How to Build a Small Retaining Wall in One Day by Yourself | Cheap Basic Retaining Wall

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  • čas přidán 19. 04. 2020
  • This small block retaining wall was built by me in one day. I have never built a concrete retaining wall before, but I was able to do this with no prior experience and you can too! I used landscape blocks you can find at any hardware store.
    This is meant to be a basic retaining wall - I didn't use any fancy materials or unexpected processes to get the project done. Follow the steps in the video and you can get a small retaining wall made quickly! If you have questions let me know and I'll be happy to help.
    Handyman Startup video I used for inspiration: • How to Build a Retaini...
    #RetainingWall #SmallRetainingWall #BasicRetainingWall #RetainingWallBasics

Komentáře • 500

  • @WelcometotheWoodsBlog
    @WelcometotheWoodsBlog  Před 4 lety +36

    I've gotten a couple questions on where to get materials, so here you go! (Affiliate Links)
    Paver Base: homedepot.sjv.io/eL6Ag
    Retaining Wall Block: homedepot.sjv.io/GMvZE
    Drainage Rock: homedepot.sjv.io/JMxmQ

  • @B.Riley-Russaw
    @B.Riley-Russaw Před 3 lety +11

    I took on the challenge of building the same type retaining wall and this video really paved the way!! I always down for challenges and I accepted it head first with the slightest clue, the ending results made me proud of myself!! Great video and tutorials 🤙🏾🤙🏾

  • @2miscme
    @2miscme Před 3 lety +4

    Thank you. I have watched 1 million of these videos and yours is the only one that took time to actually explain that step up.

  • @YoRayBurger
    @YoRayBurger Před 3 lety +12

    This was amazing! I'm about 75% into digging out my trench for a retaining wall, and I'm exhausted from. I realized that I wasn't necessarily digging evenly, so I came on youtube to find a video on leveling the ground. Your 2x6 trick was a good idea, I have one so I will backfill a bit in the spots that are overdug, and use it to level it out. I also haven't seen river rock but that is a great idea and I definitely will add that. Thanks for this thorough video

  • @FactsMattersUSA
    @FactsMattersUSA Před 3 lety +130

    Nice job, the only problem I see is, over time this will settle lower than your top edge. In most cases we use gravel first then layered with sand before installing your first row to avoid the drop. But again, nice job.

    • @25-8
      @25-8 Před rokem +2

      Do you mean sand on top of the gravel then set the first block row? Please help.

    • @cristianburachek6877
      @cristianburachek6877 Před rokem +12

      ​@@25-8 yes, use crushed gravel as your base layer, and compact it with a tamper. Then use paver base or sand on top of the gravel.

    • @25-8
      @25-8 Před rokem

      @@cristianburachek6877 I am just learning this, I'm using small concrete edging limestone blocks from home Depot to a small flower bed job for a customer and only bought paver base but haven't installed anything yet. Can I just use it for that? It's a small bed just about 6x8 feet, no land sinking signs of the front property.. just getting some reference for a next project, she already paid for the material and labor but the rain stopped me this week.

    • @braindojo4128
      @braindojo4128 Před rokem +2

      that's what I was thinking....gravel under first layer so water flows under.

    • @paullambert7110
      @paullambert7110 Před 3 měsíci +1

      Stone dust is better

  • @James-bv4nu
    @James-bv4nu Před 3 lety +10

    Another key to success is the tamp down the fill really well before laying down the first row.
    I was told that eventually the project would sink down about a half inch.
    On my first project, I built it about 1/4 inch above the concrete slab next to it.
    Eventually it sank down 1/4 inch below the concrete; so it did sink a half inch.
    On my next project, I built it half an inch over, and eventually it became level with the concrete.
    But it did take years to sink down.

  • @r.a.753
    @r.a.753 Před 4 lety +42

    Thank you; Before I found this, I had to sift through dozens of insufferably long videos made by know-it-all dudes who never got to the point. Now I will FINALLY go build my wall.

  • @bagpipes978
    @bagpipes978 Před 3 lety +2

    Great job!! I'm going to build a patio wall around two sides of my patio and your video really helped me! Thank you very much!

  • @shizzydeep6867
    @shizzydeep6867 Před 3 lety +16

    You've inspired me to build my own wall.

  • @BB-rm9fl
    @BB-rm9fl Před 2 lety +3

    That story about your van made my day lol!

  • @tavia3006
    @tavia3006 Před 3 lety +1

    Thank you, what you did is exactly what I want to do, and finally, I got to see how it's done! Great job!

  • @DomsRusticGarageMore
    @DomsRusticGarageMore Před 4 lety +15

    Nice job when I did mine a week ago I hired 2 guys that do this for A living to help

  • @ccwnoob4393
    @ccwnoob4393 Před 3 lety

    That's impressive ... a lot of skill and sweat. I laughed at the end when you smiled and proclaimed, "And that's it!"

  • @billionairelifestyle4114
    @billionairelifestyle4114 Před 4 lety +15

    Thank you this was the best direct video so far. Thank you for the instruction.

  • @MegaMAGA33
    @MegaMAGA33 Před 2 lety +4

    I am very impressed with this, and your courage to take it on!
    You're very inspiring.

  • @tanyaruttenberg1085
    @tanyaruttenberg1085 Před 4 lety +4

    This is exactly what I needed. I'm inspired!

  • @nicoleboyer8915
    @nicoleboyer8915 Před 2 lety +2

    LOL! I was astonished the whole time that you weren’t wearing gloves! But awesome job! I’m an older female and do a lot of heavy type work but I haven’t done a retaining wall since my mid 40’s so I’ve forgotten exactly how to do it. Thanks for posting and inspiring me to do it! I can only hope mine turns out as good as yours did!

  • @iceclimber2001
    @iceclimber2001 Před 3 lety +2

    This was a great help for me. Thank you. It was very clear, well-edited, and easy to understand. Mine appears to be coming out well.

  • @dennisartis7248
    @dennisartis7248 Před 4 lety +3

    Love your job I'm in the process of doing the same in my backyard keep up the good work

  • @endlesswaltz9051
    @endlesswaltz9051 Před 4 lety +11

    You made that look way to damn easy!! Job well done!!🤙🏼🤙🏼

  • @michaelsylvester7272
    @michaelsylvester7272 Před 3 lety +4

    Hi Melissa,
    I’m very impressed with this retaining wall.
    Came out fantastic !!

  • @trevorregay9283
    @trevorregay9283 Před 3 lety +18

    wow...not bad.....I guess until you do something like this, it seems a daunting task......thanx for sharing!

    • @brandsthatcreatelitter1648
      @brandsthatcreatelitter1648 Před 3 lety

      Daunting is an understatement, I’m scared %#^*less of anything involving groundwork or construction. Logically I know it is quite simple, but it still seems impossible😭😭🤣❤️

  • @RonaldSalas24
    @RonaldSalas24 Před 2 lety

    I just started digging up my front yard for this and your video helped me so much!

  • @elisepaisley
    @elisepaisley Před 3 lety +1

    Your explanation was very clear and I might be able to do this based on your video. Thanks!

  • @L4u84S
    @L4u84S Před 2 lety +5

    This is great! I have a bunch of pavers/brick supplies for a small wall and patio base. I've been waiting for someone to help (just to make it go quicker), but this video makes me want to just go ahead and do it all myself.

    • @christinefey4244
      @christinefey4244 Před rokem +1

      Sound like me I have all the brick and no one to help until today

  • @johnwallacemcclure1143
    @johnwallacemcclure1143 Před 2 lety +3

    Very well executed and taught. Certainly an inspiration to do pretty nearly the same thing!

  • @redyeti7371
    @redyeti7371 Před rokem +2

    Huge assist to planning my project! You do beautiful work!

  • @billwood1372
    @billwood1372 Před 2 lety

    She's amazing on so many levels!

  • @tcaver
    @tcaver Před 2 lety +1

    Wooooow. Wish this was longer as I enjoyed watching it ☺️💕😍. Im a woman that does my own renovations and I love seeing your vid. Represent 🙌🏾👏🏾.

  • @julios19100
    @julios19100 Před 2 lety

    Loved how you got straight to it and not lolligagged

  • @cjones1262
    @cjones1262 Před 2 měsíci +2

    Looks good. But dont put paver base under a retaining wall. Use peagravel or small aggregate for drainage under and behind the wall. Use a liner against the wall like a moisture barrier.

  • @quietdaze2989
    @quietdaze2989 Před 3 lety

    Great video, my dad and I are building a small retaining wall and I thought digging would be the hard part... now I see I need more materials and time.

  • @sivacrom
    @sivacrom Před 2 lety +3

    Building a retaining wall is to my DIY Mastery what confronting Vader is to Luke Skywalker becoming a Jedi. I don’t want to do it. But that slope on the side and front of my property is going to need to be dealt with. Having someone else do it will be way too expensive. Perhaps this summer I can finally face this. Thanks for the inspiration.

  • @sunilvjn
    @sunilvjn Před 3 lety +2

    Thank you! Well explained.

  • @quarantinebasscovers
    @quarantinebasscovers Před 4 lety +1

    Super helpful, used this to build one. thank you!

  • @RajPatel-wl9ko
    @RajPatel-wl9ko Před 4 lety +2

    Good job explaining the process!

  • @danaemccoy3868
    @danaemccoy3868 Před 3 lety +1

    Thanks so much! You made that so easy to follow!! I’m hoping to start this project this weekend ;)

  • @harryj4260
    @harryj4260 Před 4 lety +1

    Making one tomorrow! Thanks!!!

  • @dlrsnate5100
    @dlrsnate5100 Před 3 lety

    going to use this and apply it to my front yard! hopefully finish by the new year thanks!

  • @TheFoxbodyking
    @TheFoxbodyking Před 3 lety

    Great job! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 Very impressive and I learned a lot from this video tutorial!

  • @paulbrown9415
    @paulbrown9415 Před 4 lety +6

    The wall looks great too.

  • @losingwill8402
    @losingwill8402 Před rokem +1

    I used pavestone base topped off with 1in of sand for a paver base on a 3 block high wall, similar to what you did here worked out good for me.

  • @annhernbeck1188
    @annhernbeck1188 Před 8 měsíci

    I built a retaining wall! You were my inspo and I did all the steps you said, I just also added river rock with the paver sand per what someone had commented! Thank you so much for your help!!

  • @sharonpardue9563
    @sharonpardue9563 Před 3 lety

    I am so impressed. I need a retaining wall and was wondering if I could do it. You have given me inspiration, ideas and instructions on where to start. I am so excited and yes I will need to wear gloves. Thanks so much.

  • @MsLillyc
    @MsLillyc Před 4 lety +12

    You did an awesome job and the honesty was well welcomed

  • @tanky6tanky619
    @tanky6tanky619 Před 4 lety +1

    Very good job and helpful. Very inspiring , thank you

  • @hoyle19771
    @hoyle19771 Před 3 lety +1

    Awesome job and great sharing. Thank you!

  • @PavalonTech
    @PavalonTech Před 3 lety

    Thoroughly impressed.

  • @michellesimonson5548
    @michellesimonson5548 Před měsícem

    I can’t believe you did this all in one day! That’s amazing and gives me confidence I can do it myself

  • @rbilardo47
    @rbilardo47 Před 4 lety +1

    Great job, thanks for sharing.

  • @richardpugh8201
    @richardpugh8201 Před 3 lety +1

    Nice job! You aren't afraid to learn and work!

  • @awinters9111
    @awinters9111 Před 4 lety +2

    Love the energy!! Thx for the info:)

  • @free_at_last8141
    @free_at_last8141 Před 3 lety

    Awesome, thanks for making a beginners DIY video for this project type.

  • @anthonyross3957
    @anthonyross3957 Před 2 lety

    Excellent. Good for you. We just started and I learned a couple of things. Thank you

  • @camaroman101
    @camaroman101 Před 4 lety +1

    Wow that walk came out great. Perfectly flush with the drive.

  • @escalade8759
    @escalade8759 Před 3 lety +1

    Nice job! Pretty simple also. Gloves are always a must.

  • @tabithasherie3279
    @tabithasherie3279 Před 3 lety +2

    Nice job! I've done a few of these by myself as well, but the tamper will save your back.

  • @ShnSns
    @ShnSns Před 2 lety

    Thank you for this video. Out of all the ones I watched yours helped me the most.

  • @iqinsanity
    @iqinsanity Před 3 lety +1

    Beautiful results as always

  • @285runt
    @285runt Před 3 lety

    I like the finished look, and simple solution.

  • @jeffreywilliams9561
    @jeffreywilliams9561 Před 3 lety

    Beautiful!!! The wall looks great too!

  • @dang9803
    @dang9803 Před rokem

    Super job with the wall. Looks great. Love the energy you put into in. Adorable person with a great personality too!

  • @michaelawise48
    @michaelawise48 Před 3 lety +1

    Great job , thank you !

  • @tomstreicher5877
    @tomstreicher5877 Před 4 lety +1

    Nice presentation - well done...thanks.

  • @xingli9314
    @xingli9314 Před 2 lety

    Really well done! Thank you!

  • @abram35319
    @abram35319 Před 3 lety +1

    Very nice work, and you did your homework for the step up. Very inspiring. 😊

  • @dgtlchemistry
    @dgtlchemistry Před 4 lety +2

    I’ve been wanting to do a retainer wall for years and the home and garden box that I have on retainer walls are so complicated. I completely understand them now that I’ve watched your video! Thank you so much I think instead of building a deck on the side of my house I can just raise some of the land go to retaining wall, and fill that in. And then down the road I can build a deck there if I really want one. Thank you so much for making this video.

    • @WelcometotheWoodsBlog
      @WelcometotheWoodsBlog  Před 4 lety

      You're welcome! Be sure to look into drainage if you need it and if your wall is higher than 2 ft, you might need fabric to hold back earth between the wall layers as well. I'm super glad my video was helpful for you, but if your wall is larger than mine you probably should do some additional research!

    • @dgtlchemistry
      @dgtlchemistry Před 4 lety

      Welcome to the Woods yup, it all makes sense now!! Thanks so much

  • @dosam_6146
    @dosam_6146 Před 2 lety

    Thanks so much for this video! I feel like I might actually be able to do this now.

  • @nordyfamily
    @nordyfamily Před 3 lety

    Great job, that place has come together so nice. I hope you have a basement to continue remodeling. Keep up the hard work

  • @mountainman5025
    @mountainman5025 Před 4 lety +14

    Spend the money and buy a tamper. Your base is not compacted enough and your wall will fail eventually River rock is a great idea, but the trench you dug needs a place to drain. 8*)

    • @MsCmsh
      @MsCmsh Před 3 lety +1

      Agree Mountain Man, I’m thinking of the same thing!! Kudos to her effort and hard work!! 👍😃

  • @ishmarawanagoda
    @ishmarawanagoda Před 3 lety +1

    Thank you!

  • @ozzyarsenalt2587
    @ozzyarsenalt2587 Před 4 lety +1

    Thank you

  • @beachybear38
    @beachybear38 Před 3 lety

    So glad I came upon your video! I.m recently separated from my husband, bought a new house on a high elevation, and have so much to learn with regard to this project. But I’m a go-getter who has always said I could do anything as long I’m taught how to do it. Darling daughter, 18, will be my partner in building our retaining wall. Thanks for the confidence you exude! 👍

    • @WelcometotheWoodsBlog
      @WelcometotheWoodsBlog  Před 3 lety

      For large retaining walls, a lot of what I did here just won't hold up. Please be sure to do your research if you are working with high elevation ground. :)

  • @brucecrane9605
    @brucecrane9605 Před rokem +1

    Very nice, I learned a lot. I'm inspired to get started on my project. Thanks

  • @LettyMatamoros
    @LettyMatamoros Před 3 měsíci

    Nice! I have so many of these to build it's crazy! But I'm motivated and encouraged by you video. Thx❤

  • @BobsWoodStuff
    @BobsWoodStuff Před 3 lety

    Nice video. Straight to the point, and if felt like all the information was important info, no fluff.

  • @vitix5906
    @vitix5906 Před 2 lety

    Thank You....all i needed were the basics on 'How To' and this video delivered! :)

  • @jamesmcshane2922
    @jamesmcshane2922 Před 4 lety +1

    currenting building a small retaining wall, found this video very helpful. Ty 👍🇬🇧

    • @WelcometotheWoodsBlog
      @WelcometotheWoodsBlog  Před 4 lety +1

      I'm so glad! 😊

    • @jamesmcshane2922
      @jamesmcshane2922 Před 4 lety +2

      @@WelcometotheWoodsBlog Just to let you know got my job completed today. My Mrs very pleased. Thankyou again. 👍

  • @cex2407
    @cex2407 Před 3 lety

    Impressive!!!! Thumbs up, looks professionally done

  • @cindymancini6153
    @cindymancini6153 Před 3 lety +1

    🤩 WOW it’s so nice! I’m impressed and inspired to build one myself.

  • @jessicabecker9403
    @jessicabecker9403 Před 3 lety

    That was a very helpful video and very to the point, thanks!

  • @mademsoisellerhapsody
    @mademsoisellerhapsody Před 3 lety

    I AM IMPRESSED!

  • @stillpointstudios
    @stillpointstudios Před rokem +1

    Thank you! Well done.

  • @Maratrushka
    @Maratrushka Před 2 lety

    Im going to do one in a fence mode.
    Hope it works
    Thx!! Video goes straight to the point !!

  • @InvalidPersistentName
    @InvalidPersistentName Před 4 lety +3

    That looks amazing! Time to build one for myself :]

  • @kenliu808
    @kenliu808 Před 3 měsíci

    You are funny. "It was heavier than I thought..," got me!

  • @fortheearth
    @fortheearth Před rokem

    Thanks for posting this great demonstration!

  • @captiancronic443
    @captiancronic443 Před 2 lety

    Good job girl I'm building a wall to and Mexico is not paying for it. You gave me renewed inspiration I'm going to stop messing around and finish. So hard to keep level

  • @angelammathis8475
    @angelammathis8475 Před 3 lety +1

    LOOKS GOOD!

  • @dennisj.curran3575
    @dennisj.curran3575 Před 4 lety +6

    That was imoressive - and very much appreciated. I am really out-of my depth at these projects, so I tried to think out how to do this, without success.
    These videos are super!!
    Thank you very much!

  • @Johnthelittlebuilder
    @Johnthelittlebuilder Před 4 lety +4

    Looks great! But definitely recommend using landscape fabric and construction adhesive

  • @rodricksmith3879
    @rodricksmith3879 Před 4 lety +1

    Awesome thanks 👍

  • @davidtom6120
    @davidtom6120 Před 3 lety

    BLESS YOU .......YOU ARE REALLY WONDERFUL.

  • @toddpalmer7178
    @toddpalmer7178 Před 4 lety +1

    Great job and thanks

  • @jimjimmyjames59
    @jimjimmyjames59 Před 29 dny

    This was good! I have a similar project/situation to tackle with my driveway. Thanks for the video and the link.

  • @juliakent2560
    @juliakent2560 Před 3 lety

    You are amazing! I decided to let my hubby do it after watching this video haha

  • @lilazeepnatuurlijk706
    @lilazeepnatuurlijk706 Před 2 lety

    O gosh, they are marketing different kinds of things for retaining walls, telling you can not live without that much stone, that you no way can build a retaining wall. Thanks for the video, my confidence came back

  • @berdugosocials9854
    @berdugosocials9854 Před 3 lety

    Pretty impressive. Thanks

  • @lauramanistee8100
    @lauramanistee8100 Před 3 lety

    Thank you for your videoclip !

  • @ItsMendozasLife
    @ItsMendozasLife Před 2 lety

    Great job! You inspired me thank you so much!