DIY Network

Project Paradise: Retaining Wall From "Special Presentation" episode DPJP-SFL

By building a wall around their fire pit, Lisa and Charles have created another nook to get away from the pressures of everyday life.

advertisement

	The beautiful retaining wall surrounds the fire pit.
	A retaining wall is a great way to differentiate space in your yard.
	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C

Materials:

EP Henry Double Sided Coventry Wall, and Universal Caps
coventry pins
concrete adhesive
1/4" modified stone
shovel
wheelbarrow
level
string line
hammer
tape measure
wooden stakes
dead-blow hammer
chisel or splitter for cutting block

Retaining Wall

1. Calculate materials needed. This product is sold by the square foot. To determine the square feet needed, multiply the length of the wall by the height. Remember not to forget the block that will be below grade. This wall is set into place using pins to join the courses of blocks together.

To determine the number of pins needed,use the following formula:

• (# of non-cap courses – 1) x Lineal feet of wall = number of pins needed

To determine wall caps needed, use this formula:

• Total lineal feet / 1.25 = Wall Caps

2. Prepare the footing for the wall installation. Dig a 15" wide trench that is between 5" to 10" below the grade.

Tip: As a rule, bury 1" of block for every 8" of exposed block.

3. Compact footing.

4. Add 4" of 1/4" modified stone. Compact again.

5. Install the first layer of block by placing the units on the prepared base (figure A). Be sure that the narrower slot on the block is on the top (figure B). These blocks come in various sizes. Use a combination of sizes for the first course of blocks.

6. Level the blocks from front to back and side to side with a dead blow hammer. Use your level to make sure everything is in its right place. Use your string line to assure the wall is straight.

7. After your first course is laid, you can begin building your wall. Place the next and each additional course of block so that each block bridges two units below in a running bond pattern. Avoid having a vertical line span two layers of block.

Tip: Install pins in corresponding slots as you build the wall (figure C). Make sure the flag of the pin is oriented to the wider part of the block.

8. After installing your final course of wall block, attach wall caps with a high strength flexible concrete adhesive. Make sure each cap hangs between 3/4" or 1" over the edge of your wall.

RESOURCES :

Cal Spas Home Series Spa (H-906),
Cal Flame Modular Outdoor Kitchen and
Cal Flame Fire pit (FPT-400)
Cal Spas
Website: www.calspas.com

DevonStone, Tennyson and
EP Henry Double Sided Coventry Wall
Website: www.ephenry.com

Plantings, Mulch and Sod
Shemin Nurseries, Inc.
Website: www.shemin.net/prodwebsite/home.nsf

GUESTS :

John Opdenaker
Landscaper
Vista Landscaping
215 Morton Ave.
Folsom, PA 19033
Telephone: 1-610-633-8314
Fax: 1-610-583-8225
E-mail: vistalandscapein@aol.com