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2 foot high cinder retaining wall, foundation needed?

59K views 8 replies 3 participants last post by  average_male  
#1 ·
Hello All,

I am going to put up a 2 foot (height) retaining wall to maintain a 1 foot grade offset between my neighbors fence and my yard.

Question: Do I need to lay down a cement foundation for these cinder blocks to rest on or can I simply tamp and level crushed rock and lay down my cinder/motar on that?

Thanks,
Moe
 
Discussion starter · #3 ·
thanks for the reply. That looks very professional yet simple as no footer, cement, rebar etc was needed. However, there is something about the tapered look that won't fit my yard. Do they make such blocks that have a flush side (front)?
 
Discussion starter · #7 · (Edited)
beranbr,

That looks amazing. Exactly the thing I am looking to do. Quick questions, if I may:

1) What of the concrete foundation for a 2' wall, is it needed?

2) In the first picture you posted (the L-shaped retaining wall), did you use motar to build the wall? Can't tell by the picture.

3) In your reply: "I would backfill 18"-24" behind the wall with 57 stone and machine compact in 6" lifts to consolidate."

What do you mean by '6" lifts to consilidate'? Does that mean compact the 57 stone every 6" (inches) until I reach the target 18"-24"?

4) Do I need to go the height of 18"-24" of 57 stone if my wall is going to be 3 feet from my property line, can I go with less compated 57 stone height? Also how far back should I back fill with the 57 stone? That is, what is my width of the drainage channel?

5) Do you recommend drainage sheet/tile between the 57 stone and the wall?

6) I have a manual tamp, I know it will be a lot of work, but can I use that to compact the 57 stone? Or will I not get the compation needed if I do it by hand?

7) Did you use stone veneers in your installation?

I really like the lighting features of the installation, must look very inviting in the evening.

I really appreciate your input and look forward to hearing from you soon,
Moe
 
Discussion starter · #9 ·
beranbr,

Thank you for the follow-up. You answered every question I had with great detail. Thank you so much for your time and knowledge, it's greatly appreciated.

I have heard a lot about Allan Blocks, they come up all the time on YouTube when searching against 'retaining wall'

Thank again,
Moe