Turning a STEEP Hill into a Flat yard #1

We build an 11 foot TALL retaining wall to flatten out a steep sketchy slope.

[@mikemcgown6362]

Your guys aren't just getting it done, they're getting it done right! Careful planning and excellent execution! I'm looking forward to seeing this entire project through. Thanks for sharing the experience with us and God bless you!

[@Dirtmonkey]

Thank you sir!

[@boywonderrr71]

@@Dirtmonkey What was the cost of the job if you dont mind me asking? I'm guessing $15-30k

[@nicklambing9268]

Stan, this is where your content shines above the rest. Your expertise is evident and the informational level steps up. This is only my personal opinion, but I like it when you take us here. Thank you very much for helping us understand the retaining wall construction process! Nick, North West Farmer

[@Dirtmonkey]

Wow, thanks Nick! Feedback like that keeps me going brother.

[@CZAnthonyX]

Fot the first time in 7 years, my boss joined the mowing crew fir a day! It was awesome! Hope you had a great monday! Keep up the great work!

[@Dirtmonkey]

How was it working with your boss? was it cool or nerve wracking or something else?

[@danraymond1703]

@@Dirtmonkey Can you do a Versa Grid Vs Geo Grid Video?

[@paulsantor1427]

It’s nice to see some one ho knows how to do it right with the grid and back fill is just about as important as the block work start to finish top notch all the that will never move I did one it was 360’ long with 3 set backs of 8’ and 24’ high still standing 15 years now and you are right it’s the pins that make.the job last good job guys

[@Dirtmonkey]

That sounds like a pretty substantial project you tackled there.

[@paulsantor1427]

Stanley "Dirt Monkey" Genadek ya sitting back now retired watching you do the work same weather here in Mass starting to get cold one more log on the fire keep up the good work

[@philjohnston9616]

Never realised how technical dirt could get. I'm amazed by your content and the professional way your team approaches the job. I learn something new each time I watch one of your uploads . Shame KZbin doesn't have a bigger thumb's up button.

[@yardvarkslawncare7866]

Cant wait to see the new excavator Stan is getting just for us to all see! Only $100k for our enjoyment…What a nice guy!😉

[@Dirtmonkey]

I kind of need it to for my jobs😂

[@charleso5347]

Awesome video Stan. The step by step is great to see the transformation of the project.

[@Dirtmonkey]

More to come!

[@treemonkey_ma1718]

I've been waiting for this series! Thank you Stan

[@Dirtmonkey]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@tk53magoo]

same here, wondered what happened.

[@thomascox6730]

I'd have to argue that one because if the wall is backfilled with drainage aggregate all the way to the top like I have done in the past...then the water will find it's easiest way out and that's down through the rock to the drainage pipe which let's the water out quicker if it builds up behind the wall instead of building up pressure against the wall seeping through the cracks in the block...but yes the wall is designed to let water pass but if your drainage ditch is installed properly it will find the pipe ...I've always had to do at least five foot of 3/4 inch stone all the way up to subsoil grade and fabric over the top of gravels before subsoil is placed...

[@anthonymakley1530]

Thank you Stan for another awesome video god bless thank you for all the hard work you put into these videos

[@Dirtmonkey]

Very welcome. and thank you very much for tuning in and going along on the adventure.

[@lindajoyce1808]

Thanks to your videos we where able to have the knowledge to ask all the needed question for our new retaining wall .

[@Dirtmonkey]

Glad to hear it helped. Did your new wall turn out good?

[@jamymagro]

I had wondered what happened to Sam. Glad to see him back and this project. Thank Stan.

[@Dirtmonkey]

Hes been busy for a long time on this one.

[@craignash4736]

Hey Stan thanks for takin time to video this for us. Always learning something. Long time subscriber. Craig. Pa.

[@Dirtmonkey]

Glad to help Craig. Thanks for being a long time sub!

[@richardgooding498]

Thank You AS a professional to the next. Thank you for your time and the knowledge you pass on to other people. Thank You.

[@Dirtmonkey]

I appreciate that! Little things go a long way. That helps to hear so thank you

[@stevebrough304]

I love these videos. Looking forward to the other videos on this project. Thanks Stan...

[@Dirtmonkey]

You bet!

[@iwantcheesypuffs]

I've never seen so much dirt without rocks in it. Amazing!

[@thebeans804]

I heard a new saying from you, "boogered up." 😂 I am watching this for the second time. Fascinating video. Thank you! 😊🙏

[@Dirtmonkey]

😁. Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for tuning in tonight and there are 4 vids coming this week. A bonus one is on Thursday.

[@larrykluckoutdoors8227]

Good video, can’t believe how much work goes into a wall like that

[@Dirtmonkey]

Its pretty intensive.

[@xander9194]

Good to see these videos back, retaining walls and other block things are kinda cool

[@Dirtmonkey]

I totally agree.

[@MattyMCcRollin17z]

These guys are the best at what they do. Wish you guys were in CT. Love all the videos. Keep up the good work.

[@johngreen6049]

Hi I just saw your retaining wall called Crazy neighbour Brilliant job you and your lads did. Be very proud of your work

[@frederickmoller]

Can't wait, Stan....I want to learn, thanks!

[@Dirtmonkey]

Great!👍

[@richardleguyder3828]

I went all Bobcat in the end. The New R2 series available today are incredibly improved and like you say, buttery smooth with serious mechanical improvements and stability. I like how you show us all the different equipment and input... thanks!

[@takumi2023]

Thanks for the videos. I cant wait for the series

[@Dirtmonkey]

Thanks for tuning in!

[@Freecan67]

Great Work Stan. You have a good Crew.

[@Dirtmonkey]

I am blessed to have an awesome team for sure.👊

[@ItsLilRobs]

Been a long time coming! thank you Stan!

[@Dirtmonkey]

More to come!

[@andrewbeach1685]

Love it Stan. We don't have a versa-lok distributor within 500 miles. It's likely an alternate manufacturer would make my project more affordable. Fortunately it isn't a 9 foot+ wall.

[@Dirtmonkey]

Whatever product you use I wish you the best of luck with it!😃👍

[@ChatBot1337]

Today its smothered chili verde burritos with rice and beans. Dirt Monkey has become my dinnertime entertainment. 👊😆👍

[@Dirtmonkey]

I had grilled hamburgers, grilled corn, baked potatoes. All homemade by MRs. Dirtmonkey and she is a dang good cook. Just wrapped up eating dinner myself. Enjoy the vid tonight! 4 vids coming out this week with the bonus extra on Thursday.

[@albenson7628]

I was beginning to wonder if you were going to get back to this project. I've missed seeing Sam. Keep them coming.

[@Dirtmonkey]

More to come.👍

[@1ronhall]

Stan ….. I’m watching! I wish you and your team the BEST!

[@richardleguyder3828]

Yup, I would not use certain blocks especially at that height. Nice work and good choice of block...

[@robertwalendziak3216]

Stan great vlog! Man the care you guys put into yhese walls.

[@Dirtmonkey]

Glad you enjoy the projects Robert. Thanks for tuning in.

[@theboringyard9952]

Wow a lot of work! Don’t think I will be doing jobs this big in my yard! Lol

[@jamesmisener3006]

Have I not seen most of this project? Anyway I want to see the finished job. A difficult one for sure. Cheers 🇨🇦

[@Dirtmonkey]

This is a new one. We started this last month- this week we wrap it up

[@thomasyerbey337]

Great video Stan I really enjoyed this video 🇺🇲 another job well done 🇺🇲

[@Dirtmonkey]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@jasonj9111]

Nicely done video again! Thank you.

[@Dirtmonkey]

Thanks for watching the progress Jason!

[@giovannifonseca9558]

Been waiting for this video. thanks for posting!

[@Dirtmonkey]

Hope you enjoyed it! and there will be 3 more this week.

[@Josh-pg3km]

Awsome vid as always! Can't wait for the rest!

[@Dirtmonkey]

Thanks again!

[@Scott_69HemiDart]

Looking forward to this series!

[@Dirtmonkey]

Very cool. 4 in total this week and 3 next week.

[@haydenuk02]

Excellent work and thanks for sharing this with us take care

[@Dirtmonkey]

hayden its always nice to have you along bud. Stray safe and enjoy the upcoming mini series.

[@haydenuk02]

@@Dirtmonkey Thank you bud and it’s nice to have you along in the videos as well as commentating them. Thank you and you too stay safe and can’t wait 👍🏻

[@anythingeverythingmark]

County material makes a pin together solid block. I also only use pin together blocks. Although boulder walls are more fun to build.

[@Dirtmonkey]

Keystone makes a pinned block but those aren't solid. I will look into those ones you mentioned.

[@ADSC2006]

Very Informative as usual Stan.

[@Dirtmonkey]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@aarrondilello1205]

Good video my friend hope the Project goes ok god bless 💯👊💪🔥

[@Dirtmonkey]

Thanks for tuning in bro!

[@johnhamilton9229]

Ok ready for the next one Stan. 👍

[@Dirtmonkey]

Coming soon! 4 total this week with a bonus vid on Thursday.

[@PrecisionCSGO]

ive been waiting for this vid!!!

[@Dirtmonkey]

there will be 4 vids total this week with a bonus one on Thursday. all on this project.

[@michaelbrooks6416]

When you said it wouldn't fail, he is just going over and above.. I heard.. 🤑🤑🤑🤑🤑😂

[@msrebuilding5860]

Man I’ve been waiting for this episode for a long time let’s go

[@Dirtmonkey]

The newest one just released tonight as well so if you have a chance - check it out.

[@LordBLB]

Great stuff as always, Stan.

[@Dirtmonkey]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@Chimonya]

I love these project videos.

[@Dirtmonkey]

Thank you. Plenty more to come.

[@phillipbonner5215]

I like how you had to count your fingers. LOL

[@Dirtmonkey]

😂👍

[@gabesmith6475]

Never a dull moment

[@Dirtmonkey]

a new day- a new adventure.

[@cr257]

You should build the largest versa-lock retaining wall on your property... like world record... then you always got the title 🏆

[@Dirtmonkey]

Maybe over at Shangri-La Douche to conquer that hill.

[@ThePIGPEN41]

“The wall wouldn’t have failed by any means, just would’ve been exposed” basically saying he could’ve halfway cheated but chose not too. Much respect

[@18brash]

That fabric looks like what ppl crews used under the temperarry stone access road they made through are fields while replacing old wooden power poles with metal one's

[@Dirtmonkey]

its a heavy duty woven permeable fabric

[@josephdriscoll8527]

first class all the way ,this is a lifetime plus job

[@Dirtmonkey]

We sure hope it outlasts all of us.😃👍

[@robertandreoli9764]

Looking good Stan

[@Dirtmonkey]

Thanks Robert!

[@pryme2013]

Joey, put your safety glasses on when cutting. I know it can be a pain but you only get one set of eyes. -Uncle

[@Dirtmonkey]

well said!

[@triplesticks]

You should look into getting a bobcat E20 or E26 mini excavator with quick couplers and a thumb. It will change your life!

[@FIVE_Fs]

I love the content, and I’m sorry I have missed like 2 videos but I will catch up

[@kphkph4911]

Have a similar scenario at my house in Boston, MASSACHUSETTS. What would something like this cost roughly with the same precision?

[@MarshallLoveday]

Stan, I'm watching the video, and in the clip going from 03:17 - 04:13, it shows the far corner of the lot where your new wall curves. I hope it's an optical illusion, but the curved part of the wall looks like it's tipping toward the outside! Must be the camera lens.....

[@Dirtmonkey]

Its because of the wide angle lense on the go pro.

[@alexandercosta1777]

Hey hey hey Stan, how are things going, its been one heck of a Monday for sue. We went to a nice restaurant. Today and i got a massive burger, two patty’s thick, had pulled pork on it,and melted melts cheese. It was so good.and then today I i got to make my very own pizza in class. It was so good.it had such a nice crust on it.. oh um Stan, i wanted to ask, you of course don’t have to answer, but where were you when 9/11 happened. And how did you find out. I wasn’t born yet, but i saw the films, and we held a moment of silence and the school had a teacher reflection, it was very powerful indeed. Oh Stan, my dad brought home some flowers from the farm. And last night we had planted them. It looked really good this morning when i was walking out to the bus. But San, you have a wonderful night, god bless and go get em,your pal n friend, Alexander costa

[@Dirtmonkey]

I remember 911 vividly as do most people. I was walking into the ford dealership to get a repair done on one of my trucks. No one in the entire building was moving. they were all looking at a TV screen FROZEN. Although I can remember it well there was a feeling of being numb- in disbelief.

[@watchthe1369]

That geogrid has to be a game changer. It probably effectively ties things together so the wall has double the equivalent thickness or something like that.

[@Dirtmonkey]

The geogrid is what allows us to build tall walls.

[@robertvannicolo4435]

Stan compaction compaction and then more compaction is the key with the grid that’s a big wall there wasn’t a problem with the engineering changing from a 9 to a 11’ wall but I guess if the slide plane is taken out of the equation everything will be fine.

[@Dirtmonkey]

We had the excess grid lengths already in place, I talk more about that during this mini series. But your right about the slide plane. The grid lengths were long enough to eliminate that as a possibility and built into the engineering.

[@BIGWHIT76]

Love the videos Stan

[@Dirtmonkey]

Thanks Clay!

[@MrHomeland]

Very cool. I enjoy the process and the meticulous way the guys are putting the job together. Keep up the outstanding work.

[@Dirtmonkey]

Thanks 👍

[@wildpigremovalinc.executio8028]

Why don't you use a geocloth to create a barrier between the dirt and the drain rock to keep the soil from mixing with the drain rock over time and reducing the effectiveness of the drain rock? Many French drain guys recommend a permeable geocloth to keep the drain rocks clean.

[@glennwolfe1663]

Another 👍👍👍👍👍video. Thanks Stan🤗

[@Dirtmonkey]

My pleasure!!

[@jamesmcfadden5214]

Versa- Lok walls are awesome. Ive installed quite a few

[@Dirtmonkey]

Our teams favorite by far.

[@jamesmcfadden5214]

@@Dirtmonkey I wouldn't doubt it. There's so many positives i dont think id even consider another system. Its what i recommend for every wall i do

[@Dirtmonkey]

great minds think alike.

[@dominicfarzetta]

Great video and I look forward to the series. I think your magnet did the same thing to your camera as letsdig18’s. The magnet messed with something internally and the video shows up with random multi color bars. Just thought you should know

[@Dirtmonkey]

I seen that. My camera does that every now and then. weird

[@probablynot1368]

Yeah, I noticed the horizontal flashing green bars at about 11:07 into the video.

[@stevencarsley1983]

Forward thinking and planning i like it

[@styledliving]

15:15 now you got me curious. I want to see some of your walls from 2001!

[@questionsociety]

You are forgetting the best machines out there: Bobcat. Old school foot control machines with no frills. Best you can get.

[@joes5096]

Would really like to see you do some videos using Redi Rock.

[@johnhunter273]

Is this the same project that had the pain the butt stump? 9 foot wall?!?!?! dang!

[@Dirtmonkey]

Yes- same one. But now we get to the wall build. long time coming.

[@jasonwooden9061]

I was looking forward to a 10 part series on this wall. 😭

[@Dirtmonkey]

4 parts on the wall and 2 parts on the patio on top of this wall. pretty much the biggest series I have ever done.

[@brandonphilbrick3180]

My bobcat t66 takes slopes like a champ

[@dhabbott41]

Been waiting for the return of this video update.

[@Dirtmonkey]

There will be 4 parts to the wall this week and then 3 parts to the pavers next week.

[@dhabbott41]

@@Dirtmonkey This is interesting as hell. I am really enjoying these videos.

[@Dirtmonkey]

Awesome! Should be a fun week then.

[@matty2helpfull]

On sketchy slopes I loved my old bosses terex pt100g forestry that thing I sware couldn't tip over backwards and could handle a bunch of weight out front on a steep slope

[@Dirtmonkey]

Thats how we feel about the ASV

[@Uncle-G]

I’ve got a big job (for me anyway) 300’ of 6’ and 280’ of 4’ tall. Only products we have access to in our area are keystone stone gate which is solid and pinned or belgard castle manor which is also solid and pinned. Engineering put 5 layers of Geogrid for the 6’ with 2 buried courses. 12” of drain rock behind but we are going 18”. Any thoughts or suggestions? Love the videos and you guys are the reason we branched out into hardscapes! Thanks

[@Dirtmonkey]

5 layers of grid on a 6 foot wall is definately not taking any chances. Sounds like their may be a surcharge on the walls from a slope or structure that they are compensating for. Or are those really small blocks? I don't use either one so I am not familiar with the blocks but know enough about engineering to understand about the geogrid.

[@Liberallez]

Very interesting and informative!!! Obviously, a soundly informed process...but...what did all that cost the homeowner???

[@javierfojo8576]

Would like to know an estimate too, I live on a hill upstate NY and would like a wall like this one on my property., I hope Stan will answer this one.

[@Dirtmonkey]

I can not comfortably answer this question as its for a private residence.

[@HalfCutGarage]

11ft in one rise? never knew that was possible!

[@bishopcorva]

It's hard to describe the warm fuzzy feel of seeing the geogrid and pins go in with the blocks and be well assured that the wall won't have a blowout slide after it's done. Excellent work indeed

[@Dirtmonkey]

Sounds like you recognize the process and the importance

[@MrChristopoop]

Will attest to versa lok wall blocks, ours has been in for 5 years, no issues minus that effervescent stain in one or two spots. Local university has a 12 tall foot wall about two hundred long, been up since 2006 ( more than likely earlier than that, is only first time I have ever seen it). Looks as good as new.

[@Dirtmonkey]

They are the only blocks we use.

[@kevingordon7426]

Yeah. Been wondering about this project.

[@Dirtmonkey]

This week is the wrap up and finale on it and then next week we build a paver patio on it.

[@nathanbrodeur]

Stan they make hydraulic compacting equipment that works off of a excavator boom that way you don't have a chain miss hap or having to worry about a person getting hurt if lowered or raising from a trench

[@Dirtmonkey]

We used to have one. BUT For big walls I wanted something that I knew would be fast and effecient. Hence the dual sheeps foot trench compactor. Thats been our best compactor yet for our type of soil

[@nathanbrodeur]

@@Dirtmonkey I seen on Facebook a bucket for you it rotates and takes out stuff you don’t want in soil like rocks or roots it has different screens for different size rocks it’s from Flip Screen

[@Dirtmonkey]

Thats sounds pretty cool. I need to look into that.

[@AHinde]

Great project.

[@Dirtmonkey]

Thank you!

[@HappilyHomicidalHooligan]

If you're using block with just the thin lip on the bottom holding everything together, would it be a good idea to CAREFULLY clean each layer as you put it in and use construction adhesive in between each layer of blocks to reinforce that small lip leaving gaps in the glue string to allow water to escape from behind the wall?

[@Nice-music585]

So that's what the real John Travolta is doing!

[@mland9]

How much does a retaining wall like this cost?

[@Jearrod]

How much did this project cost?

[@scotchdrnkr]

Here in St Louis area we would have to have Enigineer signed and sealed drawings to get a permit to build a wall that high.

[@Dirtmonkey]

Same- Thats what we are uising to build this wall with. Stamped engineered drawings

[@scotchdrnkr]

@@Dirtmonkey video kind of looks like its improvised on the spot. Yes field changes happen but still the video looks like design as you build

[@acoustapella836]

How much did this cost? Im looking to do this in my yard.

[@tubbycustard8866]

Probably like $39

[@hellsangel2005]

Probably more then 25k as the wall probably needed engineering

[@legalize420]

​​@@hellsangel2005 forget it 😂 you can buy the tractor they used for that amount. Maybe even more than one!

[@cameronharris2862]

39k why am i getting quoted 70-100k for a 7ft wall lol

[@Lolo_MR89]

Freaking beautiful! How many yards does the dump truck hold? I know they can range from like 14-22 yards. Also, really grateful that you covered the science behind the modular manufacturer block on it s drainage design because I have a potential customer who wants a retaining wall using bell guard block but wants me to put grout in between the joints on the back side of the wall so that water is not able to percolate through the wall and I am telling him everything you said in the video and he is just stuck on doing it that way. I guess the best thing to do would be to have him sign an agreement that he understands at the wall fails it would be because of that..

[@Dirtmonkey]

DON'T do it! That sounds like a lawsuit waiting to happen. He is asking you to build a wall out of spec and no matter what you are the expert which means you are responsible. On a different note to answer your first question-We imported 675 tons of structural fill for this job

[@Lolo_MR89]

@@Dirtmonkey Thank you so much for responding. Yes, I spoke to the client today explaining the design and reasoning toot do it his way and told him I would not do the job if he required the blocking of water weeping through. Thanks for teaching me through your videos. I definitely owe it to you that I can even build a retaining wall.And wow that is allot of fill!!! Awesome, thanks and look forward to your upcoming videos.

[@gary368]

Good stuff! Thanks

[@Dirtmonkey]

Glad you liked it!

[@larryosselborn9009]

Stan have you ever heard of hydroblock its a company here in pa you berry it in the ground it work like a french drain

[@Dirtmonkey]

I have not heard of it.

[@mhack9881]

Good Video, thanks for shaaring.

[@Dirtmonkey]

Thanks for watching!

[@mikesveganlife4359]

When you say that those are the only solid blocks with pins, is that because the Keystone Standard retaining wall blocks have some voids in the backside? Or simply the only large block systems with pins in your area?

[@Dirtmonkey]

keystone you have to core fill. They have those voids you mentioned but at least keystone are pinned.

[@ianunderwood5858]

Love the videos

[@Dirtmonkey]

Thanks!

[@4SeasonsWithMartin]

Nice video man !!