How to Build a Stackable Cement Stone Retaining Wall

Define the perimeter of your working area with wooden stakes. Drive them into the ground with a hammer, and then wrap string line between the stakes to use as guidelines. Dig within the defined perimeter to a depth below the lawn surface that allows for 6 inches of tamped gravel, 4 inches of tamped sand and the foundation layer of cement stone. The depth of the cement stone's foundation layer varies with the type of cement stone and its manufacturer.

Cover the foundation area for the retaining wall with a couple inches of gravel, and tamp the gravel into place with the hand tamper. Add another couple inches of the gravel, and work your way up layer after layer of gravel until you have at least 6 inches of gravel in place. Repeat the tamping and layering procedure for sand, adding at least 4 inches of sand for the first layer of cement stone.

Install the base layer of cement stone so that it is buried in the ground at the depth recommended by its manufacturer’s guidelines. Tamp the cement stones into place with a rubber mallet, and check them for levelness with a level. Adjust the cement stones if necessary by adding sand.

Stack another layer of cement stone on top of the first layer so that each layer's vertical joints don't meet. Line the entire row with cement stones. Make any necessary cuts on the ends with a cement stone cutter while wearing safety gear, including safety goggles and work gloves.

Glue the cement stones in place with an appropriate stone adhesive, which depends on the cement stone manufacturer’s recommendations.