How To Build a Retaining Wall (Step-by-Step)

01 LOCATE YOUR WALL

Mark out the ground where your wall will be located (either by marking with stakes and a string line or by marking a line on the ground with spray paint). Excavate trench then compact roadbase into trench to form a levelling pad.

02 PREPARE THE SITE

Place blocks side by side on the levelling pad using a string line along the back of the units for alignment. Level each unit side to side and front to back using your spirit level. Spend time making sure the first course of units is level, otherwise all ensuing courses and ultimately the entire wall will not be level

02 PREPARE THE SITE

Place blocks side by side on the levelling pad using a string line along the back of the units for alignment. Level each unit side to side and front to back using your spirit level. Spend time making sure the first course of units is level, otherwise all ensuing courses and ultimately the entire wall will not be level

04 ADDITIONAL COURSES

Sweep the top of the previous course clean. Place the next course of units in a running bond pattern (i.e. with the vertical joints from the first course units halfway across the second course units). Pull each unit forward until it locks with the nib on the unit below. Place the drainage material behind the second course of units. Stack units, placing drainage material and compact backfill for each block height layer until your wall is complete.

05 FIXING CAPPING UNITS

Place capping units, if required, on the top course. It is recommended that caps be secured using a construction adhesive such as liquid nails® Some capping may require the removal of nibs from the top course of blocks.