We provide step by step instructions for building a small concrete block retaining wall.
How to lay concrete retaining wall.
With a flat blade shovel remove soil and level the area where the retaining wall will be built.
Then spread mortar place the blocks and check for level.
In some cases this will involve major excavation as you cut back into hillside to establish a flat space while in other cases you will create just a narrow flat trench where the bottom row of blocks will sit.
The block caps should overhang the retaining blocks by 1 to 1 1 2 inches.
Install the first course of blocks using a taut string line to establish a straight row.
Level to level blocks lengthwise and a torpedo level to level the front to back.
Once the first row is installed pack native soil to grade level on both sides of this course to anchor the wall in place.
When you reach the finished height of the concrete block retaining wall fill those cores containing rebar to the top with mortar.
Timestamps 0 09 l.
Get started by planning and snapping chalk lines.
Mix the fill mortar slightly wetter than what you d use for joints.
Smooth the top with a trowel.
Measure and lay out the position of your retaining wall on the building site.
Using construction adhesive secure your block caps and create the top layer of your retaining wall.
Laying concrete block for an outdoor project is surprisingly simple.