The cheapest and easiest material to use is 2 in 4 in 5 1 cm 10 2 cm boards cut from a softwood like pine.
How to build a short concrete retaining wall.
See below for more information on contraction joints remove forms and install waterproofing and drainage system.
These wood barriers hold the concrete in place as it dries so you will need to create 2 of them.
Position your first block and use a standard level to make sure it s even.
How to pour a concrete retaining wall.
Install the first course of blocks using a taut string line to establish a straight row.
Lay out the wall and excavate the slope and the footing trench.
Then use a shovel to mark the outline.
Dig a trench about 12 deep to create a level surface before laying any stone.
Then use the marking paint and measuring tape to lay.
How to build a short retaining wall dig a trench.
If the wall exceeds four feet in height footings should be poured separately.
Keep the boards less than 8 ft 2 4 m long so they aren t too difficult to handle.
This is often the method used where the slope is quite steep.
Build the footing and insert rebar into the wet concrete.
Continue laying your first course of blocks making sure to check that every block is level.
Finish the surface of the wall as desired.
Measure and mark footing locations.
Install a layer of large stones for good stability at the base.
Refer to the plan or schematic for the retaining wall.
Alternately you can build the retaining wall then fill in the space behind it.
If needed reposition it using additional.
Finish with crushed stone.
Your retaining wall design will determine how you mark the area.
To mark a free form layout use a rope or hose to outline the shape.
Avoid having downspouts pointed at the retaining wall and if it s against the house keep soil and mulch well below the siding.
To create a flat area in front of the wall the process involves cutting back or notching into the slope then building a retaining wall to hold back the remaining hillside behind the wall.
Level to level blocks lengthwise and a torpedo level to level the front to back.
No mortar is needed.
Create contraction joints every 4 6 feet.
Stack wood planks to create a frame for the wall.
Build and prep footing.
Allow concrete to cure.
How to do it.