Limestone retaining wall building provider in Colorado: How wide should a retaining wall trench be? The trench you are going to build your retaining wall in should be wide, deep, and level. Size the trench so there’s enough room for the block and at least 8 inches of space behind it. Excavate deep enough to completely bury at least one full course, including space for 6 to 8 inches 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.

Block retaining walls are lightweight, cost-effective, and easy to build. They come in a wider range of styles and colours and are more versatile than concrete sleepers, creating curves and tiered walls can be achieved with ease. Block retaining walls have a wide footprint so if your access is tight or room on your property is at a premium then blocks would not be for you.

We also repair existing retaining walls. Many railroad tie walls or older concrete retaining walls which may or may not include rocks or boulders are beginning to show signs of failure. Often times a homeowner will build a DIY retaining wall that needs help after years of service. Colorado Retaining Wall specializes in the building and repair of retaining walls. Whether the wall is for a backyard or driveway of a residence or a commercial Shopping Center, we design and build large block walls for all Earth retention requirements. We have the ability to fortify the wall with shotcrete or soil nails which would include helical tie-backs or micropiles. Nearly every wall we build requires engineering and we have deep relationships with engineers that work hand-in-hand with our foremen regardless of the size of project. Please read our reviews and look and our photo gallery. See even more info on Building and repair of retaining walls Colorado.

Some of the simplest walls are “gravity” walls built of loose block. These walls depend on the mass and weight of the blocks to retain the earth. Landscape blocks are simply stacked one course on top of the other, with the joints staggered and each course slightly stepped back from the course beneath it. These small walls are used to retain small areas of earth, as seen with flower beds surrounding tree trunks. These simple designs usually work fine in a low-traffic area for a wall that doesn’t exceed about 2 feet high. Walls built with a combination of concrete block, mortar and rebar are also popular for small yard projects. The mortar and steel rods lock the blocks together for additional strength.

While you’re at it, do also place a call DigSafe (811), a nationwide service that will notify local utility companies that you plan to dig. These can determine whether their buried lines will be in the way and mark their exact locations. Retaining walls can be constructed using a variety of materials, from poured concrete and large timbers to natural stones, even bricks. For DIY purposes, opt for manufactured blocks that are designed specifically for building retaining walls; a locking flange along the bottom edge creates a secure attachment between rows. These blocks (available in gray and earthy tones in smooth or textured faces, like these at The Home Depot) can be found at virtually any home improvement store and many garden centers as well.