The easiest way to build a stone retaining wall is to use the dry stack method that requires no mortar between stones and does not need a concrete footing like mortared walls do.
Making a stone retaining wall.
Preparing a troublesome site one that includes clay soil or a natural spring for example can raise costs substantially.
For the final course use cap stones stones with a smooth top and flat face.
Using a tape measure decide the length and the width of your retaining wall then mark off the area with the garden stakes and string.
Get project details for this diy retaining wall here.
Anything taller should be handled by professionals.
Building a retaining wall is suitable for diyers as long as the wall is a maximum of 3 feet tall in most areas.
Follow the block manufacturer s instructions for wall height limits.
How to build a stone wall.
Step 9 insure level.
Lay high quality stones and use a geotextile backing to ensure the wall lasts a long time.
Ask a stone yard to help determine how much material you ll need and have it delivered as close to the site as possible.
If you don t have a lot of rock on your property a trip to the nearest quarry or landscaping store is in order.
Once built you ll have a rock solid retaining wall without all the heavy mortar lines.
Avoid having downspouts pointed at the retaining wall and if it s against the house keep soil and mulch well below the siding.
For a more secure top some experts set the cap stones into a bed.
How to build a rock wall 1.
It is aesthetically important that these final stones fit together nicely to create a smooth flat surface.
The interlocking retaining wall block can be used to build walls up to 24 to 36 inches high depending on the size of the block.
Build a stone retaining wall with an interlocking concrete block system.
Building a retaining wall with blocks from lowe s is easy with these steps.
Stone walls take some planning.
To build a natural dry stone retaining wall prepare the site.
The success of your retaining wall depends on a level base.
Prepare the footing photo by russell kaye.
You may have a big rock pile that you ve made while plowing your fields.
Plan for good drainage proper width height ratio and distance between tiers.
Dig a trench that s below the frost line and 2 feet wider than.