Anybody done their own retaining wall? I need to put up a retaining wall around part of my pool to hold in a couple of feet of dirt and also serve as lanscaping border. Anybody done one and what type of materials did you use? I've done the stackable bricks with the lip before, but never that high or on sloping ground. Other ideas?

We had a LONG retaining wall replaced in Tyler.

The crew had to did to about 1 foot below the dirt surface.

There was an existing concrete footing. They used cinder blocks

and steel rods the size of your finger. Lots and lots of blocks

and lots and lots of concrete mix. It took them about 2 weeks.

I've "helped" with three. One was about four foot high above the ground.

Unless you know what you are doing it is best to hire it out! Lotta work!!!

I have put in several of the Keystone walls. The key to a successful install is to get the first course done right and keep everything level. They have good instructions and I would suggest following them to the letter and not scrimping on anything. Put down a good footing and install a barrier behind the wall to keep sand and dirt from washing through. Take you time or have it done professionally. It is not cheap but done right will last as long as the house.

http://www.keystonewalls.com/

Level is GOOD!

You can buy what they call "Split Face" CMU's or cinder blocks. One face of the CMU is rough like stone and that is what will face your pool.

I suggest pouring a footer of about 6" deep and add rebar. There also needs to be rebar uprights that you will put the CMU's over. This will secure the CMU's to the footer. This is not required, but will keep the retaining wall from ever moving. They also can be set on a bed of clean 3/4" gravel, but still use vertical rebar to secure the wall together. The first course needs to be LEVEL like mentioned above.

Fill the hollow middle of the CMU's with cement. Top off the wall with a nice capstone. Makes a nice bence/sitting area for your pool if at least 18" tall.

CMU's/cinder blocks come in a 8" x 8" x 16" size that work great for retaining walls. Three high would give you a 24" wall. Have your capstone at least 12" wide. Some stone yards have natural flagstone cut to that width.

Contact Dirty Bass for all your CMU needs.

I know guys that do Cemento Blocks.