How to Build a Retaining Wall

Building a retaining wall can help to organize your yard, provide containment for gardens and take a flat lawn into an interesting space with visual interest.

It's also incredibly important that they are built properly to prevent shifting and crumbling and make it last for a long time. Here is how to build a retaining wall on your property.

• Step 1: Use a bobcat to excavate the trench in the ground. Your should dig down 1" for every 8" of wall you intend to build.
  
• Step 2: Use a vibrating plate compactor across the trench to provide a level surface to lay the bricks.
  
• Step 3: Lay down angular gravel (no pea rock or any rounded stone) on the bottom of your trench. Go for about 6" of gravel as a base.
  
• Step 4: Lay 1.0-1.5 " of sand over the gravel.
  
• Step 5: Set up a mason's line with stakes and string to ensure the stones stay level.
  
• Step 6: Lay the first row of stones and ensure that they are level all the way across.
  
• Step 7: Apply landscaping adhesive or mortar to each level of stones until you reach the desired height. Ensure that you stagger the blocks as you work.
  
• Step 8: There will be an empty cavity behind the wall fill it with gravel for better drainage.
  
• Step 9: Place soil on top of the gravel.
  
• Step 10: Spread sod or grass seed across the soil

Rockland Landscaping Supplies can offer a selection of flagstone and Expocrete products to start your project. Contact us at (780) 239-7625 or send us an e-mail at info@rocklandsupplies.com for all of your retaining wall needs.