How to Construct a Retaining Wall

A retaining wall is made of stacked stone and is usually found in the garden as decoration. Although retaining walls look like simple stacked stone, stacking the stones improperly can cause these heavy walls to collapse during storms and as the weight of the stone settles the earth beneath. A retaining wall is only attractive as long as it isn't dangerous. Retaining walls are best installed in sloped areas where the soil is eroding and needs to be held back, such as water run-off areas. These walls need to be strong to prevent this erosion.

Stones
Compactor

Instructions

- 1
  Dig a trench that is 1/10 the height of the final wall. Your retaining wall should be 4 feet or less. If you wish to have a wall higher than 4 feet, have a professional come out to help you install it.
- 2
  Place the first set of stones into the trench and back-fill the soil around the first course of stone.
- 3
  Tamp the soil that will be behind your wall with a tamper to make it as compact as possible. This prevents too much water from getting behind the wall.
- 4
  Stack the next course of stones slightly back into the soil behind the first set. This creates a step-like look to the wall and also makes it stronger.
- 5
  Continue stacking the stone, stepping back each level into the soil behind it, until the wall is at your desired height.

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