Welcome back to MR Post Frame, everyone! Today, I'm excited to share my progress on one of my recent projects, the Dog House. We’ll be diving into building a concrete block retaining wall. I've gathered all the concrete blocks I needed for this project, and let me tell you, it's been quite the journey. Although it was a lot of work, buying them individually was the way to go, considering the cost difference between that and having them delivered was substantial.
Now, let's talk about the blocks themselves. They're 2x6 ft long, one-yard blocks, weighing a little over 3,500 lb each. Perfect for retaining walls, and surprisingly affordable. With everything in place, I'm ready to start building.
First things first, I meticulously planned the layout, but as usual, things didn't go exactly as planned. However, I adapted and made adjustments as needed. I began by laying the first course of blocks, ensuring they were aligned as best as possible, despite the slight curve I wanted in the design. I also installed drain tile to manage any potential groundwater.
Moving on to the second course, I encountered some challenges due to the curve in the design. A bit of cutting and adjusting with a cutoff wheel was necessary to ensure the blocks sat flat and interlocked properly.
As I progressed, I decided to extend the wall further into the ground to ensure stability. This required some additional digging and adjustments but was necessary for the overall integrity of the structure. Stability is one of the most important things when it comes to building.
Despite a few setbacks and adjustments, I'm pleased with the result. The wall is sturdy, and with the drain tile and proper grading, it should withstand any potential water issues. Water issues are always a concern with building but doing it properly eases my mind and allows me to be confident that I will not encounter any serious water issues. Looking ahead, I plan to add caps to the wall for a finished look. Additionally, I'm considering adding piers and metal ties for added stability, especially considering potential groundwater concerns.
Now, let's address the cost. Building this wall myself saved a significant amount of money. If I had opted for delivery, the expenses would have skyrocketed. So, if you have the means to transport and handle the materials yourself, it's definitely worth it.
Overall, I'm satisfied with how the project has turned out. It's been a learning experience, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to share it with you all. Stay tuned for updates on my building construction, and as always, thank you for watching!
MR Post Frame
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