Retaining walls serve a crucial purpose in landscaping, managing changes in elevation, preventing soil erosion, and creating usable spaces in sloped areas. While building a retaining wall is a significant undertaking, it’s a project some homeowners may choose to tackle (for smaller walls). However, it’s important to understand the complexity and potential safety concerns before proceeding with a DIY approach. Jean Brooks Landscapes, serving homeowners throughout Cambridge, Somerville, Brookline, Newton, Wellesley, Weston, Belmont, Arlington, Lexington, Winchester, and Boston, strongly recommends consulting with professionals for walls of significant size or complexity. This simplified guide provides a general overview but should not be considered a substitute for professional advice.
Important Disclaimer: This guide provides a simplified overview of building a small retaining wall. Building retaining walls can be complex and dangerous, especially larger walls. Incorrectly built walls can collapse, causing property damage or personal injury. Jean Brooks Landscapes strongly recommends consulting with a professional landscape contractor or structural engineer before attempting to build any retaining wall. This information is for educational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice.
Step 1: Planning and Preparation:
- Assess the Site: Carefully evaluate the slope, soil type, and drainage of the area where you plan to build the wall. Consider the height and length of the wall, as well as any local building codes or permit requirements in your town (e.g., Arlington, Belmont).
- Determine Wall Height and Type: Small retaining walls (typically under 4 feet) can sometimes be built by homeowners. Larger walls require professional expertise. Different types of retaining walls exist, including gravity walls, cantilevered walls, and anchored walls. Choosing the right type depends on the height and soil conditions.
- Obtain Necessary Permits: Check with your local building department to determine if you need any permits before starting construction.
- Gather Materials: You’ll need materials such as retaining wall blocks (concrete, stone, or other), gravel for the base and backfill, landscape fabric, drainage pipe, and construction adhesive (if required).
- Tools and Safety Gear: Gather necessary tools, including a shovel, level, tamper, measuring tape, string line, and safety glasses and gloves.
Step 2: Excavation and Foundation:
- Excavate the Area: Dig a trench for the wall foundation, ensuring it’s wider than the wall base and deep enough to accommodate the base material and the first course of blocks.
- Create the Base: Lay a layer of compacted gravel in the trench to create a stable foundation. Use a tamper to compact the gravel.
- Install Drainage Pipe: Place a perforated drainage pipe at the back of the trench to redirect water away from the wall. Cover the pipe with landscape fabric to prevent soil from clogging it.
Step 3: Building the Wall:
- Lay the First Course: Begin laying the first course of retaining wall blocks on the compacted gravel base. Ensure the blocks are level and aligned using a string line.
- Build Subsequent Courses: Continue laying subsequent courses of blocks, staggering the joints for stability. Use a level to ensure each course is level.
- Backfill with Gravel: As you build the wall, backfill behind it with gravel. This allows for proper drainage and reduces pressure on the wall. Compact the gravel in layers as you go.
- Install Cap Stones (Optional): Once the wall reaches the desired height, you can install cap stones to create a finished look.
Step 4: Finishing Touches:
- Final Backfilling: Backfill the remaining area behind the wall with topsoil or other suitable material.
- Grading and Landscaping: Grade the area around the wall to ensure proper drainage. Plant grass or other vegetation to stabilize the soil and enhance the appearance of the wall.
When to Call Jean Brooks Landscapes:
- Large or Complex Walls: Any wall over 4 feet high or with complex angles or curves should be designed and built by professionals.
- Poor Soil Conditions: If you have unstable or expansive soil, you’ll need professional expertise to ensure the wall’s stability.
- Drainage Issues: Complex drainage problems require professional solutions to prevent wall failure.
- Lack of Experience: If you’re unsure about any aspect of the process, it’s best to call a professional. Mistakes can be costly and dangerous.
Serving the Greater Boston Area:
Jean Brooks Landscapes proudly serves homeowners throughout the Greater Boston area, including Cambridge, Somerville, Brookline, Newton, Wellesley, Weston, Belmont, Arlington, Lexington, Winchester, and Boston. We have the experience and expertise to design and build retaining walls that are both beautiful and structurally sound.
A Lasting Investment:
A well-built retaining wall is a valuable addition to your property. However, it’s crucial to prioritize safety and consult with professionals for complex projects.
Contact Us Today:
Ready to discuss your retaining wall project? Contact Jean Brooks Landscapes today for a consultation. Whether you’re in Cambridge, Somerville, Brookline, Newton, Wellesley, Weston, Belmont, Arlington, Lexington, Winchester, or Boston, we look forward to working with you.