Build Your Own Concrete Block Retaining Walls

Undoubtedly, there is no building component more universally accepted and recognized than concrete blocks.  In certain markets, construction forms are even associated with logos that contain the image of these building materials.  In the retaining wall industry, the same can be observed.  Concrete blocks are deemed as the best and most accessible materials that can be used in building retaining walls.

Concrete block retaining walls are used for the following purposes:

* To separate the garden from the rest of the lawn;
* To support elevated ground and prevent erosion;
* To add beauty to the general design of the garden; and
* To maximize the space in smaller areas so that the garden will have a sizable area of its own.

Building your own concrete block retaining walls is not as easy as it sounds.  Specific steps should be observed, and with much care and caution at that.  There is a science to every requirement, and you shouldn't miss them, least you build a retaining wall that can potentially become dangerous.

Here are the steps you should take in building concrete block retaining walls:

1.  Select the area where you want your retaining wall established. 
2. Plan the elevated mound that your retaining wall will support.  A slightly slanting surface will look elegant for a planting bed, but not every area can accommodate this.  Level of seismic activities, general slope of the land, and the likes should first be considered in determining the elevated ground you wish to carry out through your retaining wall.
3. Demarcate the perimeters of your wall.  You can do this by getting a long rope and using the same as a marker for the coverage of the retaining wall you have in mind.
4. Plan the height of the wall you want to build.  Bear in mind that concrete block retaining walls above the height of 3 feet can be the subject of permit regulations from local authorities, depending on the city or municipality where you are residing.  Check out your local legislation and act accordingly.
5. Dig trenches on the demarcated boundaries.  These trenches should be proportional to the height of the wall you want to build.  As a rule, the depth of the trenches should be 1/2 the height of your retaining walls.
6. Prepare your cement mix.
7. Harden them into blocks.
8. Form your concrete block retaining walls in such a way that they will lean towards the ground they should be supporting.  This is to make sure that they will be strong enough to go against the gravity they have to contend against.
9. Cover the trenches with soil.