How to Build Concrete Retaining Walls

Thinking of sprucing up your space by revamping your backyard and adding curb appeal? 
 
A retaining wall serves many uses, from giving you more usable space to adding an aesthetic value to an otherwise plain property. 
 
These can be made with different materials, the most common ones being concrete, which is affordable, easy to install, and lasts for a long time. Here is how you can build a concrete retaining wall. ​

When using concrete for retaining walls, you have two options- poured concrete, or precast concrete blocks. We'll guide you on how to build a retaining wall using each material. ​

Poured Concrete

Poured concrete is the most common building material especially for retaining walls on commercial establishments. These provide a seamless look and can be stained or painted to match the surrounding property. 
 
It is also arguably stronger than concrete blocks if built properly, but since it is a solid structure, you must take into account adding an outlet for runoff so that the water pressure does not build up behind and above the wall, causing it to crack and topple. 
 
Here are the steps in using poured concrete for retaining walls: 
 

1. Measure and mark the location of where you want the wall to be. Use marking paint. 
   

1. Dig a 12-inch wide footing. The depth should be based on your local building codes for retaining walls, and varies depending on the height of the wall. 
   

1. Drive stakes into the footing, spaced 15 inches apart. The stakes should be as long as the height of the wall. 
   

1. Screw 1 ½ inch thick wooden boards into the stakes. 
   

1. Lay steel rebar and make vertical runs on the forms. Follow your local building codes for this step. 
   

1. Mix cement, gravel, and water to form concrete, and pour this into the form. Make sure it is compact and without air bubbles. 
   

1. Smooth out the top of the wall and wait for the concrete to set and cure. 
   

1. Remove the forms. ​
   

Free Estimate. Call Us Today

Concrete Blocks

Concrete blocks are easy to use as building materials for retaining walls, and provides flexibility in designing a straight or curving wall. These are available in many different shapes, sizes, and colors. 
 
Specially made concrete blocks for retaining walls are interlocking, have a back side flange, and designed to slope backward to increase its structural integrity and ability to support the weight of the land above it. 
 
Using concrete blocks is done by the dry cast method. Here are the steps: 
 

1. Dig back 2 feet from where you want the wall to be built, and add a landscape fabric over the remaining slope of land. 
   

1. Mark the location of the wall using stakes and strings, with the string resting where the top of the wall should be. 
   

1. Dig a 2-inch deep trench along the markings. This should be wide enough for the blocks to fit in. Clear this area from debris. 
   

1. Level and tamp down the trench. 
   

1. Pour stone dust into the trench. It should fill the trench up to the top once it is compressed. 
   

1. Remove the flange of the first row of blocks using a hammer and chisel.  
   

1. Lay the blocks starting from one end of the wall to the other. Make sure that these are level and pressed firmly into the stone dust. 
   

1. Lay the second row of blocks perfectly on top of the first row. 
   

1. Lay the next rows of blocks by interlocking them with the ones below and the ones on either side. Continue doing this until you reach your desired height. 
   

1. Add a backfill using crushed stone to increase stability. ​
   

---

​Improve your outdoor living area with hardscaping. You can incorporate stairs, walkways into your retaining walls for a more functional space.

If you are not sure of how to start your project, CONTACT US today or call (567) 236 - 8232 and our expert contractors can help you from planning to constructing your retaining walls!