The Press-Dispatch
Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/1254479
The Press-Dispatch Summer Home Improvement Wednesday, June 3, 2020 C-5 Building a backyard retaining wall Flat, even landscapes are often coveted in backyards. However, flat backyards are not always so easy to find. Fortu- nately, varied terrain does not mean that cer- tain landscaping plans are entirely off limits, es- pecially for homeowners willing to build retaining walls. Retaining walls help turn steep slopes in a yard into terraced focal points. ey also can re- duce soil erosion in hilly areas and can be used for aesthetic purposes, like raised planters, or to create more usable space within the yard. When an inground pool or pond is cut into a back- yard hill, a retaining wall helps keep the remaining portion of that hill from collapsing into the cut- away area. When contemplat- ing retaining wall proj- ects, a lesson in phys- ics and engineering may be needed. A sturdy and long-lasting retaining wall needs to be built in a way that will take into consideration the force of the soil and the point at which the soil will be- gin to slide away, advises the experts at e Family Handyman. If these cal- culations seem beyond the scope of your ability, installation of a retain- ing wall is a job best left to a professional. If you are ready to forge ahead, these tips can get you started. However, it's im- portant to note the po- tential benefits of work- ing with others who have already built a retaining wall. Safety first Call to have under- ground utilities plotted and marked before be- ginning any excavation. Map your trench and begin to dig e trench should have a level, compact- ed base as it will be the foundation for which the retaining wall materials, be they blocks, bricks or wood, sit in. A crushed stone base will help an- chor the courses and serve to promote drain- age. e Family Handy- man says to bury the first course of the retaining wall one-tenth the height of the wall to prevent soil behind it from pushing the bottom out. Check for level When placing blocks or timbers, make sure they are even with the first and periodically check for level as you go. Stagger and set back e next row of blocks or material should be po- sitioned so that the joints are staggered for blocks, bricks or wood. A ma- sonry blade will be need- ed to cut the harder ma- terials; a circular saw will cut timber. Also, work against gravity by setting the second course slight- ly back from the first to help push back against the soil that is trying so hard to push forward. Repeat the process as each level is placed. Ma- ny retaining wall prod- ucts are made with a lip to create this set back. Go with the grade For especially steep slopes, a gradual step-up design may be more se- cure and more appealing than a very tall retain- ing wall. Each level of a stepped design should be done like the first. Backfill with stone for drainage Using a layer of stone behind the retaining wall can help success- fully direct water away so it will not increase the weight of the soil be- hind the wall and push against the retaining wall. Retaining walls serve different purposes in a yard. Building such a wall requires planning and careful execution to ensure the job is do- ne correctly. 855-481-7100 (Toll Free) 812-481-2756 "We had LAN Construction come and do some basement work for us last fall. It made such a difference! It is nice to not have to worry about water in our basement! It was well worth it and I highly recommend them!" - Rhonda R. "e gentleman who did the estimate was great. ey were fast, reasonable, honest and our basement has no more leaks!" - Angie O. "ey were quick to respond, knowing we were in a hurry." -Glen S. "Friendly, easy to talk to, great attitudes about their work and about LAN. ey got started quick and finished a bit ahead of time. ey definitely knew what had to be done and did it. Great People - Great Work - Great Company." - John P. 855-481-7100 (Toll Free) 812-481-2756 Fix it - Permanently. Wet Walls Sitting Water Sticking Doors Int. & Ext. Drainage Basement Finish Outs Bowing or Cracked Walls Fix it - Permanently. We ARE drainage lan-contech.com · FREE estimates · Warranties CONSTRUCTION, LLC lan-contech.com • Local Contractor • Free Estimates • Warranties