How to Build a Small Retaining Wall in One Day by Yourself | Cheap Basic Retaining Wall

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  • Опубликовано: 19 апр 2020
  • This small block retaining wall was built by me in one day. I have never built a concrete retaining wall before, but I was able to do this with no prior experience and you can too! I used landscape blocks you can find at any hardware store.
    This is meant to be a basic retaining wall - I didn't use any fancy materials or unexpected processes to get the project done. Follow the steps in the video and you can get a small retaining wall made quickly! If you have questions let me know and I'll be happy to help.
    Handyman Startup video I used for inspiration: • How to Build a Retaini...
    #RetainingWall #SmallRetainingWall #BasicRetainingWall #RetainingWallBasics

Комментарии • 506

  • @WelcometotheWoodsBlog
    @WelcometotheWoodsBlog  4 года назад +36

    I've gotten a couple questions on where to get materials, so here you go! (Affiliate Links)
    Paver Base: homedepot.sjv.io/eL6Ag
    Retaining Wall Block: homedepot.sjv.io/GMvZE
    Drainage Rock: homedepot.sjv.io/JMxmQ

  • @B.Riley-Russaw
    @B.Riley-Russaw 3 года назад +12

    I took on the challenge of building the same type retaining wall and this video really paved the way!! I always down for challenges and I accepted it head first with the slightest clue, the ending results made me proud of myself!! Great video and tutorials 🤙🏾🤙🏾

  • @YoRayBurger
    @YoRayBurger 4 года назад +12

    This was amazing! I'm about 75% into digging out my trench for a retaining wall, and I'm exhausted from. I realized that I wasn't necessarily digging evenly, so I came on youtube to find a video on leveling the ground. Your 2x6 trick was a good idea, I have one so I will backfill a bit in the spots that are overdug, and use it to level it out. I also haven't seen river rock but that is a great idea and I definitely will add that. Thanks for this thorough video

  • @2miscme
    @2miscme 3 года назад +4

    Thank you. I have watched 1 million of these videos and yours is the only one that took time to actually explain that step up.

  • @James-bv4nu
    @James-bv4nu 3 года назад +10

    Another key to success is the tamp down the fill really well before laying down the first row.
    I was told that eventually the project would sink down about a half inch.
    On my first project, I built it about 1/4 inch above the concrete slab next to it.
    Eventually it sank down 1/4 inch below the concrete; so it did sink a half inch.
    On my next project, I built it half an inch over, and eventually it became level with the concrete.
    But it did take years to sink down.

  • @DomsRusticGarageMore
    @DomsRusticGarageMore 4 года назад +15

    Nice job when I did mine a week ago I hired 2 guys that do this for A living to help

  • @ccwnoob4393
    @ccwnoob4393 3 года назад

    That's impressive ... a lot of skill and sweat. I laughed at the end when you smiled and proclaimed, "And that's it!"

  • @bagpipes978
    @bagpipes978 3 года назад +2

    Great job!! I'm going to build a patio wall around two sides of my patio and your video really helped me! Thank you very much!

  • @tavia3006
    @tavia3006 3 года назад +2

    Thank you, what you did is exactly what I want to do, and finally, I got to see how it's done! Great job!

  • @quietdaze2989
    @quietdaze2989 3 года назад

    Great video, my dad and I are building a small retaining wall and I thought digging would be the hard part... now I see I need more materials and time.

  • @shizzydeep6867
    @shizzydeep6867 4 года назад +18

    You've inspired me to build my own wall.

  • @FactsMattersUSA
    @FactsMattersUSA 3 года назад +133

    Nice job, the only problem I see is, over time this will settle lower than your top edge. In most cases we use gravel first then layered with sand before installing your first row to avoid the drop. But again, nice job.

    • @25-8
      @25-8 Год назад +2

      Do you mean sand on top of the gravel then set the first block row? Please help.

    • @cristianburachek6877
      @cristianburachek6877 Год назад +12

      ​@@25-8 yes, use crushed gravel as your base layer, and compact it with a tamper. Then use paver base or sand on top of the gravel.

    • @25-8
      @25-8 Год назад

      @@cristianburachek6877 I am just learning this, I'm using small concrete edging limestone blocks from home Depot to a small flower bed job for a customer and only bought paver base but haven't installed anything yet. Can I just use it for that? It's a small bed just about 6x8 feet, no land sinking signs of the front property.. just getting some reference for a next project, she already paid for the material and labor but the rain stopped me this week.

    • @braindojo4128
      @braindojo4128 Год назад +2

      that's what I was thinking....gravel under first layer so water flows under.

    • @paullambert7110
      @paullambert7110 4 месяца назад +1

      Stone dust is better

  • @r.a.753
    @r.a.753 4 года назад +45

    Thank you; Before I found this, I had to sift through dozens of insufferably long videos made by know-it-all dudes who never got to the point. Now I will FINALLY go build my wall.

  • @billionairelifestyle4114
    @billionairelifestyle4114 4 года назад +15

    Thank you this was the best direct video so far. Thank you for the instruction.

  • @iceclimber2001
    @iceclimber2001 3 года назад +2

    This was a great help for me. Thank you. It was very clear, well-edited, and easy to understand. Mine appears to be coming out well.

  • @L4u84S
    @L4u84S 2 года назад +5

    This is great! I have a bunch of pavers/brick supplies for a small wall and patio base. I've been waiting for someone to help (just to make it go quicker), but this video makes me want to just go ahead and do it all myself.

    • @christinefey4244
      @christinefey4244 Год назад +1

      Sound like me I have all the brick and no one to help until today

  • @trevorregay9283
    @trevorregay9283 4 года назад +19

    wow...not bad.....I guess until you do something like this, it seems a daunting task......thanx for sharing!

    • @brandsthatcreatelitter1648
      @brandsthatcreatelitter1648 3 года назад

      Daunting is an understatement, I’m scared %#^*less of anything involving groundwork or construction. Logically I know it is quite simple, but it still seems impossible😭😭🤣❤️

  • @imsotrash239
    @imsotrash239 4 года назад +2

    I’ve been wanting to do a retainer wall for years and the home and garden box that I have on retainer walls are so complicated. I completely understand them now that I’ve watched your video! Thank you so much I think instead of building a deck on the side of my house I can just raise some of the land go to retaining wall, and fill that in. And then down the road I can build a deck there if I really want one. Thank you so much for making this video.

    • @WelcometotheWoodsBlog
      @WelcometotheWoodsBlog  4 года назад

      You're welcome! Be sure to look into drainage if you need it and if your wall is higher than 2 ft, you might need fabric to hold back earth between the wall layers as well. I'm super glad my video was helpful for you, but if your wall is larger than mine you probably should do some additional research!

    • @imsotrash239
      @imsotrash239 4 года назад

      Welcome to the Woods yup, it all makes sense now!! Thanks so much

  • @nicoleboyer8915
    @nicoleboyer8915 2 года назад +2

    LOL! I was astonished the whole time that you weren’t wearing gloves! But awesome job! I’m an older female and do a lot of heavy type work but I haven’t done a retaining wall since my mid 40’s so I’ve forgotten exactly how to do it. Thanks for posting and inspiring me to do it! I can only hope mine turns out as good as yours did!

  • @endlesswaltz9051
    @endlesswaltz9051 4 года назад +11

    You made that look way to damn easy!! Job well done!!🤙🏼🤙🏼

  • @annhernbeck1188
    @annhernbeck1188 9 месяцев назад

    I built a retaining wall! You were my inspo and I did all the steps you said, I just also added river rock with the paver sand per what someone had commented! Thank you so much for your help!!

  • @dennisartis7248
    @dennisartis7248 4 года назад +3

    Love your job I'm in the process of doing the same in my backyard keep up the good work

  • @michaelsylvester7272
    @michaelsylvester7272 3 года назад +4

    Hi Melissa,
    I’m very impressed with this retaining wall.
    Came out fantastic !!

  • @beachybear38
    @beachybear38 3 года назад

    So glad I came upon your video! I.m recently separated from my husband, bought a new house on a high elevation, and have so much to learn with regard to this project. But I’m a go-getter who has always said I could do anything as long I’m taught how to do it. Darling daughter, 18, will be my partner in building our retaining wall. Thanks for the confidence you exude! 👍

    • @WelcometotheWoodsBlog
      @WelcometotheWoodsBlog  3 года назад

      For large retaining walls, a lot of what I did here just won't hold up. Please be sure to do your research if you are working with high elevation ground. :)

  • @johnwallacemcclure1143
    @johnwallacemcclure1143 2 года назад +3

    Very well executed and taught. Certainly an inspiration to do pretty nearly the same thing!

  • @opalpearl3051
    @opalpearl3051 25 дней назад

    I was about to give up on my project until I saw your video. It all makes sense now. Thanks for explaining the process clearly. I think I am going to have the blocks delivered.

  • @RonaldSalas24
    @RonaldSalas24 2 года назад

    I just started digging up my front yard for this and your video helped me so much!

  • @tanyaruttenberg1085
    @tanyaruttenberg1085 4 года назад +4

    This is exactly what I needed. I'm inspired!

  • @karenp7601
    @karenp7601 4 года назад +12

    Awesome job and looks great 👍. I've too learned the hard way of not wearing gloves. Now for every project I do the gloves are the first thing I grab lol.

    • @bluesdawg8014
      @bluesdawg8014 3 года назад +1

      LOL I tore my hands up doing this as well : ) I guess the excitement of the project keeps you going until the next day, then you hands need lots of Intensive care lotion.

    • @karenp7601
      @karenp7601 3 года назад

      @@bluesdawg8014 haha ouch. But the important thing is that we learn from our mistakes lol

    • @kevinr8944
      @kevinr8944 2 года назад

      Im got to build one tmrw for 2k i told my client i was a pro little does she know I don’t know shit

  • @sharonpardue9563
    @sharonpardue9563 3 года назад

    I am so impressed. I need a retaining wall and was wondering if I could do it. You have given me inspiration, ideas and instructions on where to start. I am so excited and yes I will need to wear gloves. Thanks so much.

  • @MegaMAGA33
    @MegaMAGA33 2 года назад +4

    I am very impressed with this, and your courage to take it on!
    You're very inspiring.

  • @elisepaisley
    @elisepaisley 3 года назад +1

    Your explanation was very clear and I might be able to do this based on your video. Thanks!

  • @tcaver
    @tcaver 2 года назад +1

    Wooooow. Wish this was longer as I enjoyed watching it ☺️💕😍. Im a woman that does my own renovations and I love seeing your vid. Represent 🙌🏾👏🏾.

  • @dennisj.curran3575
    @dennisj.curran3575 4 года назад +6

    That was imoressive - and very much appreciated. I am really out-of my depth at these projects, so I tried to think out how to do this, without success.
    These videos are super!!
    Thank you very much!

  • @BB-rm9fl
    @BB-rm9fl 2 года назад +4

    That story about your van made my day lol!

  • @julios19100
    @julios19100 2 года назад

    Loved how you got straight to it and not lolligagged

  • @michellesimonson5548
    @michellesimonson5548 2 месяца назад

    I can’t believe you did this all in one day! That’s amazing and gives me confidence I can do it myself

  • @danaemccoy3868
    @danaemccoy3868 3 года назад +1

    Thanks so much! You made that so easy to follow!! I’m hoping to start this project this weekend ;)

  • @ddadamx
    @ddadamx 4 года назад +7

    Good job and this was helpful even though I'll be using natural stone instead of the preformed man-made stone so it's going to be more challenging to stack and fit the stones. Also always wear heavy gloves to protect your hands.

    • @JammyTom
      @JammyTom 3 года назад

      How'd it go

    • @SimplyHuman186
      @SimplyHuman186 2 года назад

      gloves? ha. you probably suggest safety glasses too? psh. safty first? who does that. lol

  • @MsLillyc
    @MsLillyc 4 года назад +12

    You did an awesome job and the honesty was well welcomed

  • @beckyfritz6054
    @beckyfritz6054 3 года назад

    This is a great video! We don’t want to build a 5k wall, just a small one on our hillside. This was perfect and we are better equipped now to be successful! Thanks! Love your energy!

  • @losingwill8402
    @losingwill8402 Год назад +1

    I used pavestone base topped off with 1in of sand for a paver base on a 3 block high wall, similar to what you did here worked out good for me.

  • @juliakent2560
    @juliakent2560 3 года назад

    You are amazing! I decided to let my hubby do it after watching this video haha

  • @vanessacarlson2055
    @vanessacarlson2055 4 года назад +2

    I’m so impressed that your cap stones were level with the garage pad!! Thanks for making this video, I’ve watched the one that you learned from but the simplicity of yours is what I understand the most! I’m a “just show me how” kind of person I guess

  • @dlrsnate5100
    @dlrsnate5100 3 года назад

    going to use this and apply it to my front yard! hopefully finish by the new year thanks!

  • @captiancronic443
    @captiancronic443 3 года назад

    Good job girl I'm building a wall to and Mexico is not paying for it. You gave me renewed inspiration I'm going to stop messing around and finish. So hard to keep level

  • @billwood1372
    @billwood1372 3 года назад

    She's amazing on so many levels!

  • @sivacrom
    @sivacrom 2 года назад +3

    Building a retaining wall is to my DIY Mastery what confronting Vader is to Luke Skywalker becoming a Jedi. I don’t want to do it. But that slope on the side and front of my property is going to need to be dealt with. Having someone else do it will be way too expensive. Perhaps this summer I can finally face this. Thanks for the inspiration.

  • @camaroman101
    @camaroman101 4 года назад +1

    Wow that walk came out great. Perfectly flush with the drive.

  • @Johnthelittlebuilder
    @Johnthelittlebuilder 4 года назад +4

    Looks great! But definitely recommend using landscape fabric and construction adhesive

  • @quarantinebasscovers
    @quarantinebasscovers 4 года назад +1

    Super helpful, used this to build one. thank you!

  • @Mr2greys
    @Mr2greys 3 года назад +1

    Good video, the only thing I would add is dealing with grade. Usual recommendation is about a 1-2* slope to allow water to flow. That is easily figured by placing something about a halfinch thick on the end of a 4ft level and have that at the lower side. It should show as being level if graded properly

    • @rhysbertrand8903
      @rhysbertrand8903 2 года назад

      10mm over a meter is standard grade internationally. But that's for paths and pads, not walls.

  • @TheFoxbodyking
    @TheFoxbodyking 3 года назад

    Great job! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 Very impressive and I learned a lot from this video tutorial!

  • @nordyfamily
    @nordyfamily 3 года назад

    Great job, that place has come together so nice. I hope you have a basement to continue remodeling. Keep up the hard work

  • @insertnamehere9154
    @insertnamehere9154 4 года назад +2

    Great job. Looks amazing. FYI - A mechanic told me, u can mess up a cars suspension, shocks and struts by carrying too much weight at one time.

    • @WelcometotheWoodsBlog
      @WelcometotheWoodsBlog  4 года назад

      I believe it! I knew it was bad for my van to do that but we really are on the last leg with that vehicle so I abuse it pretty badly.

  • @InvalidPersistentName
    @InvalidPersistentName 4 года назад +3

    That looks amazing! Time to build one for myself :]

  • @lilazeepnatuurlijk706
    @lilazeepnatuurlijk706 2 года назад

    O gosh, they are marketing different kinds of things for retaining walls, telling you can not live without that much stone, that you no way can build a retaining wall. Thanks for the video, my confidence came back

  • @chudgo081793
    @chudgo081793 4 года назад +2

    For being your first wall is great. The second row should got the same foundation, I understand that root problem, but they still need a proper foundation. Hopefully those roots don't damage the wall in the future. It end up looking great.

    • @WelcometotheWoodsBlog
      @WelcometotheWoodsBlog  4 года назад +1

      I did add two inches of the paver base under the second row that went overtop the tree roots. Is that the foundation you mean?

  • @redyeti7371
    @redyeti7371 Год назад +2

    Huge assist to planning my project! You do beautiful work!

  • @dang9803
    @dang9803 Год назад

    Super job with the wall. Looks great. Love the energy you put into in. Adorable person with a great personality too!

  • @tabithasherie3279
    @tabithasherie3279 3 года назад +2

    Nice job! I've done a few of these by myself as well, but the tamper will save your back.

  • @sida3590
    @sida3590 2 года назад +1

    Good job! Made it look simple. I'm looking at building a timber retaining wall that will be pretty high compared to yours so will have to pop through a few extra support poles, I reckon. Otherwise, I am worried about digging the trench and getting it all squared and such but will take your points of advise for sure!

  • @ShnSns
    @ShnSns 2 года назад

    Thank you for this video. Out of all the ones I watched yours helped me the most.

  • @cmb52
    @cmb52 Год назад

    You make this look so do-able! I have a 16' long x 2' high project to do.
    At 71 yesrs old with a very bad back, its going to take me a month!

  • @RajPatel-wl9ko
    @RajPatel-wl9ko 4 года назад +2

    Good job explaining the process!

  • @jamesmcshane2922
    @jamesmcshane2922 4 года назад +1

    currenting building a small retaining wall, found this video very helpful. Ty 👍🇬🇧

    • @WelcometotheWoodsBlog
      @WelcometotheWoodsBlog  4 года назад +1

      I'm so glad! 😊

    • @jamesmcshane2922
      @jamesmcshane2922 4 года назад +2

      @@WelcometotheWoodsBlog Just to let you know got my job completed today. My Mrs very pleased. Thankyou again. 👍

  • @awinters9111
    @awinters9111 4 года назад +2

    Love the energy!! Thx for the info:)

  • @vitix5906
    @vitix5906 2 года назад

    Thank You....all i needed were the basics on 'How To' and this video delivered! :)

  • @paulbrown9415
    @paulbrown9415 4 года назад +6

    The wall looks great too.

  • @JPaterson8942
    @JPaterson8942 2 года назад

    Very nice. Our front yard slopes down to the road and is super lumpy. I want to level it; and maybe add a retaining wall to raise it to a consistent height. You make it look easy

  • @James-bv4nu
    @James-bv4nu 3 года назад +4

    That's very encouraging; if you can do a diy retaining wall, all by your self, then I have faith that my wife can too! =)

  • @anthonyross3957
    @anthonyross3957 2 года назад

    Excellent. Good for you. We just started and I learned a couple of things. Thank you

  • @kanwalinjapan
    @kanwalinjapan 4 года назад +1

    Be careful driving with a very heavy load in your van or suv! My husband and I rented a very heavy machine from a hardware store and we were able to fit it in the back of our Acura MDX. We were being cheap and didn’t want to pay for home delivery. A few months later we had fix the shocks on our SUV. It was a very costly repair!!! Great job on the wall btw!!

  • @kenliu808
    @kenliu808 4 месяца назад

    You are funny. "It was heavier than I thought..," got me!

  • @alikijones9314
    @alikijones9314 4 года назад +1

    Very good, now can you do mine. I have a torn shoulder muscle.😂😂 well done.

  • @dosam_6146
    @dosam_6146 2 года назад

    Thanks so much for this video! I feel like I might actually be able to do this now.

  • @yilinli9525
    @yilinli9525 6 месяцев назад

    Thank you this is inspiring. I have more confidence in myself for sure now lol

  • @sunilvjn
    @sunilvjn 4 года назад +2

    Thank you! Well explained.

  • @Maratrushka
    @Maratrushka 2 года назад

    Im going to do one in a fence mode.
    Hope it works
    Thx!! Video goes straight to the point !!

  • @harryj4260
    @harryj4260 4 года назад +1

    Making one tomorrow! Thanks!!!

  • @cindymancini6153
    @cindymancini6153 4 года назад +1

    🤩 WOW it’s so nice! I’m impressed and inspired to build one myself.

  • @richardpugh8201
    @richardpugh8201 4 года назад +1

    Nice job! You aren't afraid to learn and work!

  • @brokenbiker220
    @brokenbiker220 3 года назад

    Another impressive video. Maybe I haven't seen them all but it would be funny to see a project that came out as a complete nightmare. Haha

  • @rolove0508
    @rolove0508 4 года назад +1

    Yooooo! I really love how you made this project soo simple! 👍🏾👍🏾 Especially the step-up part! It looks really good to btw and I take my hat off to you!

    • @WelcometotheWoodsBlog
      @WelcometotheWoodsBlog  4 года назад +1

      Thanks Roland!

    • @rolove0508
      @rolove0508 4 года назад

      Welcome to the Woods absolutely! I’ll take pics of mine soon as I’m done. I’m taking notes from ya

  • @amandalinder1135
    @amandalinder1135 3 года назад +4

    I know that it seems like retaining walls (especially if they are small) are super easy, but there is so much more to a proper wall than what is shown in this video. The base isn't deep enough, the drainage aggregate behind the wall should be at least 12" behind the wall, these block aren't heavy duty enough to help hold up the concrete pad on top or the load of vehicular traffic.

    • @deifor
      @deifor 3 года назад +3

      Waiting for your instructional video.

    • @amandalinder4016
      @amandalinder4016 3 года назад

      @@deifor It's coming most likely this fall or winter.

  • @BobsWoodStuff
    @BobsWoodStuff 3 года назад

    Nice video. Straight to the point, and if felt like all the information was important info, no fluff.

  • @morenaczarnecki5066
    @morenaczarnecki5066 4 года назад +1

    You did a great job and saved a bunch of money a professional to do the same or not even as nice!

  • @AfricanEmpress01
    @AfricanEmpress01 2 года назад +1

    Thank you, built one of these with my brother in law in the last 10 years. Left the heavy work to him and he loved it. We may be at it again in the future.
    P.E.A.C.E

  • @free_at_last8141
    @free_at_last8141 3 года назад

    Awesome, thanks for making a beginners DIY video for this project type.

  • @abram35319
    @abram35319 3 года назад +1

    Very nice work, and you did your homework for the step up. Very inspiring. 😊

  • @LettyMatamoros
    @LettyMatamoros 4 месяца назад

    Nice! I have so many of these to build it's crazy! But I'm motivated and encouraged by you video. Thx❤

  • @tanky6tanky619
    @tanky6tanky619 4 года назад +1

    Very good job and helpful. Very inspiring , thank you

  • @just__dave
    @just__dave 3 года назад

    Great job! Very inspiring.

  • @jeffreywilliams9561
    @jeffreywilliams9561 3 года назад

    Beautiful!!! The wall looks great too!

  • @bouncingsoul777
    @bouncingsoul777 3 года назад

    Great job young lady 👏 I've got to do something similar with tree roots in the way

  • @PavalonTech
    @PavalonTech 3 года назад

    Thoroughly impressed.

  • @iqinsanity
    @iqinsanity 3 года назад +1

    Beautiful results as always

  • @briant9764
    @briant9764 4 года назад +1

    you are going to be my role model for building my wall

  • @rbilardo47
    @rbilardo47 4 года назад +1

    Great job, thanks for sharing.

  • @jimjimmyjames59
    @jimjimmyjames59 2 месяца назад

    This was good! I have a similar project/situation to tackle with my driveway. Thanks for the video and the link.