How We Built It

A segmental block retaining wall, in six panels.

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1 · Layout. The string is never wrong.

Wall goes right here.

The stumps disagree.

CHUNK!
2 · Base. Nobody photographs the gravel. Everything depends on it.

Compact it. Then compact it again.

The wall is only as good as this.

BRRRZZT
3 · Courses. Level the first one. Everything else obeys it.

Looks small. Isn't.

Level. Level. Level.

THUNK
4 · Stack & drain. Gravel behind, drain pipes through. Water wins otherwise.

Goggles. Ears. Mask. In that order.

Water always wins. Hence the drain.

VRRRRR
5 · Caps. They go on last, so nobody sits on them yet.

Caps go on last.

The broom is the final inspector.

TAP TAP
Finished stepped charcoal segmental block retaining wall along an asphalt driveway with drain pipes in the base, built by Magic Tools Contracting
6 · The real thing. A photo, not a cartoon. Note the drain pipes.

Worth every block.

Stumps are still back there, by the way.

Need a retaining wall at your place? Get in touch.