project-guides · 7 min read
Retaining Wall Guide
A pro-level walkthrough of a residential segmental retaining wall.
Residential retaining walls up to about 3 feet are usually built dry-stacked from segmental concrete block over a compacted base with drain rock behind.
The build order
- Trench a level base 6" below finished grade, at least 24" wide.
- Place 6" compacted aggregate base and level a level, flat pad.
- Lay the base course level — everything above depends on this course.
- Backfill behind the wall with 12" of washed drain rock and a perforated pipe.
- Stack subsequent courses, sweeping the top of each row before stacking the next.
- Cap and finish grade behind the wall.
Warning
Anything over 3 feet, or holding a driveway or structure, needs engineering. Don't guess loads.
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