How to build cinder block retaining wall?

How to build cinder block retaining wall?

Hi,

Here are some easy instructions:

Things You’ll Need:

* garden trowels , shovel or grub axe
* Stones
* Bricks

Step1
Figure out where and why you want a wall: at the bottom of a gentle slope to create a new planting bed? Between two beds to provide contour and definition? (If the answer to this is 'to keep my house from sliding down the hill,' see Warnings below.)

Step2
Decide on your building material - brick gives a formal elegance and stone a European air. Don't forget to check out the ever-increasing options in interlocking blocks available at home improvement and do-it-yourself stores.

Step3
For reinforced walls you need the depth of footings and piers to equal the height of the wall.

Step4
For example: A 3 foot wall. You need footing 1 foot deep and 1 foot wide to go the entire distance of the wall. The footing will make an L shape having the extra surface footing behind your wall.

Step5
Lay the rebar flat in the bed of footings 2 inches above soil so concrete touches soil, rebar does not touch soil.

Step6
Piers are 2 feet deep every 3 feet of wall and on every corner. Piers are set behind the wall below the bed of footing.

Step7
Top the footing with cinderblocks that will be the same height as your wall.

Step8
Rebar will go through the center of each cinder block.

Step9
Fill cinder block with concrete.

Step10
Reinforce each level of cinder block with rebar running horizontal and tied to the vertical rebar with tie wire.

Step11
Once you create your cinderblock wall, you are ready to face it with whatever material you desire, like brick, stone, stucco, etc.

Tips & Warnings

* Drainage depends on the needs of each location so consult a professional like Home Depot to ensure you are adequately covered for the rainy season.

* For reinforced walls you need the depth of footings and piers to equal the height of the wall.

* If your yard's got drainage problems, you're probably best off consulting a contractor. Whatever you do, make sure water doesn't drain toward the foundation of your house.

* A retaining wall is like a dam: The higher the wall and the heavier the soil behind it, the greater the pressure on the wall. Most retaining walls over 3 feet (2 feet in some areas) are thus subject to some kind of permit process; this is taken more seriously in areas of seismic activity, where walls must be able to withstand shock loads in addition to everything else. Check your local regulations before you start.