Tips for Leveling a First Row Block Wall

Digging

• When you dig the trench, you prepare the foundation for the first row of blocks. If your trench is not level, you are less likely to have a level row of blocks. Dig out the trench evenly. Check how level the ground is by using a level every few feet. Measure the levelness of the trench from both front-to-back and side-to-side. Dig out more dirt in higher areas or add more dirt back into lower areas until the ground is even.

Compacting

• Once you have the trench dug, you need to compact the dirt. If you don't compact it well, the dirt will gradually settle over time. It is likely to settle at different rates along the length of the wall. This means one area might sink faster than the others, causing the blocks at the base of the wall to shift and become uneven. The rest of the wall eventually follows. A tamper tool helps get a compacted dirt base. Check with the level again once you're done compacting the dirt.

Base Material

• Before you begin laying the bottom layer of blocks, you need paver base or sand in the trench. You want an even layer of the base material about 1 to 2 inches thick. Use the tamper tool again on the sand to help compact it and make the area level. Get out your level to ensure the sand is even and ready for the first blocks.

Leveling Blocks

• Each layer of blocks is called a course. The first course is key to your wall being level from top to bottom. Place the first block and place the level on top to see if it needs adjustment. Use a small level so you are able to check front to back in addition to side to side. If the block isn't level, tap it gently with a rubber mallet to make it even. Continue adding the rest of the blocks in the first course, checking each individual block to ensure it is level. Use a longer level to check the row of blocks once they are all installed. Move the level down the length of the block base to check for any issues with the level of the blocks.