subject: Retaining Wall Construction [print this page] You have found the perfect lot for your new home. You absolutely love the unspoiled view. Here in Panama, you may have a view of the Bay of Panama, or of the Anton Valley, known as "El Valle". It doesn't matter what the view is.
The only problem is your dream lot is built on a slope. That's what allows the great view. What ever the reason, a retaining wall needs to be built.
Luckily, a retaining wall, if it is not too large, can be a good do it yourself project. You just have to follow some simple steps.
Determining the required height will be your first step. This is a job better left to professionals, if the wall is going to be greater than 3 feet. But, if it is less than 3 feet tall, and you are handy and have some free time, there is no reason you cannot do this project yourself.
Before starting, you need to determine what type of material you want to use for the wall. Retaining walls can be build using railroad ties, rocks, bricks, concrete or blocks. Sometimes, retaining walls are built out of ashphalt shingles or old tires, but that is not recommended.
The final look of the wall that you are going for is important, but there are other factors as well.
Take a look at your yard to decide where you are going to put your retaining wall. Mark out the site with stakes and a garden hose.
Next, start to dig out your trench. Dig down at least 12 inches, or the depth of the material.
Once the trench is dug and level, pour in some stone dust or sand and level it out.
Then, you lay out the starter course. Use a string as a guide, and make sure your first course is level. Later courses are going to get much worse if the first course is not level.
Start your first course with a half piece of material. On alternate courses, stones will be interlocked since your next row will start with a full piece.
Next, move onto the second level. Start with a full size stone or block. A much stronger wall is created this way because all of the gaps do not line up.
Back fill the first row and pack it down after the second course has been done.
Then continue each course, alternating the starting block between a half stone and full stone. After each course, make sure you are still perfectly level. You can make the structure stronger with a final simple structure holding the entire wall together.
Once you have reached your planned height, lay landscaping cloth behind the wall, and up the hill behind it. Now, to complete your retaining wall all you need to do is backfill.
As a home owner, a retaining wall up to 3 feet is a great do it yourself project. Just remember the 3 most important points.
1. Make sure it is level
2. Make sure after you do the second level, you back fill
3. Make sure the gaps do not line up by alternating the stones or bricks.
Retaining walls have many different design options available. Find the perfect one for your home by shopping around.
Never attempt to build a retaining wall larger than about 3 feet unless you know exactly what you are doing. A more functional and beatiful yard awaits, once you have built your small retaining wall.
