Retaining Walls From Tumbled Stones

Tumbled natural stones have rounded edges; and while they are typically seen on patio floors, as well as manufactured in tile format, you can also use tumbled stones to build retaining walls. However, there are some structural limitations in regard to the height of walls; and if you are planning on building a large-scale retaining wall, you will need to contact an engineering specialist to adhere to applicable building codes. For small, backyard retaining walls, you can get to work with nothing more than simple tools, some spare time and a strong back.

Work gloves
Shovel
Hand tamper
Gravel
Sand

Instructions

- 1
  Decide how wide you want the base of the retaining wall to be and dig down with a shovel within the perimeter. You need about 6 inches of space for the gravel layer and another few inches for the layer of sand that goes on top of the gravel. This provides drainage and compacting support for the weight of the retaining wall.
- 2
  Shovel in some of the gravel and tamp it down so that it is compacted into the soil. A couple of inches is sufficient for the first layer then add another layer on top of that and repeat the tamping process. Once you finish with the gravel, you need to compact 2 or 3 inches of sand on top of that. Ensure that the finish layer of compacted sand is sufficiently tamped down so it doesn’t fall between the gravel.
- 3
  Layer the gravel and sand with some of the tumbled stones. Arrange them in a random pattern and butt each stone up against its neighbor. Work your way down the length of the wall then work back in the opposite direction with another layer on top of the first. Turn stones in any direction you want to get them to fit together and work your way up until you are finished.

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