Hello all.
This is my first shot at a build like this. Overall am pretty happy with how things are coming out.
The wall ended up getting one layer taller than I would’ve liked, but did my best compensating for the uneven yard.
I used a fair amount of landscape adhesive between each layer, but am wondering about the curve I have at the end. As it sits it seems stable, but would like this to last. Am curious if I should either use some extra adhesive or grout etc on the backside of the curve, where the pavers are facing the same direction and there is the open gaps.
Appreciate any help in advance. Also open to ideas or criticism.
by Gbailey9099
12 Comments
Grout? Nah. The adhesive should do just fine. I would have added some crushed stone and a perforated pipe to daylight though.
Nice work man! Like for real looks good.
Looks good. Adhesive in this instance should be fine. After it cures, put some force onto it with your body weight and see if you can break it. If your full weight leaning into it doesnt break the wall, youre likely good.
PL glue holds the stone in place. I would make sure if some drainage in back though maybe some gravel and a couple drain holes.
Just know that IT WILL MOVE.
Segmental retaining walls are meant to be flexible so grout is a terrible idea. Grout will just crack and blow out as soon as the ground freezes or shifts. You already used plenty of adhesive but the structural integrity of these walls comes from weight and gravity on a solid base rather than glue. For those wide gaps on the backside of your curve the real danger is wet dirt washing through the cracks and pushing your wall out from the inside over time.
To fix this you need to separate the soil from the block. Run a continuous sheet of heavy landscape fabric directly behind the entire wall to cover those gaps. Then backfill against the back of the blocks with three quarter inch clean crushed stone before you put the topsoil back. That stone creates a drainage column so water falls down to the base instead of pushing outward through your open gaps and the fabric keeps the mud from washing in and clogging up the stone.
Looking at the big picture you are building a raised planter right against your foundation. Keep the new soil level well below your siding so you do not invite moisture rot and termites into your house. Once the dirt is sorted you need to rethink the plants because right now you just have a giant unruly shrub eating the front porch and a lonely evergreen off to the right. Pull that monster shrub out entirely. Plant a sweeping mass of low native evergreens that flow smoothly along the curve of your new wall to give the front of your house some actual structured beauty instead of a chaotic tangle of branches.
It really could have been 2 courses lower, but good job.
No grout, it will crack and look awful. What I do on curves like this is cut several blocks in half, and some in 1/3 and 2/3s. It looks like you may have cut some already, but what works well is a diamond blade on a worm drive saw. Bang up the corners with a small mallet to get the rounded look. Using those alternately, you should be able to get a solid wall cap. Measure and cut some to fit if you have to. I prefer superwet adhesive, but the adhesive you have should work fine.
Corners are also really important to get right for a good look. If they don’t make a square block, I would cut the block at the corner to get a 90 degree, as well as edge of adjoining block. Don’t worry about drainage on a wall like that, it’s overkill.
These look nicer hit if you’re it fixing them with some mortar they’ll shift from people sitting, walking or plant roots. The best ones to use if diy are ones with a lip at the back end so when they get pushed out they hold each other together l
Nope. I built one like that for my wife for Mother’s Day one year, used construction adhesive on the top row and then put a flat capstone on the top.
Looks nice!
Really appreciate everybody’s advice today.
I enjoy the feedback and opinions on drainage. It was not very visible but I did have some clean stone wrapped in fabric, although i would agree it was too low. I built it up roughly 6” more and brought my soil grade flush with that. I only had enough stone to get about halfway. I plan to add a layer of mulch directly over the stone/ fabric to keep any dirt from leeching into the backside of the wall – It sounds like thats key here.
Quick update photo – [https://imgur.com/a/0CYhXsg](https://imgur.com/a/0CYhXsg)
Thanks.
Unfortunately that sucker is gonna last you about 3 months tops