Build a Long-Lasting Block Retaining Wall

Size the trench so there's enough room for the retaining wall block and at least 8 in. of space behind it. Excavate deep enough to completely bury at least one full course, including space for 6 to 8 in. of base material. Establish a level trench to ensure an even layer of base material. That will help prevent the wall from tipping after freeze/thaw cycles. Our experts use a laser level and a story pole to determine the depth of the trench.

Compact the soil in the trench bottom with a hand tamper or vibrating plate compactor. This step is often neglected. The excavator, and even hand shovels, can disturb and loosen the top inch or two of soil, and that's enough to make your wall settle. Settling is bad!

Our experts prefer crushed stone for the base rather than naturally occurring gravel dug from a pit. Crushed stone is a little more expensive. However, it provides better drainage, and because of the sharper angles on the stone, it requires less compacting, and once it's compacted, it stays that way.

Joe and Jake have found that crushed stone sized between 1/2 in. and 3/4 in. is best suited to handle the heaving forces created by the harsh freeze/thaw cycles here in Minnesota. Avoid rounded stones like pea gravel or river rock; they don't form strong interlocking bonds like angular stone.

Leave the stone no more than 1/2 in. higher than you want the final height to be, and then make a couple passes with a hand tamper or plate compactor. You'll notice the stone is almost 100 percent compacted as soon as it's laid in the trench. The same type of stone will be used for backfilling, which also eliminates the need for hauling in multiple materials.

Use a torpedo level to level each of the landscape retaining wall blocks front to back and a 4- or 6-ft. level to keep each course level and even. Set the blocks with a heavy rubber or plastic mallet. Getting the first course flat and level is extremely important, so take your time. Try to lay the course as close to the center of the trench as possible.

Even a pebble on the surface of stackable retaining wall blocks will throw the one above it out of alignment. And that crooked block will affect the one above it, and so on. That little stone will eventually create an unattractive hump in the top course.

Once a few rows have been stacked, backfill the wall with rock so it matches the grade height in front of the wall, and then lay down perforated drain tile on top of the rock. Install drain tee fittings and a drain grate every 25 ft. to 50 ft., depending on how much rainwater is expected to run down to the wall. Cut one landscape retaining wall block down to accommodate the drain grate. Screw the drain tile parts together so they won't come apart when they get covered with more rock. Also, drain the tile to daylight at the ends of the walls whenever possible.

If the wall runs up a hill, continue each base course of stackable retaining wall blocks into the hill until the top of the second course is level with the grade, and then start your second base course at that point. If you have the option, it can be easier to excavate and lay the lowest course before excavating the trench for the next step, especially if you have to step up several times. Save yourself some money and install the cheapest style/color that matches the wall style (usually the gray ones) on the bottom course since it won't be seen.

These solid landscape retaining wall blocks are heavy. Lighter, hollow blocks are available, but they can't be split because cutting will expose the voids. Also, some hollow blocks require individual backfilling, which is time consuming. Many pros prefer retaining wall blocks that are held together with pins rather than a lip on the bottom because pinned blocks work better on tighter curves, and the flat bottom makes them easier to stack. Also, the small lip on some lipped blocks can be prone to cracking, which will weaken the wall.

How to cut retaining wall block: Rent a gas-powered cutoff saw like this one for a smooth cut. This saw can cut with or without water. Water eliminates the dust but creates a messy slurry that can permanently stain surfaces like driveways and sidewalks.

These pros like soapstone because the lines created by grease pencils and markers can stay visible for a long time, whereas soapstone washes off in the rain. The downside is that soapstone doesn't work as well on retaining wall wet blocks. You can find these inexpensive pencils at online retailers.

If you're building tiered retaining walls, set each tier back far enough to prevent the weight and pressure of the wall above from destroying the one below it. The rule of thumb is to separate wall tiers by a distance that's no less than twice the height of the wall below. So if the bottom wall is 4 ft. tall, the wall above it should be built at least 8 ft. behind it.

Stagger the overlaps (at least 4 in. for this Versa-Lok product) and try to keep the butt joint between the retaining wall blocks as tight as possible. Large gaps can create a pathway for water and sediment. Whichever type of block you use, make sure you follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Versa-Lok recommends compacting the angular stone as you backfill, but check the installation instructions for the type of retaining wall block you're using. Backfill about 8 to 10 in. below the top of the capstones. This will allow enough room for the topsoil and turf.

Secure the capstones with a specialty landscape block adhesive, which stays flexible over time. Make sure the retaining wall blocks are dry before applying the adhesive. Overhang the capstones about 1 to 1-1/2 in. Joe and Jake use a scrap 2x4 as a guide.

Walls more than 4 ft. tall will likely require a building permit and a plan made by a licensed engineer. The engineer will specify the base's width and depth, how far down the base course should be buried, and whether or not a geogrid (soil reinforcement system) should be used.

Joe Blakeborough (right) owns and operates Blakeborough Hardscapes in Prior Lake, MN, with the assistance of his younger brother, Jake (left). They run multiple crews that specialize in block and boulder retaining walls, paver projects, outdoor living spaces and other services.