5 Critical DIY Retaining Wall Mistakes Guaranteed To Derail Your Project

Summary by Krater

The video outlines five common mistakes homeowners make when building a DIY retaining wall, including choosing the wrong blocks, improper material sourcing, poor foundation preparation, rushing the first course, and neglecting adequate drainage, and explains how to avoid them.

From the video

Answers: What are common mistakes when building a DIY retaining wall?

• retaining wall mistakes
• residential vs commercial blocks
• landscape supply centers
• foundation preparation
• retaining wall drainage

What it concludes

• Commercial grade blocks are superior and heavier at 83 pounds compared to residential blocks at 24 pounds.
• Landscape supply centers offer better grade materials compared to home improvement stores.
• A road pack like CA6 is recommended for the foundation instead of pouring an inch of sand.
• Dig the trench 4 to 6 inches deep for the base and 4 inches below the grade for the block.
• Taking enough time on the first level or course of retaining wall blocks is critical to prevent errors from compounding.
• Proper drainage behind the retaining wall using a fabric-wrapped pipe and 3/4 inch clean rock is necessary to prevent hydrostatic pressure from blowing out the wall.