# How to Add a Rock to a Concrete Retaining Wall
Retaining walls appear unsightly when covered with bare concrete and wire mesh. Make your retaining wall look more decorative by adding a rock facing onto the surface of the concrete and wire. Professional masons can install a rock facade onto a retaining wall, but hiring a mason may not be in your budget. Save money by installing the rock facing yourself using a few inexpensive materials purchased from any hardware or home improvement store.
Things You'll Need
- Sanding buffer
- Coarse-grit sanding ring
- Shop vacuum
- Coarse grout
- Trowel
- Rock facing, 2inches thick
Instructions
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1
Sand the surface of any bare concrete using a sanding buffer with a coarse-grit sanding ring. Do not sand over wire mesh.
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2
Vacuum any dust and debris using a shop vacuum.
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3
Spread a 4-inch-thick layer of coarse grout over the entire retaining wall using a trowel. Apply the grout in an even layer.
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4
Press rock facing tiles halfway into the coarse grout, spacing each tile 1/2 inch apart.
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5
Scrape the trowel over the spaces between the rock tiles to spread excess grout into areas with too little grout. Allow the grout to dry 24 to 36 hours.
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Decorating Materials & Supplies
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- How to Slipform a Rock Wall
- How to Do a Retaining Wall on Top of Concrete Footings
- How to Add Water to Concrete
- How to Replace a Concrete Stack Retaining Wall
- How to Retain a Rock Wall
- How to Build Concrete Retaining Wall Foundations
- How to Construct a Retaining Wall
- How to Add a Doorway to Concrete Block Wall
- How do I Add Sideways to a Garage?
- How to Add Sill Plates to Foundation Wall
- How to Build Poured Concrete Retaining Walls
