Retaining Wall Projects

Can I really install a retaining wall project myself?

For many of our customers, installing a retaining wall is the most intimidating type of hardscape project. Stacking heavy blocks that need to result in both structural and visual integrity can be a daunting task, especially if it’s large in scale or on a hillside. In most cases we encourage you to hire a professional. Most cities and counties require both a permit and engineering when building a wall over 4’ in height. Areas where there is heavy water accumulation also require some consultation. In most circumstances, you will want to use a contractor. You can find Mutual Materials’ Preferred Contractors at: www.mutualmaterials.com

However, if you are building a small, simple wall or planter, you can handle the project yourself. All you need is the right tools and a few friends. Follow the steps below to install segmental retaining wall block.

Step One: Choose your wall system
There are a number of wall styles and textures. Some wall blocks are best suited for tall structural walls, while others look good for planters and terraces. Once you choose the type of wall you then have to choose your color.

Step Two: Lay out your project
Armed with wood stakes, a string line, measuring tape and a level lay out each wall level. This helps you get a sense of where each wall is going and how it is going to look. This step also helps you estimate the amount of wall block you will need.

Step Three: Start digging!
This is where the fun begins! As a general rule, retaining wall footings are 4 to 6 inches deep and 12 inches wider than the total width of the wall block. Admittedly this is not the most enjoyable part of the project. After all, who likes to dig? This is a great time to get friends and family to help. After digging the footings you will notice that you have extra soil. This can be used for back fill if you are doing a terrace or planters.

Step Four: Laying your base
This is one of the most important steps in building a wall. Once your footings are dug, they need to be back filled with 5/8 minus (a fancy term for crushed rock). The base rock then needs to be leveled and compacted with a tamper.

Step Five: Laying your first course
When laying your first course of block, you need to spend extra time with a small level and rubber mallet leveling each block, front to back and right to left. Spending the time getting this right will save you a lot of headaches as your project continues. Once the first course is set it’s time to stack your block insuring that you straddle the seam from the block below.

Step Six: Back fill
Once all your courses are laid, you will need to back fill your wall with washed drain rock and 4” perforated drainpipe if needed. You could also add filter fabric at this point if it is necessary.

The important thing to remember is that help is just a click away at www.mutualmaterials.com or a phone call to one of our 19 branches.


Sincerely,

Marty Njaa
Washington Dealer Sales Manager