Making your own wall blocks will be very hard work you have to clean the molds after each use spray with a release agent mix the concrete tamp it into the molds let it set up take the molds apart and start all over again.
Making your own concrete retaining wall blocks.
Retaining wall blocks have v notch groove on the backside to allow the blocks to easily cleave in half.
Position your first block and use a standard level to make sure it s even.
Formablok molds are easy to use from the amateur diy to the professional contractor.
Our video and homemade fire pit instructions complete with a list of tools and materials will show you how.
Dig for the first row of block.
Tall wall excavate a trench deep enough to accommodate 4 to 6 in.
Prepare the foundation step 1.
If the wall is load bearing meaning it will hold dirt or other heavy substances the tie rods should be at least 6 inches into the footing before you set the wall.
Make sure they are solid and a minimum of twice the width of the concrete blocks you ve decided to build with.
Most block construction calls for an 8 x 16 footer.
For your next project try formablok molds and gain the fab satisfaction of creating your own unique configurations.
Stand the block upright face down then position the tip of a broad masonry chisel into the groove.
If needed reposition it using additional.
To bury the first row.
Cross section of a retaining wall a cinder block retaining wall is only as straight and solid as the base it s built on.
Of leveling sand and half the height of the first course of blocks.
For row one knock off the flanges with a hammer and chisel so the.
Of compacted base 1 in.
With the layout marked you can begin digging the trench.
The half blocks at the end of alternating rows can be cut using a masonry chisel and hammer.
With a few basic skills and a bit of creativity you can easily design and build your own diy fire pit using retaining wall blocks.
I d suggest building forms for the wall s base from 2 x 8 boards and then using the same lumber for the block forms after the footer is done.
How to build a concrete wall figure a.
After you finish the first course fill the space between your retaining wall and.
Continue laying your first course of blocks making sure to check that every block is level.