Written by Barkman Concrete Published on March 17th, 2024
What You Will Need
Getting Started
- Layout design on paper
- Estimate the required amount of Barkman product, well-graded granular base, topsoil, filter cloth and masonry adhesive needed (see product calculator)
Optional
- Gloves
- Kneepads
Equipment
- Broom
- Chisel
- Concrete Saw
- Guide String
- Rubber Mallet
- Pencil
- Rake
- Level
- Shovel
- Stakes
- Tape Measure
- Safety Glasses
- Trowel
- Wheelbarrow
Ground Preparation
- Excavate a trench (A) 8–12″ (203–305 mm) deep and 16–24″ (406–610 mm) wide along the entire length of the wall (larger walls require larger trenches – see specific product installation guides for exact details.)
- Compact base soil to ensure stability (B)
- Lay filter cloth (C) under the granular base and against the exposed face of the excavation.
- Spread 4–6″ (102–152 mm) layer of granular base (D) and compact.
- Position the leveling string to mark location of the first course.
Installing Units
- Lay first course layer (E) on prepared base (at least 2″ (51 mm) below grade), keep each unit level front to back and side to side.
- Place drain tile (F) on prepared base behind the first course.
- Sweep the top of the first course, place next offsetting course (G), and backfill with granular rock on top of filter cloth. Repeat offsetting courses (H) and backfill until the desired height is reached.
- Secure the last course (I) with adhesive and apply pressure to secure it.
Finishing
- 6″ (152 mm) from the top of wall, pull the filter cloth back towards the wall, on top of backfill (J)
- Fill the remaining space with topsoil (K) (cover the pulled-back filter cloth) to make ground level with wall.
- Fill the remaining trench space in front of the wall with topsoil (L) sloping away from the wall.