| HOW DO I BUILD A WALL USING ESTATE BRICK (SAME BRICK USED IN YOUR TREE RING IN LANDSCPING IDEA SECTION) FOR THE GARDEN RIGHT IN FRONT OF MY HOUSE |
| These concrete blocks interlock and require no mortar. Aside from the weight, they are 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. 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" - 28" as a guide for planning purposes. The key to successful retaining wall construction is a level foundation course of block. The foundation course must be below ground level so that the soil will hold it firmly in place. 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" deep. The foundation course should be below ground level. Tamp the trench with a hand tamper to compact the underlying soil. Add a layer of leveling sand or paver base (1-2 inches) and tamp. Once you have a sound foundation trench, you can begin laying your block. Regularly check for level as you build each course. Set the first block in place. Check for level. If the block isn't level, tap it with the butt end of your hammer to adjust it. After the entire foundation course is installed, set one block in position at each end of the foundation course. The lip of each block should fit against the back of the foundation course block. Use a pair of line blocks and a line level to make sure that the first and last blocks are level with each other. If they are not, adjust the retaining wall blocks until the foundation course is completely level. Cut one block in half for the start of the second course. This will ensure that the first and second courses are staggered. Set the rest of the second course blocks in place and then fill the trench around the foundation course with soil. Continue placing the blocks, making sure each course is staggered over the previous one. To prevent the soil from seeping through the spaces between the blocks, line the cavity behind the wall with porous landscape fabric. Start at the base of the cavity and unroll the fabric until it overlaps the top course of block. Cut the fabric and continue along the length of the wall until the entire cavity is lined. Fill the cavity. If the wall is 2 1/2' or higher, fill the area closest to the block with gravel. You should have gravel to a width of about 6" from the block. The rest of the cavity can be filled with soil. This will facilitate drainage. Trim the excess landscape fabric. You can top off the terraces with decorative stone or mulch. Good luck with your project! |
