is awesome

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

I concur TY

[@MotoBuilder]

You do incredible work. Masters at the trade 👍🏼

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Thank you so much 👍

[@craigrschulz]

Beautiful! Excellent job!

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@LLOOYYYDD]

*My father was a stonemason from the old country, used to build retaining walls with limestone, carve and shape the face blocks with a tomahawk like a jigsaw puzzle fitting them into each other*

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Intense

[@rce2553]

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

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Yes it worked well

[@rce2553]

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

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Yes that the key. TY

[@L318BLACKSHEEP]

Great work man! I came here to see why it cost $3,500 for me to have a fountain made out of center blocks and now I understand

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Right on

[@DL101ca]

What did they do with the side blocks since they only used the center blocks for your fountain ?🤔

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

For sure

[@Dabs__]

3500$ ? I’ll build you two of them for that

[@Markism07]

Good work as usual David, I would recommend doing a bond beam a few courses lower with horizontal rebar to give it that lateral strength too.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Sounds good

[@mr.clutch6930]

Superb work, Mr. Odell. Quedo chingon!

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Gracious

[@dapapadon1829]

That is some nice looking work. Great job!

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@kaycox5555]

Top notch and beautiful!

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

TY KAY

[@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

[@gregsappington9991]

Another great job from Odell

[@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.

[@MegaGsizzle]

Amazing to know your own work will last over 100 years. I’m an electrician and I don’t think any of our work will last 100 years

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Yes I didn't think about it that way but yes

[@dylantrinder1571]

Fantastic job. Thanks for sharing.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Thanks for watching!

[@charlesking9214]

I wish you could come to Georgia and do some work for me and show these boys how to pour and finish concrete.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

I would like to for fun

[@Daffodil956]

Wow super duper quality work👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Thank you so much 😀

[@roybanker]

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

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

5500

[@thierrylaborde_6097]

you do amazing work bud

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Thank you kindly

[@letsdanceonhere]

A master craftsman making the project look easy. Question: A gravel bank fill is not necessary for drainage? Thanks

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Not with this wall. This wall you could use for a swimming pool.

[@NathanHarrison7]

Now that’s one strong wall! As it relates to design, after all of that fine work, as a homeowner I would have preferred the wall height to be the same all across the top versus the step downs. And would have preferred a fix cap top of some sort.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Yes, me too

[@paulpercival2376]

Good job I think a skim coat on the outside would have looked better but there was probably a reason for that nice job

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

maybe in the future

[@gisjohannsson1898]

Aren't you supposed to backfill the wall with ¾ gravel for draining or install a french drain? It looks like you're just putting straight up dirt in for the backfill (gulp)

[@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!

[@AlMai222]

Best concrete work in California no CAP 🤜🤛

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

TY

[@mikeyfoofoo]

That wall looks so tight. I thought the thumbnail from about 18:20 was a CAD rendering.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Yes its a nice photo

[@femanvate]

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

[@mr.clutch6930]

10:25 drone footage.

[@femanvate]

@@mr.clutch6930 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

[@Phantastikal]

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

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

TY

[@MR.P0NCH0]

I wish I could make that...just really nice work good job guys

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

TY

[@antonleimbach648]

Blows my mind that we chopped down redwoods to make garden fences.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Last along time

[@horsge01]

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

[@randomstranger9674]

That's a really tidy, crisp wall.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

TY

[@thelouiebrand]

Can always catch a SoCal accent. I live in Ohio now but was born and raised in OC for 43 years.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Sounds like you like Ohio?

[@thelouiebrand]

@@OdellCompleteConcrete only been here 6 months and so far so good. The cold will be the hardest to get used to.

[@SOffenbach]

I would rather have the wall 6" the same size. Good fences make good neighbors.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

I concur TY

[@b00573d]

Great job as always!

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@unexplainedwearenotalone3537]

Clean job bravo to team ur awesome.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

TY