Uploaded January 2013 | Updated September 2026, 2 hours ago
How to build a retaining wall - Time Lapse. In this video, there was no backfilling the trench. Only the removal of the old retaining wall and some minor leveling for the new blocks. Therefore, sand was not necessary because the risk of settling is negligible.
Here is a link of a very short video to illustrate better the process of using sand and leveling the blocks. youtu.be/lIGIGShNr1E
Here is a longer video of a more detailed explanation with retaining wall theory. youtu.be/mp5OLKynS3k
1. Layout the wall with spray paint, an edger, or stakes.
2. Dig out the area and run level strings next to the trenches for the first row.
3. The first row must be perfectly level. Use paver sand for the base. The first row will be easier to install if you break off the lip on the bottom with a chisel. Level on all four sides of the block to make sure you are level and even from one block to the next.
4. Use a heavy rubber mallet and hit the blocks from on top in areas you want to push the block down a little more to make adjustments. Add some sand under the blocks for areas you need to raise.
5. You can glue down every block if you choose but is unnecessary. Gluing down the cap stone will avoid someone being injured if they walk on top of the wall.
6. When cutting cap stone, you will need to remove the same amount of material on both sides of a joint so that the two stones will line up in the front and back (both are the same width).
7. When backfilling on the back side, use gravel or pea gravel to facilitate proper drainage.
How to build a retaining wall - Time Lapse. In this video, there was no backfilling the trench. Only the removal of the old retaining wall and some minor leveling for the new blocks. Therefore, sand was not necessary because the risk of settling is negligible.
Here is a link of a very short video to illustrate better the process of using sand and leveling the blocks. youtu.be/lIGIGShNr1E
Here is a longer video of a more detailed explanation with retaining wall theory. youtu.be/mp5OLKynS3k
1. Layout the wall with spray paint, an edger, or stakes.
2. Dig out the area and run level strings next to the trenches for the first row.
3. The first row must be perfectly level. Use paver sand for the base. The first row will be easier to install if you break off the lip on the bottom with a chisel. Level on all four sides of the block to make sure you are level and even from one block to the next.
4. Use a heavy rubber mallet and hit the blocks from on top in areas you want to push the block down a little more to make adjustments. Add some sand under the blocks for areas you need to raise.
5. You can glue down every block if you choose but is unnecessary. Gluing down the cap stone will avoid someone being injured if they walk on top of the wall.
6. When cutting cap stone, you will need to remove the same amount of material on both sides of a joint so that the two stones will line up in the front and back (both are the same width).
7. When backfilling on the back side, use gravel or pea gravel to facilitate proper drainage.
