Retaining a wall is a heavy job. You don’t want to lift it again in your life. However, retaining a wall keeps the soil firm on the ground, and it provides a beautiful feature to your house and yard. A well-built wall can give better features to your garden, especially when you have your home on a slope or in a hilly location. Let us learn to install and fix a retaining wall in this article.
Few Things to Consider
Before you jump right into the action, you need to consider a few things such as-
- Based on the location you live and the height of the retaining wall, you may have to get a permit to install it. Check the local restrictions and codes and check with the rules of the Homeowner’s Association before you put your hands on the project. It’s best to consult Retaining Walls Ok service. Only professionals can give you better advice.
- Next, go for DIY materials. You can make retaining walls from concrete blocks, stones, bricks, and wood. If you are going for a DIY project, it’s best to opt for concrete blocks, which will stay without adhesive or cement. But if you are looking for other materials, go for a professional.
- When the soil behind the wall gets wet, it relieves more weight and pressure against the retaining wall. To avoid this, it’s important to install proper drainage.
- You must plan to fix the wall before the rainy months arrive. You need to keep the soil dry.
Steps to install and fix a retaining wall
Check out the steps below to fix and install a retaining wall in your home.
- Choose the Location
Use a tape measure, and fix the width and length of the wall. Mark the areas with mason’s line and garden stakes. If the wall has curves, mark the bends and location on the retaining wall.
- Dig a Line and Level the Ground
Start digging a trench into the ground, and the line should be deep enough to install the first layer of bricks. Based on the size of the stone or concrete blocks, dig a 4 to 6 inches deep trench.
- Apply the base
Select gravel with a size between half an inch to ¾ inches. Next, fill the line with two to three inches of gravel. Use a rake to level the stones. Now, tamp the ground using a tamper to make it compact.
- Lay the first blocks
After you have filled the gravel, now it’s time to lay the first course of bricks. Lay them in the right line, and once you finish, cut the end blocks. After that, start with the additional blocks. Lay them accordingly, and use a tape measure to keep the line straight.
- Backfill the area behind the wall
Once you have layered the blocks, now you can cover the backside of the wall with sand and gravel. After applying the materials, tamp the ground using a tamper to make it compact.
You can also install a drain pipe if you live in a rainy area. For this, install the pipe behind the wall.
Once you have backfilled the wall and installed the pipe, apply the finishing touches. Clean the debris, accentuate the wall with bushes, and add succulents or climbing plants and other decorations. The best thing you can do here is to contact a concrete overlay Oklahoma City service provider. Only professionals can give the special touch and there will be no faults in their work.
Conclusion
When you are opting for a DIY installation, wear work clothes, wear protective boots, and eyewear. A retaining wall is an attractive and functional addition to your garden. You can always opt for DIY projects, but for a fine and long-lasting wall, it’s best to hire a professional.
Resources – https://companylistingnyc.com/listings/bills-custom-concrete-yard-drainage/
Contact Us:
Bill’s Custom Concrete & Yard Drainage
Phone: (405) 755-3975