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Retaining wall for "split" garden

This topic can be found at:
http://boards.diynetwork.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/9321916776/m/3473980467

Oct 20, 2012, 08:14 PM
quanghoc
Retaining wall for "split" garden
My backyard was on a slope and I leveled it out last week into 2 levels. The first photo below show the higher level which is 36' long and 2.5' height. The second lower level is 15' long and 2' height.

I am planning to use one of those 3 materials for the block:

http://www.lowes.com/pd_10377-...t_qty_sales_dollar|1

http://www.lowes.com/pd_10335-...t_qty_sales_dollar|1

http://www.lowes.com/pd_104156...ollar%7C1&facetInfo=

The Fulton Retaining Wall Block is probably nicest looking. But the cost for that totally is around $600.

I got 2 questions:
1. How do I deal with the intersection of 3 walls? How do I cut the pieces? Drew in blue circle.

2. Would doing wood retaining wall like this cheaper? http://growing-image.com/_img/...all-Novato-Marin.jpg. I just have to cover both side with wood (the photo doesn't have the outside facing wood).

3. Do I need to do anything with drain hose and stuffs?

Thanks.


Oct 20, 2012, 08:15 PM
quanghoc
Here is the second photo of the lower level.


Oct 21, 2012, 11:15 PM
quanghoc
Any comment please?
Oct 22, 2012, 10:56 AM
Sparky617
I'm not seeing why you need to have the wall coming out perpendicular from the walls. Perhaps another picture from a different angle would help.

I'm not a huge fan of wood retaining walls. I think the block would be better and will last longer. I think with many of the pre-cast concrete retaining wall systems you can interlock them to have a wall come into another wall. You do realize you'll need to have the bottom block largely if not completely below grade to support the wall, correct?


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Oct 22, 2012, 11:49 PM
ron45
Take a gander at some of these....
http://familyhandyman.com/search?q=retaining%20wall
Oct 23, 2012, 12:06 AM
quanghoc
@Sparky617 Let me take more photos and get back

@ron45 Great link. Thanks
Oct 23, 2012, 09:10 PM
ron45
The link below will give you some idea of what can do with split level yards. It doesn't mean it has to be done with stone, it could be done with wood, etc., also.
http://www.familyhandyman.com/...stone-path-and-steps