Retaining Wall Block

Installation

With Eagle Bay retaining walls and free standing walls, you can add structure, define a boundary, or create an environmentally sound barrier.  Each individual retaining wall block is developed with strength, beauty and durability and in mind, so you can use them with confidence in both residential and commercial applications. 

What is great about using an Eagle Bay’s retaining wall block is that is an easy do-it-yourself project.  Once you have chosen the desired type of retaining wall block, there are a few additional tools necessary, most of which are already in your toolbox.  Make sure you have a shovel, tape measure, hammer, chisel, level, stakes, string line, garden hose, pencil, square, as well as safety materials such as glasses and gloves.  You may also need a skid loader, compacter, wheelbarrow, and circular cut-off saw with a masonry blade.  Other tools include a flexible polypropylene pipe and a load of sand and gravel for the base and backfill, used to support and backfill each retaining wall block.   

Installing retaining wall block units can be completed in just a few easy steps:

1. Using a shovel or skid loader, dig a trench about 24 inches wide and deep enough to fit the required amount of buried block and compacted base.  For walls that are 4 feet high or less, bury one set of retaining wall block units.  Keep in mind that the total wall height includes each retaining wall block that is buried. For wall higher than 4 feet, consult with an engineering design professional. 

2. Firmly compact the soil in the bottom of the trench.  Lay 6 inches of sand and gravel base atop the compacted soil and further compact into the bottom of the trench. 

3. Place the first retaining wall block layer on the prepared base.  Make sure that the lip of each retaining wall block in this layer is removed prior to positioning. Place units side by side in full contact with the base; level the blocks and backfill with free-draining aggregate. 

4.  Continue assembling additional courses by placing retaining wall block units in a staggered pattern, pulling each unit forward until secure.  Use gravel to backfill each additional course as needed. 

5. Place drain tile behind the wall at grade to allow water to drain from the backfill.  Outlet the drain tile through the wall at every low point, and around the ends of the wall.  Backfill with free-draining gravel 12 inches behind the wall. 

6. Fill any remaining areas behind the wall with soil.  Compact every 8 inches, and repeat steps 4-6 until the wall reaches the desired height.

7. Firmly compact native soil behind the wall, but do not compact directly on the retaining wall block units. 

8. You may need partial blocks.  To split a retaining wall block, use a hammer and chisel to score the block on all sides.  Pound the chisel on the score line until the block splits.  If it does not split easily, you may need to use a circular cut-off saw with a masonry blade.  Always wear protective eyewear when splitting blocks. 

For more information, refer to the Estimating and Installation Manual.  Copies are available at authorized Eagle Bay dealers.