I would like to get some information on doing a 6 ft retaing wall in my back yard. The goal is to increase my yard size about 12 to 15 feet. My yard has a big hill in the back of it. The span is about wide 65 feet and the angel of the hillside is about 40 to 45 degrees. I want to excavate the hill back about 12 to 15 feet and then build a retaing wall. I don’t have any mason or construction work experience, except for putting in new walls in my garage for an office. However I am very skilled in making things I have very good common sense and I am a real problem solver. I feel very confident I can handle the job, but just need some advise on the technical approach. Any suggestions would help. Thanks

Hi Bill B,

You'll need to build MORE than just a brick wall. You'll need to build a wall that's made of AT LEAST cinder block material. Plus, you'll need to reinforce it (inside) with concrete AND steel rebarb (top to bottom.) AND, since you're building the wall over a height of 3', you'll need to tie it INTO the hill. It gets a little technical at this point but I have a few more suggestions.

Be SURE you build the proper base, pack it, and design it with drain pipe in mind. You will DEFINITELY want to back-fill it with 3/4" gravel. Be SURE to use Landscape Fabric to 'line' the excavation BEFORE you put ANYTHING into the job. It's purpose is to keep dirt from 'polluting' your gravel. Don't use Weed Block!

Visit Orco.com. THen click Products, then click Retaining Walls. Read about the DIY projects. Even though you're not building a 'decorative block' retaining wall, you can use the ideas when building your wall. Oh, I almost forgot - AFTER you install your cinder block wall (which is designed to 'take on' bricks), you then install your bricks.

You're looking at a lot of work, my friend. My best to ya and hope this helps.

Jay J -Moderator

PS: You need to plan on what you're doing with the water that comes out your drain pipe. The LAST thing you want is for it to 'collect' at the base of your wall ...