Do-it-Yourself Concrete Walls

The Footing

• 1

  Frame the area for the footing. The footing is the base for the fence. Create a frame using 2-by-4-inch boards the length of the fence. Cut the boards to width to enclose the ends. Hold the framing boards in place by placing wooden stakes on either side of the boards. Pound the stakes into the ground using a rubber mallet.

• 2

  Cut #3 rebar to the height of the wall minus 1 foot and the length of the wall minus 4 inches. Calculate the number of pieces needed for the height by the length of the fence. You need one per foot. You need three pieces the length of the fence.

• 3

  Mix and pour the concrete for the footer. The footer should be at least 4 inches thick. Mix the concrete in a wheelbarrow with a shovel according to the manufacturer's directions.

• 4

  Place the rebar into the poured concrete every foot. As the concrete begins to dry, push the rebar to the bottom of the footer.

• 5

  Add three fence lines of horizontal rebar to the vertical rebar sticking out of the footer. Space the three lines out equally up the vertical rebar and attach to each bar with pull or tie wire. Have someone hold the long strips in place while you use the wire to attach. You will have what appears to be a rebar fence over the footer.

Pour the Wall

• 6

  Place the concrete forms around the footer and put the braces in place. Rental concrete forms typically come in 2- or 4-foot sections. Select the best fit and place the edges flush together to avoid concrete leakage.

• 7

  Mix the concrete according to the manufacturer's directions in an elevated concrete mixer. These are available at rental agencies. Fill the form to the desired height and run a trowel over the top to smooth.

• 8

  Remove the forms and look for bubbled areas. Mix a small amount of the concrete to smooth over any rough areas. Apply the additional concrete with a trowel.