How to build a RETAINING WALL that WON'T fall over!
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- čas přidán 13. 03. 2020
- Today we're rebuilding a retaining wall that wasn't built correctly. We're gonna show you how to build a retaining wall that WON'T fall over. It's not crazy complicated, comes down to a few simple factors:
1. Proper compaction of your subgrade
2. Bury a footer course of wall block below grade
3. Install drainage behind the wall so water can escape
4. Backfill with clean stone
5. Use geogrid reinforcement if required by spec
6. Use separation fabric over top your clean stone backfill, to keep topsoil from migrating down into the backfill
You follow those steps, you'll have a wall that lasts a long time.
The wall block used was Techo Bloc Suprema. www.techo-bloc.com/shop/walls...
Here's a link to that sling we used to swing that gravel in: www.amleo.com/sling-bag-mega-...
If you need a retaining wall contractor in or around Altoona PA, hit us up!
#howtobuildaretainingwall #retainingwallthatwontfallover #retainingwall
******
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![How to Build a Block Retaining Wall [DIY Guide]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/GWubsM2btLM/mqdefault.jpg)
I built retaining walls for about ten years, before my body wore out and I had to switch to a desk job. We always had a hard time selling our walls because we were always the high bid, but I know of at least three jobs we didn't build that we ended up re-building several years later because the low bidder had no idea what they were doing (one 3' wall was built on 1" of play sand over soil - guess what happened to that one...). So I saw your video title and thought "yeah right, nobody builds retaining walls right any more." Happy to say you completely proved me wrong. On the odd chance the homeowner sees this, know that you got a really high quality, professional installation that will never fail, and it is worth every penny you paid.
Thank you Dirkus! Happy to read your comment :) Thanks for watching! Cheers!
There's often not enough money available to do a job right...but there's somehow always enough money available to do the same job over (and to do it right).
I’m currently in the process of building a block retaining wall 20ft long by 3ft tall. I’ve got my trench dug and leveled. I’ve looked online and I’m confused by the type of base gravel type I need. So do I need to put fabric on top of the dirt, then fill with gravel, then start my base block layer. Then do I keep putting gravel behind the wall or do I backfill with dirt? If anyone could help or guide me in the right direction that would be much appreciated
It was top notch. I've got a little one to do. I've got about 120' of cliff with a 100 year old house hanging over the top. As soon as I recoup from measuring the cliff on my face I'll get started. I think I'll need the use of my left hand and wrist. And my right shoulder being in the right place will prob make the job go smoother as well. If I started now I'd look like Quazi moto with a tool belt on hobbling across the cliff side.
@@crimsonghost411 From what I have learned (and am applying to my own wall building on my property), you need to have a moderately coarse "dirty" gravel compacted well directly under the first block course to be stable. I would say depending on the material that you excavated to (loose soil, clay, rocky soil, large stones) you need an appropriate depth (up to 6") of that coarse gravel, ideally with a membrane between the gravel and loose soil. The backfill needs to be the coarse 3/4" (or 5/7th) clean drainage gravel several feet in width which is quite stable and drains well preventing the freeze/thaw cycles of retained water that shoves the wall over with time.
Well, they say you learn something every day, and today I learned what separation fabric was. So thank you, because I hadn't watched your other 200 videos.
Thanks for watching Lee 👊 glad you found some tips
its so rewarding to see a professional contractor at work. I am a retired renovation and electrical contractor. There are so many half assed contractors out there. YOU SIR are the man to hire hands down.
Three years later and this video is still helping random folks like me. Thanks for sharing this very informative video.
Glad it helped!
i just love this guys energy and attitude, so much positivity, seems like they truly enjoy their trade.
We love our jobs!
Great job guys...good learning experience for me and very entertaining!
Awesome! Nice hear that thanks!
He explains in articulate detail giving information others do not! Well done!
Thanks man!
when you put imagination, knowledge and hard work into what you do it always looks good and works good.
Aaaamen
@@Tusseylandscaping what about the cost of that little wall 😂😂😂😂😂💰💰💰💰💰💰
Proficiency makes confidence. Thank you very much for sharing.
You bet
Very impressed. I am in construction and this young guy knows what he is doing and doesn't cut corners and makes great videos.
thanks! :)
He also makes a lot of money which gives him more motivation to do more better projects in the future. Not hating but with his money I would do the same wall even better 😂
$9,000 for new installation, and $5,000 for tear off and prep virgin to start over.... not bad, that is about what I should charge here in North Carolina, but I do recognize that your drainage outlets and over gravel behind walls it's fantastic. For now on I will install those caps at front of walls. Congratulations, it been a honor to watch your guys. God Bless you....!!!!
Thanks allot! Cheers and good luck in your business
Great job that will last forever. Thanks for sharing your ideas and techniques!
You bet!
there are contractors [encountered few] and there are professionals - we know where you stand taking pride in what you do. I am proud to watch this many times to learn.
Thanks Vijaya. Glad it was useful
Phenomenal work guys! Thank you for sharing your knowledge
Great job with super detailed step by step!! Frog at the end adds up a special touch!
Thanks a bunch! ;)
As I retired builder I have seen many projects done right and wrong. Your wall is 100% textbook perfect. Actually a little overkill which is exactly the way to build! I always did extra to be sure my projects help up forever. If I was doing retaining walls, landscaping, building a house, renovating a house it was always done right. Your one excellent example of a contractor doing the job right and taking pride in their work. Well done! Thank you!
Thank you Richard! Appreciate the comment!
Excellent instructive guide . Incredible number of 'authorities ' on building retaining walls that are really just decorative facades destined to fail in no time flat .
Yes, unfortunately... Thanks for the support
Excellent value sir, you sharing your hands-on expertise is the most valuable asset available at this point in time.
I see your technique applied at scale you demonstrated applicable to whatever size and scale necessary.
I look forward to more in detail construction methods and such, please.
Thanks Johnnie!
What a great video. I absolutely love your channel, I came for the Ponds, and have been hooked ever since. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Mike! Glad you are enjoying the videos! Love making them ;)
This guy loves his job and it shows. They will always do the best work thanks for sharing. Just tackled this project. Not easy when you're new, but we pulled it off. Thanks for the help
I've never seen wall blocks like that, they're cool.
Thanks Anthony! ;)
That was a great learning experience and I did not even get my hands dirty!
Glad you enjoyed it!
just third way through and I can tell this is a great vid,informative,complete,well filmed and edited with a touch of humor
Thanks for explaining separation fabric this is the first of your videos I have watched
I think you guys need to come do my wall if you can even call it that now. Great work. True professionals.
Sure! Where are you located?
Yep! Beautiful job.. Well done boys!
Thanks Mike!
Came upon your page grew up in fulton county and played tussy in baseball for years. Great work. Job well done from Canada.
Definitely learned a little more...even though I've never had a wall fail..but always nice to learn something new..
Thanks for watching scooter!
Great job and great information!!! I am by no means handy like this but truly enjoy learning these money saving techniques! Do it right the first time and take comfort in a well done job the will last for decades to come. Awesome job!!! Keep up the great work!!!
Amen!!!
That is a well built wall. Great example of Professionalism.
Thanks!
WOW!!! Who knew it was SO much work and SO much technology?!?! I'm very impressed!
Thanks! 😜
WESTON YOU GUYS JUST MADE OUR LIFE EASIER lol!!! Oh my goodness that sling is clutch for so many different things!
Wow you guys do incredible work. That job deserves a plaque somewhere on the face of the wall.
Thanks James! 😉
When money is no object :) Great video on what it actually takes to build a proper wall.
Thanks Brad
Thanks for explaining the separation fabric! 😎
Most defintiely! :)
now...that was slick indeed! great job guys! thank you for sharing!
Glad you enjoyed it!
A friend just asked me if i knew how to build a retaining wall.. now i can look like a champ using your knowledge.. :P just kidding.. sending him the link.. Great work
Ha ha that's the way to roll!
Great video, great info, thanks for taking the time to make it.
You bet James
Thanks for explaining. This is the first video of yours I've seen.
Thanks for watching Jonathan!
One of the best videos giving detailed explanation.
Glad it was helpful!
They did a great job.
Thanks Daniel!
Nice video. I just did a small 2 foot wall. One thing I learn other than leveling, smoothing underside of block is wearing a back belt. Nothing stops work faster than a sore back. Cheers
For sure! Good luck!
I'm glad you mentioned why you put down separation fabric, because this was my first video lol
Awesome!
2:21, I just want to point out that this IS the first video I've watched of yours. I like the method, descriptions and your editing. I'll keep watching. Thanks!
Thanks for watching Corey!
You guys are going to be in business for a long time...As long as the wall...
You betcha!
the wall will more than likely out live us all, you can't beat quality workmanship
? No mortor? 👀
As long as the kids working for him lol
Hand digging a basement addition, almost 40 years ago, just touched the buried rotten gas line with a shovel and it started leaking. Sealed the crack by rubbing a bar of soap on the crack. Good thing I was wearing my brown pants. Shut it off at the street and replaced the pipe. If you want to know how to build any type of foundation or stonework to last, watch videos from a contractor who works where there are cold winters and plenty of moisture. That combo exposes shortcuts and shoddy work every time.
Along that line of thought I assume they made the utility local One Call?
Yeah we always call in to the utility to come mark things out
Very informative. This video is what I've been searching for.
Glad it helped! Good luck!
Wow, just found your video. Watched the whole thing! Great work guys!!!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Well done👍
Thanks Kev 🤝
Man, I wish you guys were near me. Fantastic job.
We can be!
I stumbled upon this and have to say by end of video felt like having a beer with you. Lot of fun, good job and wish you all the best from Bastrop, Texas!
First vid I’ve seen of yours. Great job...nice to watch someone doing things right when showing others how to do it!
Thanks for watching! We believe in a job well done!
I'm looking at contractors to do work here in MN and now, I at least know when they describe/explain what they will do, knowing if they are any good at what they claim to do. Awesome Video!
Hey John, glad this video helped you get a better understanding! Good luck on your project 🙌
You guy's did an excellent job on that retaining wall!! I see you had a few nuts commenting that don't know what there talking about!
Thanks John! What can I say..? 🤷♂️ Some in every crowd
Great job. Great video. The wall looks beautiful. Have a great day.
Thank you! You too!
Nice job. Great explanation of what and why you are building it that way. Stay safe...
Thanks 👍
First class job!
Thanks Peter!
Great video. Here in Florida all that rock would cost a medium fortune. Keep up the right way. Look forward to your other vids.
Thanks so much! Yeah, we kind of take the stone for granted up here. Right in the Allegheny mountains, so it's plentiful
@@Tusseylandscaping Your video was very well put together. You should have a cable channel. Certainly would be better to watch than a lot of the stuff on there these days. Enjoyed the music too. Glad there are people that truly are great at what they do. Also I like the encouragement you do with the other guys, it's a good team.
Thanks a lot Florida. Appreciate it. We're just doing our thing, doing our best, and having fun doing it :)
You could definitely buy a 10 acre farm here in Brazil with the cost of this tiny wall.
Masakit yn tlga.ang tyan m dba msakit?pero npachck m ung ihi mo?sa sigarilyo dn kc nkkuha sakit ndi lng dn s kinakain.bka lagi png maalat kain nyo.
Thank you for this video great insight, all the best.
You bet Daniel! Thanks for the support!
Great to see you do it right. Best wishes.
Thanks OTMCC! All the best!
Nice Job guys!!!
Thanks Dwayne!
This is definitely the professional version versus the homeowner version. I did a small two block flower bed retaining wall. I dug the trench and filled it with water and that gave me my level point. And I took those bamboo barbecue skewer sticks that look like really long toothpicks and put it in both sides at the water level. Then I drained the water and got some old bags of concrete that were pretty much useless because they've been sitting around too long and made a slurry and filled it up to the level of the skewers. Then I just laid in my bottom course of block on the concrete and it never moved since. I think it's not bad for not having a clue on how to do it.
A get it done attitude will get you a long way!
Thanks for the time and effort in making this video!
You bet!
That’s a great video. Thank you so much for all the information it was so helpful. I’m even willing to try to do one myself at my home. Thank you so much.
So the first step in building a good retaining wall is realizing that it's too big a job to do on your own, and that's why there are professionals.
Exactly! This ☝️☝️☝️☝️
@@Tusseylandscaping It looks great! There is a lot more that goes into one of those walls than I ever knew about. Thank you for the video! Fantastic job guys!
Hardly, I just underpinned my house and built a 50sqM basement, I work in TV.
That's not really true. It's more a matter of whether you have the time or not and a willingness to learn. A lot can be done by an individual with a little leverage, some good tools and innovative thinking. A lot of so-called "professionals" that are licensed and bonded will mess up these days. There are more bad ones than good ones in my experience. These guys happen to be one of those who take pride in their work and have expertise, but I can name countless contractors in our area who don't, and the worst part is that the county issues permits and approves jobs that were done criminally.
I say you get what you pay for. This guy shows how to build a retaining wall that won't fail in your lifetime. Key elements: spend lots of money to buy lots of material and find a competent person to put all those materials together correctly. Good job.
You got it man!
Great video! We are wanting to build an extra bay on our garage, the ground slopes 4'. a wall will have to be built! Now I know what questions to ask when I seek bids! Thanks for sharing!
You bet Doug! Good luck!
Good job guys the bag for the stone.......... easy as ...... not worry about longevity for the wall well done👌👍👊
Great video. I need a wall redone. Glad I saw this, I need to save up some money for a couple of more years!
I saw caulking? in the background, but I didn't catch what it was used for?
Glueing...
yep, in places where we couldnt use the black clips (curved part of the wall and the cap stone) we glued them instead.
GREAT JOB BY YOU TWO GUYS.....AM IMPRESSED. AM FROM CHANDIGARH, INDIA.
Thanks! 😁 Thanks for watching!
Well done. This video was very helpful.
Thank you Javier! Glad it helped! Good luck!
Wish you guys were in MA! Learning a lot! Willl put it all to use next Spring!
Good luck!
Nice work. Make it infinitely stronger by adding a layer of geo text every 8”. This creates Geosynthetically reinforced soil. The geo text can interleaf the concrete masonry units. It’s a bit more fussing around for a way strronger wall
For sure! We didn't do geo grid on every course, I think that would've been a bit overkill 😜
10 years ago I build a wall with 6×6 treated lumber. I needed to build it alone, without fancy tools and still do my day job. I've been regretting it since!
The sad truth 🥺
Dig out behind it and install some proper drainage....???
About 24k???
Great video - Informative and fun. Thanks!
Thanks Josh! Glad you liked it!
SUPERB! Makes me understand that I will NOT attempt this myself or it will look bad and not last. I am no longer in my 30s, 40s or 50s!
I’m curious what a wall like that costs. I can only imagine. It’s beautiful and will be there for generations with that design and craftsmanship.
Thanks Craig! It was 14k
Tussey Landscaping
That’s less than I thought for all that work, material and equipment.
What is the length and height of this wall
@@olivernassry4055 it's approx 45' long and about 52" tall
@@Tusseylandscaping Is that 14k WITH material? if not, how much was the material in addition?
Honestly, with your video editing I feel like I’m borderline watching a program on HGTV
Thanks for the compliment Seth!
You had me when you said you’re building it better than it has to be! This is some of the best information I’ve seen on retaining walls. One question though, how many courses can you run with this type of block? Beautiful job!
Would like to see more detail on each step, like how you trim the geogrid. Great work. Good overview.
We just cut it back with an utility knife. And then used a torch to burn it back in until you couldn't see it anymore
Geogrids primary function is to stabilize the material being retained, which in turn reduces the lateral force being applied to the wall. The secondary benefit would be helping to hold the face in place, but that's not what makes geogrid the super impressive product it is :) You for sure do everything right as far as utilizing it, very solid build!
Thank you Tom! Yep, you're correct. So much misinformation out there on walls, glad to see this spot on comment 🙌💪
@@Tusseylandscaping yessir, I've replace a whole lot of failed retaining walls from people who didn't understand the principals involved, it's a shame to see so many falling over when building it right in the first place would have solved all the problems!
And not been any harder to do than what the worked to install it incorrectly!
@@Tusseylandscaping precisely! Except it does cost a little more, more money for drainage material, more money for geogrid and soil separation, but it's a hell of a lot cheaper than paying twice to build the same wall!
100% truth!
Hello! Great video. We live in NH and would like to build a 4’ wall along our drive under garage/walkout basement. We live at the bottom of the hill and we a lot of water. We just wanna make sure the wall will hold up. How deep should the subgrade be? Thank you so much for your time!
Hey there! Make sure you bury a full course of block below grade, and depending on what the spec is on the wall block you are using, you may need geo grid as well. Good luck!
Great looking wall! Well done!
Thank you! Cheers!
Great install, and great video!
Thanks! 👍
Best how to video that I've seen! Where are you based out of? WELL DONE...
Thank you thank you! 😌
Hollidaysburg PA
ROCK ON!!!
Great video !
And nice work !
Whenever I put in a drain pipe, I always ask the question, how do I clean this out when it's clogged up ? And always bury utility inside a drain pipe. I cringe when I see utility buried right in the dirt. But the utility was buried before you got there.
Thanks James! Yeah, we had to work with what was there
I was your 100 Like on this video, great footage.
Woohoo!! Thanks Vene!! 💪😎
Awesome Mark man you did the right thing awesome beautiful work New York thank you
Thanks Riza
Great job and i am a stone mason
Thanks John! Cheers from worker to worker 🙌🥂
Thanks so much for such a fun and informative video! I have a question though. I live way too far from you guys to hire you to build such a wall for me and am on a limited budget but the size is approximately the same. I am going to have to build this one myself as there is no one where I live in the backwoods that does this sort of thing. Approximately, without divulging too much personal or private information, should a wall like this cost me to do myself, granting that I have all my own equipment to compact it, lift the gravel, etc? Just a ballpark figure would be fine as I know brick and gravel cost differently throughout the U.S. Again, thanks so much for teaching me how to do this the right way!👌😊
Hey Shannon, glad the video is helping you out! :) I would be prepared to spend 5-7k on a project this size that is DIY. Good luck!
@@Tusseylandscaping Thanks so much for the great information!
Thanks for explaining the separation fabric.
You’re welcome 😊
Thanks for this. Lovely work
Nice topic, good job and it will last generations. However, We need to hear you more than actually seeing you. Your film footage itself speaks volumes too. Good luck anyway 😉.
Thanks Hans 😉
I agree. Makes it a little more dizzying.
Killing it no doubt though.
That is a comment that could go on most any social media posting! Something tells me that we would not make such a comment, if you were one of those ladies who does the video's in bikini or some yoga pants? But, yeah, dude videographers definitely get from in front of that camera!
@@brianandlynphilippines Naturally, that's quite possible. However, this Video is a report on a great job done with enthusiasm and care. The explanations in detail are best combined with footage of the actual job then of the Person in charge. No hidden motives here.
What did you do with the geogrid that was sticking out the front of the wall? It looks like you were putting blocks on top of it while it was still sticking out.
Yeah it was, we just cut it back against, s and then used a torch to melt it out of sight
Very professional and tidy job.
Thank you! 😁🙌
Gorgeous! Well-done.
Thank you! Cheers!
Great wall, great content, very informative. Small note, got carsick watching, so maybe don't pace as much when videoing. Thanks and I look forward to more videos!
Thanks! 😁 Yeah, trying to do better with that 😬
Shouldn't be watching this vid while driving anyway- even if your Tesla was on autopilot.
I agree with comment above. Loved the content and tried to focus on what the guys were doing, but the fast camera movements and flash editing were preventing me from actually absorbing and retaining the information. It's edgy and exciting to edit the content like a tv ad, but it's too much for an entire video. Slow it down and take some time to explain the work at a normal pace. Keep up the great work, and I'm now a subscriber!
Hopefully a helpful tip! The geogrid you are using is a uniaxial grid. It is the correct type of grid for your application, but as the name implies uniaxial grid’s strength is only in one direction. The grid is designed to be installed perpendicular to the wall face not parallel like you did in the video. It takes more time due to the cuts and overlaps, but you will not get the strength you are looking for unless it’s installed properly.
I have been in the geogridand geotextile business for 7 years now so I hope you find my comment helpful and not critical! Great video!
Now this ☝️ is the way to write a helpful comment people! Thanks Brooks! 😊 Everything you said I agree with, except, this is bi directional grid. Let me find a link to the grid we used
Unigrid has ribs/slits in one direction (parallel to the roll) but as the video clearly shows they used square grid which is what makes it biaxial (squares have the same strength in both directions, simple physics).
Yes, this. ☝️ Thanks Tom!
This is what we used Brooks
www.amleo.com/srw-3-series-geogrid-4-ft-x-50-ft/p/GEO-3450/?kc=amlshop20n,&mkwid=|dm&pcrid=416316781657&pkw=&pmt=&plc=&prd=GEO-3450,GEO-3450&slid=&pgrid=96761566474&ptaid=pla-325991452724&gclid=Cj0KCQjwncT1BRDhARIsAOQF9LmfZhlce2rxCnQKizS80buCthoDpX4daJZi5ORKPj4DEDq1_VmUp9gaAom1EALw_wcB
Tussey Landscaping Awesome! Glad to hear it!
it's great to see young guys with so much talent
Thanks!
How great explanation of the building the retainer wall. I would love you guys do a video on follow up 5-10 years later and revisit projects you have completed to see how everything holds up. Almost every retainer wall looks good when it is first completed. The main question is does it still look good 5-10 years after installments. I'm sure your projects will withstand the test of time, the follow up video will just validate the quality work. Thanks and keep it up.
Amen! That's exactly right. Appreciate the support!