Build a Block Retaining Wall – Lowe’s

Ablock retaining wall might be just what your landscape needs if you want to level a steep slope or enclose an area for a decorative garden, as this video explains. With a little effort, you'll have a beautifully landscaped area that's easy to maintain. The finished product looks complicated, but the project is quite simple, requiring only basic tools.

These concrete retaining blocks interlock and require no mortar. Aside from the weight, they're almost as easy to assemble as children's interlocking blocks. If you make mistakes or change your mind about the location or shape of your wall, just dismantle it and start over.

Since these systems use no mortar or rebar reinforcement system, they're more appropriate for terraces or raised beds with low walls than those with tall walls. A system of terraces creates a pleasant, stepped slope that's safer than a single, tall wall. A system of terraces also gives you many planting and landscaping opportunities.

Retaining wall blocks in mortarless systems have a lip on the bottom rear side to lock the blocks together and create a step effect. When the cavity behind the wall is filled with soil, the blocks are pushed forward, strengthening the joints between the lips and the underlying blocks. The blocks are tapered from the front face to the rear to allow easy formation of curves.

Mortarless wall block is intended for construction of relatively low walls. Taller walls can be constructed but further consideration must be given to drainage, reinforcement and stability. Recommended dry-fit heights vary by product but for general reference, consider 15 inches to 28 inches as a guide for planning purposes.

Consult the manufacturer's instructions concerning height limits or recommendations made by the manufacturer.

The key to successful retaining wall construction is a level foundation of blocks. The foundation course must be at below-ground level so that the soilholds it firmly in place.

If your property slopes, you may have to dig your foundation trench in a series of steps equal to the height of the blocks. Then, as you continue with construction, build up the lower sections with block until the stepped areas accept successive courses of blocks in a level and seamless wall.

Measure out your prospective wall, using stakes and string to mark off the key points, or use a garden hose to mark off its perimeter.

Starting at the lowest point, use a flat-pointed shovel to dig a trench for the foundation course. The dimensions of the trench will vary depending on the size of your block generally about 4 inches deep. The foundation course should be below-ground level.

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Build a Block Retaining Wall - Lowe's