Give your plain landscape a stunning makeover
with an attractive block retaining wall. The blocks for this project have a locking
flange—which makes the installation easy—and they can be used to build walls up to (28)
inches high. It’s smart to plan your layout. Avoid having downspouts pointed at the wall;
and if it’s against the house, keep the soil bed well below the siding. To mark a freeform layout, use a rope or hose
to outline the shape. Then use a shovel to mark the outline. For straight lines, mark the entire bed area
with stakes, string and marking paint. Make curved corners by tying a string to a
stake that’s equidistant to the edges—creating a compass—and spraying the curves with marking
paint. To determine how many blocks you’ll need
per row, divide the total length of the wall by the length of the block. To see how many rows you’ll need, divide
the ideal wall height by the height of the block--account for the first row to be half-buried. With the layout marked you can begin digging
the trench. To bury the first row about halfway, dig the
trench about 4 to 6 inches deep, and dig 12 inches wide, or twice the width of the block. If the trench slopes, you’ll have to step
up or down to keep the blocks level. Tamp down the dirt with a hand tamper and
keep it level. Next, fill the trench with about 3 inches
of paver base, spread it with a rake, and tamp it down. Tamping the base provides a strong foundation. When it’s all level, you can begin installing
the blocks. For row one, knock off the flange with a hammer
and chisel so the blocks will sit flat. Beginning at the end with the lowest elevation,
set the first block in place and check for level. Then place the next block, making sure it’s
even with the first. Continue installing the first row, periodically
checking for level. Fill in under low blocks with paver base,
or tap down high blocks with a rubber mallet. After installing each row, sweep dirt off
the tops. To start the second row you’ll have to cut
a block to stagger the joints. Mark it, and cut it with a masonry blade. Put it in place keeping the flange tight against
the first row. Check it for level. When installing the next few rows, you’ll
need to add drainage directly behind the blocks. Lay down landscape fabric behind the wall,
leaving enough excess to reach the top. Then fill in directly behind the wall with
gravel as you continue to build. For the last two rows of full blocks, apply
concrete adhesive to the wall, then set the blocks in place. Now just fold the excess fabric back, and
fill in with soil and plants. A plain garden bed gets a brand new personality
with the help of a block retaining wall. Want more great ideas and how-to’s? Go to Lowes.com/HowTo or just click to subscribe. Next, check out how to get your garage in
order with some garage organization tips.
