The easiest way to build a stone retaining wall is to use the dry stack method that requires no mortar between stones and does not need a concrete footing like mortared walls do.
Diy stacked stone retaining wall.
Dig a ditch the length of the wall that is about a foot wide and 8 to 12 inches 20 5 cm 30 5 cm below the ground level.
For a stacked block retaining wall that s no higher than four feet a trench filled with three inches of crushed rock will help keep the wall from shifting and settling.
Higher walls should be engineered for stability.
Even if you don t plan to sit on your wall 3 feet is about as high as i would recommend building any dry stacked wall.
Excavate to a depth of 6 inches along the entire base of the stone retaining wall using the string marker as a guide.
To build a natural dry stone retaining wall prepare the site.
The ideal height for a dry stacked retaining wall is 18 to 22 inches so you can sit on it when your gardening chores are done.
Mike installing stone steps for backyard patio pool retaining wall landscaping how to build a good base for front or backyard landscaping dry stacked stone retaining wall.
Plan for good drainage proper width height ratio and distance between tiers.
So in my case the stone was cut to 12 wide making the base 24 wide.
Using your stakes string and line level.
For this 18 inch high wall the footing should be at least 18 inches wide.
A dry stack stone retaining wall not only holds back the earth it adds beauty to a landscape.
Using a tape measure decide the length and the width of your retaining wall then mark off the area with the garden stakes and string.
Try to cut the ditch into native soil rather than loose added soil as the former provides a more stable foundation for the wall.
For dry stack walls the base should be as wide as the wall is tall.
The success of your retaining wall depends on a level base.
This ditch will act as the wall s footing and prevent the rocks from sliding forward due to pressure from the earth behind.
Anything taller should be handled by professionals.
Building a retaining wall is suitable for diyers as long as the wall is a maximum of 3 feet tall in most areas.
Use a hand or power tamper to level the base.
To create a solid foundation dig a trench for the first course of your interlocking retaining wall blocks to sit in and make sure the ground remains even throughout.