Getting Started

Many concrete retaining wall stones stack and lock atop each other, such as the stones in our project. Often prestained or textured, they quickly create sturdy, natural-looking walls. Always start with a solid, level base. Walls less than 3 feet high can be installed without mortar, cement mixing, reinforcement such as rebar, or special tools. Walls any higher require professional expertise to avoid a very dangerous potential for collapse.

Here are some other ideas for this building technique.

Problem: The area beneath a tree is shaded and a difficult place to grow a lawn. Solution: Build a retaining wall two blocks high around the tree's drip line. Fill with soil (don't mound it against the tree trunk) and plant shade-tolerant annuals and perennials or a shade-loving groundcover.

Problem: Drainage and soil are poor, but you'd like to grow vegetables. Solution: Build raised beds and fill with composted manure and soil. A sunny raised bed will ensure proper drainage, and the stones absorb and hold heat so the soil will warm earlier in the spring.

Problem: The uneven areas around your hot tub or deck steps are hard to plant. Solution: Build terraces into the sloping area and alongside the steps.