FAQ: How To Make A Concrete Retaining Wall?

How thick does a concrete retaining wall need to be?

Rules of thumb commonly used by designers to establish the geometry of the wall include (refer to diagram): Base width = 1/2 to 1/3 of the height of the wall. Base thickness = 1/8 of the height of the wall but not less than 12 inches. Stem thickness = 6 inches + ¼ inch for each foot of wall height.

What is the cheapest retaining wall to build?

What is the cheapest retaining wall material?

• Treated pine and is the least expensive material.
• Hardwood is more expensive than treated pine.
• Railway sleepers are another – slightly more expensive – option and are built to withstand ground and water contact.
• Concrete sleepers are more expensive.

Do I need a concrete footing for a retaining wall?

No, you do not need a concrete footing, it will actually adhere the wall from being able to naturally shift. It is best to use a coarse stone aggregate for the Retaining Wall footing.

Are poured concrete walls better than block?

Poured concrete wall foundations are arguably stronger than cinder blocks. Poured walls have a better lateral strength, which means they are able to resist more pressure from the water and the soil from the outside. Poured walls tend to be the preferred choice of new construction builders.

What is a poured concrete retaining wall?

Poured concrete retaining walls can be colored, textured, accented with embedded objects and much more. When installed properly, concrete offers much more room for customization than any other retaining wall material. If the wall exceeds four feet in height, footings should be poured separately.

What is the easiest retaining wall to build?

For the average do-it-yourselfer, building a retaining wall is easiest when using masonry blocks that will be stacked no taller than three feet, with no mortar binding the stones or concrete members. (For a curved wall, mark instead with a garden hose or spray paint.)

How long does a concrete retaining wall last?

Concrete is a popular material choice for a variety of hardscaping structures due to its cost-effectiveness and durability. A concrete retaining wall can be expected to last anywhere from 50 to 100 years.

Can I build a retaining wall on a concrete slab?

Retaining walls can be constructed using a variety of materials, from poured concrete and large timbers to natural stones, even bricks.

What can I do instead of a retaining wall?

• Reinforced Soil Slopes. Reinforced soil slopes are a quick and easy construction style that uses a geotextile, such as polyethylene or polypropylene, to lock existing soil into place to create a reinforced mass.
• Natural Stone Walls.
• Wooden Timbers.
• Gabion Walls.
• Soil Bioengineered Walls.

Can I build my own retaining wall?

Retaining walls can be made from wood, bricks, natural stones or concrete blocks. For DIYers, it’s best to use concrete retaining wall blocks, which can be interlocking and are heavy enough to stay in place without cement or other adhesive. Interlocking blocks fit together and add extra security to the wall.

What is the best type of retaining wall?

Timber and inter-locking-concrete-block walls are great DIY retaining wall ideas. Mortared masonry and poured concrete ones are usually best left to a mason.

How high can you build a retaining wall without a permit?

Most municipalities require a building permit and a design from a Licensed Engineer if your wall is taller than 4 feet high (measured from the bottom of the first block to the top of the last block).

What slope requires a retaining wall?

What is the slope? If the slope is greater than a 3:1, consult with an engineer. If the slope is over 2:1, it will require structures or special stabilization techniques.