Although a brick retaining wall is probably the one most pleasing to the eye, it is also one that involves a lot of work, especially in regards to preparation. None the less, when it comes to the end result, I think you will agree that it is worth the effort. There is just something so solid and comforting about the look ar a brick retaining wall, that it adds a whole new dimension to the area where you decide to add it.
There are two very important elements you need to be aware of it you are planning to build your own retaining wall for the first time. Let’s take a look at them one at a time:
ONE – Because a retaining wall works very much like a dam, holding back the soil you have behind it, most areas have a height limit of three feet (two feet in some areas) subject to permit. There is a good reason for this – the wall must hold that weight load (and shock load if you area is subject to earthquakes) so check if you are not sure. Local hardware stores are often a good source for this kind of information.
TWO – Drainage considerations are very important when planning out your retaining wall. If you already have drainage problems in the area where you plan to put a retaining wall, you could run into major problems. You should consult with a local contractor if this is a problem before you begin planning. Also- be sure that your drainage from the retaining wall does not run towards your house.
There are several steps to building a brick retaining wall. You begin by digging down and building a foundation in the ground that will sit below your brick wall. This foundation is made of concrete or mortar and will sit directly in the ground. When building your wall using the overlapping bricks and mortar, it is important to remember to add in weep holes. These are small sections of pipe inserted into the wall every few feet to ensure drainage. You may also want to consider planning for a gravel drainage system that works with the weep holes to move moisture away from the brick retaining wall, especially during storms. Because the mortar between the bricks is susceptible to cracking, care needs to be taken to ensure that the bricks are properly grouted and mortared at the time of construction.
If this looks like more work than you were prepared for, you can build an interlocking brick retaining wall that does not need mortar or complicated foundations. These mortarless brick systems have a cavity behind and a small lip in front that hooks each row together. They work on the principle of using the cavity behind the brick (that is filled with earth as you complete each section) to build pressure that pushes the brick forward straightening the joints between the lips and the blocks beneath. This type of interlocking system will give you a finished product that looks totally professional and is within the reach of the weekend project do-it-yourselfer.
Whichever way you decide to go, the end result will be a brick retaining wall that is both practical and beautiful for many years to come.