I've got a backyard that I'd like to put a retaining wall in to give a cleaner look, but there's a huge difference between thinking you know what you're doing and knowing what you're doing.
I'm looking for someone who can teach/show my teenage sons and I how to safely put together a retaining wall. I'd pay for all materials, and the three of us (2 boys and I) will be the laborers. I just need a patient person willing to direct us as we do the hard work, even if it's as simple as "do this and I'll be back later to check on your work."
I live in Bonney Lake (East of Tacoma) and would be willing to pay for your time/transport costs, and/or to teach you how to reload ammo if you want to learn.
Thanks!
Last edited by flynavylamps on Wed May 25, 2022 4:59 am, edited 1 time in total.
I'm looking at a max 3' wall of gray cement blocks. It would be stepped up slowly in a U-shape, with sides doing the step up and the main wall being 3' tall.
The total length would be ~60'-70', but that includes the step ups on the sides.
If you recommend another material or building technique, I'm all ears! This project is meant to both beautify the backyard while also teaching my boys a valuable skill.
Thanks again!
Thu May 05, 2022 7:44 am
jukk0u
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Thu May 05, 2022 9:31 am
Jeffro
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Location: Camano Island, WA Joined: Fri Mar 18, 2011 Posts: 739
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Properly compacted base and keyed in are the biggest things, other than drainage A geotechnical engineer is your best friend when it comes to this stuff Your insurance agent will advise/ require it Just saying…..
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Thu May 05, 2022 9:55 am
usrifle
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Location: RENTON Joined: Fri Mar 25, 2011 Posts: 20748
Real Name: John
I have installed a couple thousand in my Yard, and the number 1 thing i learned after doing some in the front yard first?
Pour Concrete footings for them with rebar reinforcement. You will then have a solid, level base that will not sag or become uneven over time. Be sure and backfill behind it properly as you build it up as well.
All the concrete was just bags mixed in a wheelbarrow. You don't need to get crazy with the footing, mine are like 4" thick by 12" wide with two runs of 1/2 inch rebar suspended in the pour. I also tied them into steel T posts driven into the ground every 4-6 feet and cutoff flush with the top of the footing.
I have walls totaling over a 100 feet long and up to almost 6 feet high in the back without any sag, shift or lift from Tree roots.....The front ones that i laid on level substrate have not faired as well.
Also, if going to 3 foot or above, and it's actually a "Retaining" wall, use the large blocks, not the smaller 4x10? inch ones.
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Thu May 05, 2022 10:26 am
hartcreek
Location: Union Gap Joined: Sun Mar 27, 2016 Posts: 1722
Real Name: Randall Knapp
Talk to your insurance people first. Depending where you are you can either use block or railroad ties. You are on the wetside so block would be better for you. Probably several of us could help. Do you have a transit or can you borrow one. As said before getting the base level is the most important thing and tedious. You will spend many hours with either a tamper or a 10 pound or larger sledge hammer getting the base flat and level.
Thu May 05, 2022 10:51 am
Pablo
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Location: Everson, WA Joined: Sun Jan 6, 2013 Posts: 28149
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3ft + needs (serious) engineering. My brother is a retired geo tech eng, ran his own decent sized business for 30 years..........I always consult with him (he still has his stamps)
Anyway IF not tied together, then at least the locking blocks for that kind of height. I second the concrete base.
Funny thing I am building a LOW (24" max) surround for our patio. My two pallets of blocks were delivered last week.
Hahhaahahahaha and my guy didn't show up today! (OK OK SHIT weather up here)
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Thu May 05, 2022 11:03 am
flynavylamps
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Location: West of the cascades Joined: Fri Apr 15, 2022 Posts: 62
If I dropped the wall height to two feet, think you could give me hands-on supervision? I'm happy to pay for your (And potentially your brothers) time.
Mon May 16, 2022 5:53 am
Pablo
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Location: Everson, WA Joined: Sun Jan 6, 2013 Posts: 28149
Real Name: Ace Winky
If I dropped the wall height to two feet, think you could give me hands-on supervision? I'm happy to pay for your (And potentially your brothers) time.
Seriously for a two foot wall you don't need me. Some great DIY Videos and such. Let me send some links later. Here is the little wall I am building right now. Pretty busy and sick of my own projects currently....haha need a break after over a year of working on this house.
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_________________ Why does the Penguin in Batman sound like a duck?
Because the eagle sounds like a hawk.
Mon May 16, 2022 6:09 am
Pablo
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Location: Everson, WA Joined: Sun Jan 6, 2013 Posts: 28149
Real Name: Ace Winky
Pablo, do those blocks not have the lip on the back end of the bottom to hold them in place?...and why did you alternate direction (Smooth back to finished face) on that bottom run? Does both sides have the same surface? (Hard to tell from the pics)
_________________ Mr. Q wrote: so basically, if you have to smoke some asshole, make sure they become fertilizer and then Bounce? got it.
Guntrader wrote: Huh, maybe I was an asshole.
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Mon May 16, 2022 8:05 am
Pablo
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Location: Everson, WA Joined: Sun Jan 6, 2013 Posts: 28149
Real Name: Ace Winky
Pablo, do those blocks not have the lip on the back end of the bottom to hold them in place?...and why did you alternate direction (Smooth back to finished face) on that bottom run? Does both sides have the same surface? (Hard to tell from the pics)
These have no lip. Max would be six high with glued on cap. My max is 5.
Short and long sides are both are textured, not smooth. Alternate for looks.
These blocks have one flat (bottom or top)
_________________ Why does the Penguin in Batman sound like a duck?
Because the eagle sounds like a hawk.
Mon May 16, 2022 8:11 am
usrifle
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Location: RENTON Joined: Fri Mar 25, 2011 Posts: 20748
Real Name: John
Pablo, do those blocks not have the lip on the back end of the bottom to hold them in place?...and why did you alternate direction (Smooth back to finished face) on that bottom run? Does both sides have the same surface? (Hard to tell from the pics)
These have no lip. Max would be six high with glued on cap. My max is 5.
Short and long sides are both are textured, not smooth. Alternate for looks.
These blocks have one flat (bottom or top)
Ah, i'm used to the one's with the long side as the finished face. I like the look of them.
_________________ Mr. Q wrote: so basically, if you have to smoke some asshole, make sure they become fertilizer and then Bounce? got it.
Guntrader wrote: Huh, maybe I was an asshole.
NRA Member/RSO SAF 5 Year Donor GOA Member
Mon May 16, 2022 8:14 am
Pablo
Site Supporter
Location: Everson, WA Joined: Sun Jan 6, 2013 Posts: 28149
Real Name: Ace Winky
Pablo, do those blocks not have the lip on the back end of the bottom to hold them in place?...and why did you alternate direction (Smooth back to finished face) on that bottom run? Does both sides have the same surface? (Hard to tell from the pics)
These have no lip. Max would be six high with glued on cap. My max is 5.
Short and long sides are both are textured, not smooth. Alternate for looks.
These blocks have one flat (bottom or top)
Ah, i'm used to the one's with the long side as the finished face. I like the look of them.
Beltis 4 in. x 11 in. x 6 in. Tan Charcoal Concrete Retaining Wall Block
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