Gravity Retaining Wall Systems - There are Quite a Few You might have a retaining wall in your near future. I can understand why as man has used them for thousands of years to create flat, or gently sloping, terraces on hillsides. Retaining walls, though, are far more complex than you might imagine. Tall retaining Read More »
This column appeared in the February 29, 2020 edition of Tim's newsletter. DEAR TIM: I want to build a retaining wall that’s going to look great for years. At my last house, I had a short retaining wall around a patio that started to lean out towards the lawn. The little wall was but 10 Read More »
Rock Retaining Walls Question #1: Tim, I read a column on your website about rock retaining walls. I’m having a hard time believing you can build a lasting wall and not use mortar between the stones. I’d love to just build a wall and not have to use mortar. What’s the real secret? Karen - Read More »
Building a rock retaining wall can add a lot of your property. But a rock retaining wall is a major project. Retaining wall rocks are heavy and the rock retaining wall design must be able to withstand a tremendous amount of pressure.
Granite Retaining Walls Built Right Last for 1,000 Years or More Granite retaining walls come in all shapes, sizes, and heights. They can be built with or without mortar. Granite is best because it's: strong resists erosion easy to shape looks good Granite may not be available where you live, but it's very common here Read More »
Wall Cap Dominoes - A Game Played With Big Blocks! Free & Fast Bids CLICK HERE to get FREE & FAST BIDS from local contractors that can do a domino demonstration for you! Watch how builders have fun on a job site playing wall cap dominoes. I never did this, but am inclined to try Read More »
Retaining Wall Repair Cost TIPS Consult with a structural engineer Engineer has honest contractor referrals Develop a repair plan DIY repair with inexpensive materials CLICK HERE to Get Tim's FREE & FUNNY Newsletter! DEAR TIM: The retaining wall at my older home is in sad shape. A contractor told me that if I don’t tear Read More »
Bernadette Snoussi lives in London, England. She's got a problem with an older decorative garden wall that's in need of repair. Here's her description, but I think the wonderful photo she sent does a superb job of telling the tale: "Hi. Could you please tell me whether it's possible to apply new concrete plinths over the Read More »
Quick Column Summary: Cracked concrete retaining wall on home Was steel installed, or installed incorrectly Fix with steel plates or helical wall anchors Get the right installer to do the job DEAR TIM: Thirteen years ago, a long poured concrete retaining wall was installed when our home was built. We didn’t hire the builder and Read More »
It is possible to build a stacked rock wall. Different techniques are required if the rock wall is to be a retaining wall or just a fence type wall. Be sure to calculate the weight of the earth pushing against the stacked rock wall if it will be a retaining wall.
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