I'm putting in a 2 course retaining wall around some shrubs in raised beds
in the front yard where previously there were landscape timbers. Since I
was only going up 2 courses (8") I just figured to dig down a couple of
inches and lay down some sand to make leveling easier. But, then I was
thinking that maybe pea gravel or crushed limestone would be better or maybe
I should go deeper. What do you guys think? By-the-way this is in zone 5
(Michigan).

Thanks,
Craig



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"CraigT" wrote in message
...
I'm putting in a 2 course retaining wall around some shrubs in raised beds
in the front yard where previously there were landscape timbers. Since I
was only going up 2 courses (8") I just figured to dig down a couple of
inches and lay down some sand to make leveling easier. But, then I was
thinking that maybe pea gravel or crushed limestone would be better or
maybe I should go deeper. What do you guys think? By-the-way this is in
zone 5 (Michigan).

Thanks,
Craig



I am pretty sure you need to have at least 1/2 of a block below grade to
promote stickiness of the wall.

I would use at lest 4" of compacted, crushed stone under the first level of
blocks. Then use 1/4 -1" max of rock dust or sand for the final leveling.

I am building one as soon as I can find the time in my own yard. The height
will vary from 2-6 blocks and I will put a 1 foot wide base 6-8" thick over
compacted clay. With a lighter soil I would use more base especially under
the taller part. My always stay where I put them.


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Colbyt
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