• Wed, 22 Jan 2020
• Maya Construction 1 Inc.

How to Build a Retaining Wall: The Perfect Addition for Your Outside Space!

Are you thinking about building a retaining wall in your yard? With the right materials and willingness to do the job, you can achieve this easier than you thought! In this blog, we’ll provide you with some easy steps to build a retaining wall.

Follow These Easy Steps to Build a Retaining Wall

A retaining wall is a perfect addition to your landscape since it prevents soil erosion. It also enhances the way your outside space looks. For this reason, you should think about adding this feature to your yard.

If you want to build a retaining wall by yourself, we show you some easy steps to follow. Maya Construction 1 Inc will help you bring your outdoor space to new levels of beauty. So, don’t wait anymore and start building your new retaining wall!

CHOOSE THE RIGHT MATERIALS

One of the most important steps when deciding to build a retaining wall is choosing the right materials. If you choose the wrong materials, your retaining wall could end up collapsing. Avoid this from the very beginning by choosing the right option! As a result, you will have a wall that will stand firm.

Getting a strong and long-lasting retaining wall starts with the materials. You’ll choose the materials that are right for your specific needs. Some of these include:

• Concrete
• Timber
• Boulders
• Stone veneer
• Wood
• Brick

PREPARE THE SITE FOR THE PROJECT

It’s vital that when you start the project, you prepare the site for quality results. This includes flattening and leveling the ground. Your retaining wall project could be a failure if you don’t follow this step. Hence, make sure that the site is ready to start with your project.

Firstly, you’ll grade the soil with a shovel. This is to ensure that the ground is flat and compact. Secondly, you’ll also want to level the area. As a result, your retaining wall will stand firm and stable. You don’t want to miss this step since it’s what will determine the success of your retaining wall project.

LAY DOWN THE BASE FOR THE RETAINING WALL

Laying down the right base is essential if you don’t want your retaining wall to turn into mud. Thus, the first course of blocks needs to have at least one or two inches of sand or gravel so that your wall is above any mud. This is also a step that needs to be planned carefully.

If the base for your retaining wall is not laid down the right way, it could end up collapsing or turning into mud. This happens when water enters from the bottom of the wall. Thus, if there’s not a base protecting it, your wall will not last for long. If you want to build a retaining wall that lasts for many years, you need to pay close attention to how you lay down the base.

LAY DOWN THE FIRST BLOCKS

As you begin laying down the first blocks, you always have to check the level. Every block you lay down needs to be leveled on its own and with the blocks beside it. As a result, you will have a retaining wall that is stable. You need to do this with every block as well as with every line of blocks you lay down. It’s essential that you don’t press down the first line of blocks too hard. This is so that you don’t squeeze the base of sand or gravel.

After you’ve placed the first line of blocks, you move on with the next one. If you want stability for your retaining wall, then you need to lay down the next rows of blocks in a staggered layout. We recommend this instead of placing the blocks right on top of each other.

FOR END OF ROWS, USE CUT BLOCKS

When you reach the end of a row, more likely than not, you’ll need to use a block that’s half size compared to the normal ones. In other words, you’ll need to cut a brick in half.

You can cut a block in half by using a chisel and a sledgehammer. First, you’ll need to place the block on the ground with the backside facing upward. You’ll then put your chisel on the V-shaped mark that’s on the back of the block. Remember to use safety glasses when cutting the block.

After placing the chisel, use your sledgehammer to strike the chisel. The result: a cut block that’s perfect for the end of your rows! If you didn’t break the block, don’t worry. There are times in which you’ll need to hit the chisel several times for you to break the block.

BACKFILL THE RETAINING WALL

To ensure that your wall stands firm, it must have a compacted backfill. This is the dirt behind the wall that will create more stability. When applying sand or gravel to the backfill, you need to think about giving the wall proper drainage. If you need help with any of these steps, you can always turn to our masonry contractors for help. We’ll be ready to help you build a retaining wall for your outside space.

You have to be careful when applying the backfill. If you add too much all at once, then the wall will not be as stable as you want it to be. This is because the backfill should be compact. Applying the backfill in small amounts will create that stability for the wall.

When putting the backfill, you should jiggle from time to time the wall. This will help the backfill settle evenly and correctly. Last but not least, you want to have the material as tight as possible to ensure strength and sturdiness.

Need Expert Help? Contact Maya Construction 1 Inc for Help!

Building a retaining wall is easy by following our blog! However, we cannot ignore the fact that when in need of help, you shouldn’t hesitate to call the professionals. With Maya Construction 1 Inc by your side, you’ll receive the help you deserve and more!

Counting on more than two decades of experience, our crew has the best of skills and techniques for when it comes to first-rate masonry. Offering our services in Putnam County, Orange County, and Westchester County, our team is ready to give your place fantastic stonework.

Get in touch with our crew today and allow our experts to build a retaining wall professionally! You can enjoy the many benefits of professional masonry work with Maya Construction 1 Inc.