How to Install Flagstone Retaining Walls

Retaining walls come in many shapes and sizes and can be used either as walls to keep a higher layer of soil from spilling over onto the lower, or as actual walls to block in an area of dirt for a planter or garden. They are built from numerous types of natural stones such as flagstones, and provide a durable, natural wall for any areas you need. While it does require some physical strength to install flagstone, once you are finished you will have retaining walls that will last for years to come.

Shovel
Gravel
Sand
Tape measure
String line
String level
Hand tamper
Wooden stakes
Hammer
Stonemason's hammer
Safety glasses
Work gloves
Concrete mix

Instructions

- 1
  Mark the perimeters of your retaining wall so you have a reference point for when you dig the trench. Measure for the width and length of the wall and place wooden stakes at the outermost points. Stretch a line of string between the stakes to use as a guideline for where to dig the trench for the footer layer of materials.
- 2
  Dig down for the base of your retaining wall. Leave a minimum of 6 inches for the gravel bed that acts as a base layer and drainage for the wall, and account for at least 2 inches for a layer of sand that will act as a soft layer that helps with the settling of the wall over the years. In addition, you need to accommodate for 4 to 6 inches of stone installed below the surface of the ground.
- 3
  Layer the foundation material into the trench. Shovel in around 3 inches of gravel and use a hand tamper or gas-powered tamper if the area is large enough to accommodate it. Work your way up, layering the gravel. Layer the sand in a similar fashion until you have finished your two soft layers.
- 4
  Install the flagstones into the trench and work your way up from there. Stack the stones on top of each other in random patterns. Break the stones up with the chisel end of stonemason’s hammer if you need to create smaller or specifically-shaped pieces for end caps or other areas. Interlock all of the pieces so they form a solid wall.

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