Follow the block manufacturer s instructions for wall height limits.
Building a cement block wall.
The typical cinder block is 8 by 16 inches meaning that a cinder block covers an area of 1 125 square feet.
To build a cinder block wall start by digging a hole for the foundation and reinforcing it by placing steel rebar into each corner.
Then attach the first row of cinder blocks to the concrete with mortar to build the base of your wall.
After setting the corner block butter the ears of the adjacent block and set it.
Next fill the hole with concrete and let it dry overnight.
These systems are easy to install durable reasonably priced and available in a variety of colors and textures.
The total cinder blocks needed will be 1 125 times the area of the wall but be sure to subtract the openings such as windows doors or any other architectural feature.
Check the level and alignment of all blocks as you go along adjusting them with a rubber mallet.
A concrete block retaining wall is the perfect solution to control erosion to eliminate a hard to mow slope to add a planting bed or to level an ideal patio area.
Foundation all concrete block walls must rest on a sturdy foundation of poured concrete.
Calculate the necessary cinder block by square feet.
The interlocking retaining wall block can be used to build walls up to 24 to 36 inches high depending on the size of the block.
The depth and size of the foundation will vary depending on the size of the concrete block wall and the weight it must support but a typical freestanding wall requires a foundation that is about twice as wide as the wall itself and which extends about 1 foot down below the frost line.
Continue stacking the blocks in rows making sure.
Remember to check out the full diy construction video on our website.
Avoid having downspouts pointed at the retaining wall and if it s against the house keep soil and mulch well below the siding.
Staring at one end place the first course of concrete blocks top side up on the crushed rock with the front lip facing up and towards the front of the wall.
Fill the concrete cores with crushed gravel.
Start the first leg with a full corner block which is a stretcher block with a finished face on one end.
If your concrete wall turns a corner build the corner with alternating corner blocks.
A well constructed cinder block wall can bring privacy security and visual interest to your landscaping.