How To Build a Low Cinderblock Wall

Call your local utility companies to make sure no pipes or wires are buried where you intend to build. A broken water or sewer pipe can create a mess and cost a lot of money to repair. A broken electrical wire can be dangerous.

Mark the boundary of the wall using spray paint. Or, use string tied between stakes. Make the wall 1 foot wide.

Dig a foundation hole for the wall inside the boundaries you marked. Make the hole at least 4 inches deep for walls 3 feet high or lower. Make the hole at least 6 inches deep for walls 3 to 4 feet high.

Divide the length of the wall, in feet, by 3 for walls under 3 feet high. The result is the volume of concrete you need in cubic feet. Divide the length by 2 for walls 3 to 4 feet tall. Mix that much concrete according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Pour the concrete into the foundation hole and spread it around with the shovel. Get the surface as level as you can.

Mix up the mortar according to its manufacturer's instructions. Spread the mortar over the foundation to a depth of 1 inch. Use the masonry trowel to apply it.

Set the cinder blocks into the mortar. Tap them into it until the mortar underneath is only 3/8 inch thick, using the hammer. Place the blocks 3/8 inch apart, and fill the gap between them with mortar. Use the level as you lay the stones to keep the row as level as possible.

Apply 1 inch of mortar to the top of the first row. Lay a new row of blocks on top of it. Start and finish this row with half-blocks. This keeps the vertical joint of this row from lining up with those beneath, making for a strong wall.

Add additional rows on top of these until you reach the desired height. Alternately use whole blocks and half-blocks for the beginnings and ends of each row.

Add a final row of decorative topper stones if you wish. Mortar them in place using the same techniques as used on the other rows.