Foundation all concrete block walls must rest on a sturdy foundation of poured concrete.
Block wall construction.
Whether you re building a retaining wall or just need some extra privacy a cinder block wall is an affordable way to get the job done.
Cinder blocks don t vary much in cost regardless of the type.
Concrete blocks can be solid or hollow with two or three cores or voids.
Cost can add up quickly especially if you re a novice and have never attempted a concrete block wall installation before.
Prepare the concrete footing where the cinder block wall will sit.
While some capstones can cost as little as 95 cents apiece the average cost of a cinder block is 1 to 3 each the total cost of building a cinder block wall ranges between 9 and 12 per square foot with labor so an 8 x 15 foot wall would cost between 1 080 and 1 440.
Use a torpedo level to level each of the landscape retaining wall blocks front to back and a 4 or 6 ft.
Level to keep each course level and even.
Step 12 using a mason s line as a guide for the remaining block continue building the wall until it is complete.
Avoid having downspouts pointed at the retaining wall and if it s against the house keep soil and mulch well below the siding.
The depth and size of the foundation will vary depending on the size of the concrete block wall and the weight it must support but a typical freestanding wall requires a foundation that is about twice as wide as the wall itself and which extends about 1 foot down below the frost line.
To set the next course of block apply a one inch thick mortar bed along top of the first course.
I would strongly recommend you hire a licensed and insured concrete block wall contractor to perform the installation for you.
If you re building a long wall local building codes may require you to strengthen it by constructing core filled pilasters at intervals along its length.
The pilasters are made by interrupting the course of the wall with two perpendicular blocks set side by side alternating with a full block every other course.
Start the concrete footing by digging the area of the wall a few inches below the frost line the maximum depth in the ground below which the soil does not freeze during the winter consult a structural engineer to design the footing including where to install the vertical reinforcement which usually is placed.
Set the blocks with a heavy rubber or plastic mallet.
Once you ve got your base set up it just takes some finesse in building the wall up and turning corners.
Concrete block wall total average cost per square foot.
Follow the block manufacturer s instructions for wall height limits.
Step 11 at the end of the wall set an 8x8x8 half block into the mortar bed with the smooth side facing out.