How to Build a Retaining Wall on Uneven Ground

Hammer wooden stakes into the ground, one at either end of where the retaining wall will be. Extend a string between the two wooden stakes and tie one end to each stake.

Set a level on the string and move the string either up or down on one of the stakes so it is level. Measure the distance from the string to the ground in various areas to determine where the ground's lowest point is.

Dig a hole approximately 4 inches more than the retaining wall blocks' thickness and 24 inches wide in the ground's lowest point. Continue to dig the trench, following the string. The trench will remain consistently 24 inches wide; however, the depth will vary slightly. Use a level to check that the bottom of the trench remains level down the entire length.

Compact the trench with a hand tamper. Pour a level 4-inch layer of crushed gravel into the trench. Use a level to ensure the gravel is level and use a hand tamper to compact it.

Pour a 1-inch leveling-sand layer over the gravel and compact this as well. Start at one end of the retaining wall and begin placing the retaining wall blocks in the trench. Hold a torpedo level on each block and check for levelness both front to back as well as left to right. Hit the block with a rubber mallet to lower any high areas into the sand base. Work your way down the trench's length.

Set a second row of retaining wall blocks on the first row. Use the torpedo level to ensure each block is level. If the first row is level, the second row will automatically be level. Continue to build up your retaining wall to the desired height. Many retaining wall block manufacturers recommend keeping the wall 4 feet tall or less.

Pour crushed gravel behind the retaining wall blocks to increase drainage. Make the gravel's surface level with the bottom of the final retaining wall block row. Cut a strip of landscape fabric to cover the gravel. Pour top soil over the landscape fabric until it almost reaches the retaining wall's top edge.