I built retaining walls for about ten years, before my body wore out and I had to switch to a desk job. We always had a hard time selling our walls because we were always the high bid, but I know of at least three jobs we didn't build that we ended up re-building several years later because the low bidder had no idea what they were doing (one 3' wall was built on 1" of play sand over soil - guess what happened to that one...). So I saw your video title and thought "yeah right, nobody builds retaining walls right any more." Happy to say you completely proved me wrong. On the odd chance the homeowner sees this, know that you got a really high quality, professional installation that will never fail, and it is worth every penny you paid.
There's often not enough money available to do a job right...but there's somehow always enough money available to do the same job over (and to do it right).
I’m currently in the process of building a block retaining wall 20ft long by 3ft tall. I’ve got my trench dug and leveled. I’ve looked online and I’m confused by the type of base gravel type I need. So do I need to put fabric on top of the dirt, then fill with gravel, then start my base block layer. Then do I keep putting gravel behind the wall or do I backfill with dirt? If anyone could help or guide me in the right direction that would be much appreciated
It was top notch. I've got a little one to do. I've got about 120' of cliff with a 100 year old house hanging over the top. As soon as I recoup from measuring the cliff on my face I'll get started. I think I'll need the use of my left hand and wrist. And my right shoulder being in the right place will prob make the job go smoother as well. If I started now I'd look like Quazi moto with a tool belt on hobbling across the cliff side.
@@crimsonghost411 From what I have learned (and am applying to my own wall building on my property), you need to have a moderately coarse "dirty" gravel compacted well directly under the first block course to be stable. I would say depending on the material that you excavated to (loose soil, clay, rocky soil, large stones) you need an appropriate depth (up to 6") of that coarse gravel, ideally with a membrane between the gravel and loose soil. The backfill needs to be the coarse 3/4" (or 5/7th) clean drainage gravel several feet in width which is quite stable and drains well preventing the freeze/thaw cycles of retained water that shoves the wall over with time.
its so rewarding to see a professional contractor at work. I am a retired renovation and electrical contractor. There are so many half assed contractors out there. YOU SIR are the man to hire hands down.
$9,000 for new installation, and $5,000 for tear off and prep virgin to start over.... not bad, that is about what I should charge here in North Carolina, but I do recognize that your drainage outlets and over gravel behind walls it's fantastic. For now on I will install those caps at front of walls. Congratulations, it been a honor to watch your guys. God Bless you....!!!!
He also makes a lot of money which gives him more motivation to do more better projects in the future. Not hating but with his money I would do the same wall even better 😂
Well, they say you learn something every day, and today I learned what separation fabric was. So thank you, because I hadn't watched your other 200 videos.
As I retired builder I have seen many projects done right and wrong. Your wall is 100% textbook perfect. Actually a little overkill which is exactly the way to build! I always did extra to be sure my projects help up forever. If I was doing retaining walls, landscaping, building a house, renovating a house it was always done right. Your one excellent example of a contractor doing the job right and taking pride in their work. Well done! Thank you!
there are contractors [encountered few] and there are professionals - we know where you stand taking pride in what you do. I am proud to watch this many times to learn.
Nice video. I just did a small 2 foot wall. One thing I learn other than leveling, smoothing underside of block is wearing a back belt. Nothing stops work faster than a sore back. Cheers
Hand digging a basement addition, almost 40 years ago, just touched the buried rotten gas line with a shovel and it started leaking. Sealed the crack by rubbing a bar of soap on the crack. Good thing I was wearing my brown pants. Shut it off at the street and replaced the pipe. If you want to know how to build any type of foundation or stonework to last, watch videos from a contractor who works where there are cold winters and plenty of moisture. That combo exposes shortcuts and shoddy work every time.
This guy loves his job and it shows. They will always do the best work thanks for sharing. Just tackled this project. Not easy when you're new, but we pulled it off. Thanks for the help
2:21, I just want to point out that this IS the first video I've watched of yours. I like the method, descriptions and your editing. I'll keep watching. Thanks!
The drainage is shown in this video pretty well. Basically the drainage of a wall consists of the perf pipe behind the wall, that then comes through the face of the wall in the bottom every 20 ft. Then behind the wall you need at least 18” of clean stone drainage, (not dirt stone or stone with fines in it) that will allow the water to drain through to that pipe, and out through the face of the wall
Excellent instructive guide . Incredible number of 'authorities ' on building retaining walls that are really just decorative facades destined to fail in no time flat .
For the most part this wall was built very well… one of my biggest problems with this build is the lack of geofabric on the back bank… you used it for separating your subsoils, also you used it to keep your top from the clean stone, but there’s nothing separating the dirt on the back bank going into the clean stone - I see this a lot, I see a lot worse and this was definitely built better than most would, but there’s no reason not to keep your clean stone CLEAN - unfortunately this stone will pack with minerals from that bank and the same issue will arise in the future
This is definitely the professional version versus the homeowner version. I did a small two block flower bed retaining wall. I dug the trench and filled it with water and that gave me my level point. And I took those bamboo barbecue skewer sticks that look like really long toothpicks and put it in both sides at the water level. Then I drained the water and got some old bags of concrete that were pretty much useless because they've been sitting around too long and made a slurry and filled it up to the level of the skewers. Then I just laid in my bottom course of block on the concrete and it never moved since. I think it's not bad for not having a clue on how to do it.
Hopefully a helpful tip! The geogrid you are using is a uniaxial grid. It is the correct type of grid for your application, but as the name implies uniaxial grid’s strength is only in one direction. The grid is designed to be installed perpendicular to the wall face not parallel like you did in the video. It takes more time due to the cuts and overlaps, but you will not get the strength you are looking for unless it’s installed properly. I have been in the geogridand geotextile business for 7 years now so I hope you find my comment helpful and not critical! Great video!
Now this ☝️ is the way to write a helpful comment people! Thanks Brooks! 😊 Everything you said I agree with, except, this is bi directional grid. Let me find a link to the grid we used
Unigrid has ribs/slits in one direction (parallel to the roll) but as the video clearly shows they used square grid which is what makes it biaxial (squares have the same strength in both directions, simple physics).
This is what we used Brooks www.amleo.com/srw-3-series-geogrid-4-ft-x-50-ft/p/GEO-3450/?kc=amlshop20n,&mkwid=|dm&pcrid=416316781657&pkw=&pmt=&plc=&prd=GEO-3450,GEO-3450&slid=&pgrid=96761566474&ptaid=pla-325991452724&gclid=Cj0KCQjwncT1BRDhARIsAOQF9LmfZhlce2rxCnQKizS80buCthoDpX4daJZi5ORKPj4DEDq1_VmUp9gaAom1EALw_wcB
A comment you can throw at what looks to be the new kid: This is the first of your videos I'm watching, whether or not I get to any more of yours, or move on to similar videos from someone else, so the background explanation of each step, even if you've said the same thing in all your other videos, is useful, warranted, and highly appreciated. :)
@@Tusseylandscaping It looks great! There is a lot more that goes into one of those walls than I ever knew about. Thank you for the video! Fantastic job guys!
That's not really true. It's more a matter of whether you have the time or not and a willingness to learn. A lot can be done by an individual with a little leverage, some good tools and innovative thinking. A lot of so-called "professionals" that are licensed and bonded will mess up these days. There are more bad ones than good ones in my experience. These guys happen to be one of those who take pride in their work and have expertise, but I can name countless contractors in our area who don't, and the worst part is that the county issues permits and approves jobs that were done criminally.
I say you get what you pay for. This guy shows how to build a retaining wall that won't fail in your lifetime. Key elements: spend lots of money to buy lots of material and find a competent person to put all those materials together correctly. Good job.
10 years ago I build a wall with 6×6 treated lumber. I needed to build it alone, without fancy tools and still do my day job. I've been regretting it since!
I'm looking at contractors to do work here in MN and now, I at least know when they describe/explain what they will do, knowing if they are any good at what they claim to do. Awesome Video!
Good video. Only critique I would note is the orientation of the geogrid. Normally would run the grid perpendicular to wall. Good job. Thanks for taking the time to put this together.
Great job and great information!!! I am by no means handy like this but truly enjoy learning these money saving techniques! Do it right the first time and take comfort in a well done job the will last for decades to come. Awesome job!!! Keep up the great work!!!
Excellent value sir, you sharing your hands-on expertise is the most valuable asset available at this point in time. I see your technique applied at scale you demonstrated applicable to whatever size and scale necessary. I look forward to more in detail construction methods and such, please.
Very helpful and informative video. A neighbor needs to replace an old stone retaining wall that's 10 to 12' high. A stepped back wall made of interlocking blocks has been recommended. Would you recommend that approach?
Geogrids primary function is to stabilize the material being retained, which in turn reduces the lateral force being applied to the wall. The secondary benefit would be helping to hold the face in place, but that's not what makes geogrid the super impressive product it is :) You for sure do everything right as far as utilizing it, very solid build!
@@Tusseylandscaping yessir, I've replace a whole lot of failed retaining walls from people who didn't understand the principals involved, it's a shame to see so many falling over when building it right in the first place would have solved all the problems!
@@Tusseylandscaping precisely! Except it does cost a little more, more money for drainage material, more money for geogrid and soil separation, but it's a hell of a lot cheaper than paying twice to build the same wall!
Giving an estimate is not just presenting the cost to the homeowner, it's more about explaining all the steps and quality that go into the project, demostrating knowledge and expertise...
Hello! Great video. We live in NH and would like to build a 4’ wall along our drive under garage/walkout basement. We live at the bottom of the hill and we a lot of water. We just wanna make sure the wall will hold up. How deep should the subgrade be? Thank you so much for your time!
Hey there! Make sure you bury a full course of block below grade, and depending on what the spec is on the wall block you are using, you may need geo grid as well. Good luck!
Thanks for this. Did you say ''2" stone base''? I have a crawlspace that has an eroding bank next to the foundation and I'd like to build a retaining wall to shore it up. This looks like a good solution.
Hi I truly enjoyed your video very professional. I'm a retiree and tying to build a small three block garden wall with a curve at the end. My question is I have put down approx. 3 to 4 inches of base material, I should say I dug a trench about 10 in deep . My wall pavers are 7 inches in height. How much sand should i bring in to lay the wall stones on? and should i back fill with course stone behind the wall. Again this is just a garden wall .I live in northern Michigan, we might get 3 months of summer and about 7 months of winter. the rest is bug season. LOL
hey glad you enjoyed the video! I would do 6" of crushed stone base (compacted) and then use a smaller open aggregate stone for your setting bed, like #9's or 1b. I don't prefer to use sand. Regarding the setting bed, we make it only 1" thick
Great video. I need a wall redone. Glad I saw this, I need to save up some money for a couple of more years! I saw caulking? in the background, but I didn't catch what it was used for?
Correct me if I’m wrong but shouldn’t the Geogrid be cut and rolled opposite the direction you’re installing it ? That is to say that it should be perpendicular to the block not rollled across in parallel (which is easier).
You had me when you said you’re building it better than it has to be! This is some of the best information I’ve seen on retaining walls. One question though, how many courses can you run with this type of block? Beautiful job!
Great wall, great content, very informative. Small note, got carsick watching, so maybe don't pace as much when videoing. Thanks and I look forward to more videos!
I agree with comment above. Loved the content and tried to focus on what the guys were doing, but the fast camera movements and flash editing were preventing me from actually absorbing and retaining the information. It's edgy and exciting to edit the content like a tv ad, but it's too much for an entire video. Slow it down and take some time to explain the work at a normal pace. Keep up the great work, and I'm now a subscriber!
We just dumped them. You could reuse them, but the labor it would take to handle them doesn't make it worth it for us when we're trying to get a job done
I love to see the job done right. It costs more to do it properly, but then the wall lasts way longer. Hey any tips on how to locate a wall guy in my area?
That is correct sir. That will save you a lot of greif in the long run. Best advice I could give is to do Google searches looking for a contractor, and then make SURE you go check out their past jobs. Be good if you could see some of their work that is 5+ years old so you can see how it is holding up
@@Tusseylandscaping Doesn't it depend on the amount of water (surface area above wall exposed to rain and diversion of building downspouts) expected to gather behind wall and the degree of seepage allowed though the wall?
What did you do with the geogrid that was sticking out the front of the wall? It looks like you were putting blocks on top of it while it was still sticking out.
What always sucks is no one EVER gives a price on their project, its why many of us look this stuff up, to see HOW it's done and cost of project !!!! Yes labor will be different in different areas, but still, give an idea on the cost of a project one has in mind! Wonderful video by the way
Thanks so much for such a fun and informative video! I have a question though. I live way too far from you guys to hire you to build such a wall for me and am on a limited budget but the size is approximately the same. I am going to have to build this one myself as there is no one where I live in the backwoods that does this sort of thing. Approximately, without divulging too much personal or private information, should a wall like this cost me to do myself, granting that I have all my own equipment to compact it, lift the gravel, etc? Just a ballpark figure would be fine as I know brick and gravel cost differently throughout the U.S. Again, thanks so much for teaching me how to do this the right way!👌😊
Wonderful video. I am doing a 50 ft retaining wall with steps in middle. Can i run a drain pipe behind wall and steps the whole length where it comes out at one end? Also, at start of drainage pipe do I need to raise it higher at one end so water flows out of other end? Thanks for any advice you can give.
Yes you can. Should have a pipe come through the wall or be daylighted every 20'. And as long as it's level, which it should be, no need to worry about slanting the drain pipe
Great video ! And nice work ! Whenever I put in a drain pipe, I always ask the question, how do I clean this out when it's clogged up ? And always bury utility inside a drain pipe. I cringe when I see utility buried right in the dirt. But the utility was buried before you got there.
I'm sorry If it's been asked or talked about already but I've always been told to have a piece of fabric separating the clean stone from the soil going up the wall? I saw that you guys don't do that and if it's not needed that would save a lot!
A Vibra-plate will consolidate material but will NOT compact more than surface to maybe two inches deep. Anyway, stone just needs to be consolidated so the plate works for this application. Just semantics, but should be clear to the uninformed so they don't use a plate thinking they are getting compaction. A good video. You build a good wall.
Thanks Jeff for the comment. Yeah, there is a limit to how deep the compactors can compact. There's compactors that can only go 2 inches, there's some that can do up to 6". We always compact the base stone in lifts that the compactor we are using can handle
It's impressive how often repairing something starts with ripping it out and redoing it right. Do you ever wonder if in 50 years someone's going to looking at that wall and saying, "they didn't use a high tensile polywhatchit bracketing system..."
I built retaining walls for about ten years, before my body wore out and I had to switch to a desk job. We always had a hard time selling our walls because we were always the high bid, but I know of at least three jobs we didn't build that we ended up re-building several years later because the low bidder had no idea what they were doing (one 3' wall was built on 1" of play sand over soil - guess what happened to that one...). So I saw your video title and thought "yeah right, nobody builds retaining walls right any more." Happy to say you completely proved me wrong. On the odd chance the homeowner sees this, know that you got a really high quality, professional installation that will never fail, and it is worth every penny you paid.
Thank you Dirkus! Happy to read your comment :) Thanks for watching! Cheers!
There's often not enough money available to do a job right...but there's somehow always enough money available to do the same job over (and to do it right).
I’m currently in the process of building a block retaining wall 20ft long by 3ft tall. I’ve got my trench dug and leveled. I’ve looked online and I’m confused by the type of base gravel type I need. So do I need to put fabric on top of the dirt, then fill with gravel, then start my base block layer. Then do I keep putting gravel behind the wall or do I backfill with dirt? If anyone could help or guide me in the right direction that would be much appreciated
It was top notch. I've got a little one to do. I've got about 120' of cliff with a 100 year old house hanging over the top. As soon as I recoup from measuring the cliff on my face I'll get started. I think I'll need the use of my left hand and wrist. And my right shoulder being in the right place will prob make the job go smoother as well. If I started now I'd look like Quazi moto with a tool belt on hobbling across the cliff side.
@@crimsonghost411 From what I have learned (and am applying to my own wall building on my property), you need to have a moderately coarse "dirty" gravel compacted well directly under the first block course to be stable. I would say depending on the material that you excavated to (loose soil, clay, rocky soil, large stones) you need an appropriate depth (up to 6") of that coarse gravel, ideally with a membrane between the gravel and loose soil. The backfill needs to be the coarse 3/4" (or 5/7th) clean drainage gravel several feet in width which is quite stable and drains well preventing the freeze/thaw cycles of retained water that shoves the wall over with time.
its so rewarding to see a professional contractor at work. I am a retired renovation and electrical contractor. There are so many half assed contractors out there. YOU SIR are the man to hire hands down.
$9,000 for new installation, and $5,000 for tear off and prep virgin to start over.... not bad, that is about what I should charge here in North Carolina, but I do recognize that your drainage outlets and over gravel behind walls it's fantastic. For now on I will install those caps at front of walls. Congratulations, it been a honor to watch your guys. God Bless you....!!!!
Thanks allot! Cheers and good luck in your business
i just love this guys energy and attitude, so much positivity, seems like they truly enjoy their trade.
We love our jobs!
Very impressed. I am in construction and this young guy knows what he is doing and doesn't cut corners and makes great videos.
thanks! :)
He also makes a lot of money which gives him more motivation to do more better projects in the future. Not hating but with his money I would do the same wall even better 😂
Three years later and this video is still helping random folks like me. Thanks for sharing this very informative video.
Glad it helped!
Well, they say you learn something every day, and today I learned what separation fabric was. So thank you, because I hadn't watched your other 200 videos.
Thanks for watching Lee 👊 glad you found some tips
As I retired builder I have seen many projects done right and wrong. Your wall is 100% textbook perfect. Actually a little overkill which is exactly the way to build! I always did extra to be sure my projects help up forever. If I was doing retaining walls, landscaping, building a house, renovating a house it was always done right. Your one excellent example of a contractor doing the job right and taking pride in their work. Well done! Thank you!
Thank you Richard! Appreciate the comment!
there are contractors [encountered few] and there are professionals - we know where you stand taking pride in what you do. I am proud to watch this many times to learn.
Thanks Vijaya. Glad it was useful
He explains in articulate detail giving information others do not! Well done!
Thanks man!
Yes, he brought everything to the light. Every step.
Nice video. I just did a small 2 foot wall. One thing I learn other than leveling, smoothing underside of block is wearing a back belt. Nothing stops work faster than a sore back. Cheers
For sure! Good luck!
That is a well built wall. Great example of Professionalism.
Thanks!
when you put imagination, knowledge and hard work into what you do it always looks good and works good.
Aaaamen
Hand digging a basement addition, almost 40 years ago, just touched the buried rotten gas line with a shovel and it started leaking. Sealed the crack by rubbing a bar of soap on the crack. Good thing I was wearing my brown pants. Shut it off at the street and replaced the pipe. If you want to know how to build any type of foundation or stonework to last, watch videos from a contractor who works where there are cold winters and plenty of moisture. That combo exposes shortcuts and shoddy work every time.
Along that line of thought I assume they made the utility local One Call?
Yeah we always call in to the utility to come mark things out
I think you guys need to come do my wall if you can even call it that now. Great work. True professionals.
Sure! Where are you located?
This guy loves his job and it shows. They will always do the best work thanks for sharing. Just tackled this project. Not easy when you're new, but we pulled it off. Thanks for the help
2:21, I just want to point out that this IS the first video I've watched of yours. I like the method, descriptions and your editing. I'll keep watching. Thanks!
Thanks for watching Corey!
I’m doing a retaining wall for the first time and really don’t know how to do the drainage. Was looking for tips. Thanks hope you respond
The drainage is shown in this video pretty well. Basically the drainage of a wall consists of the perf pipe behind the wall, that then comes through the face of the wall in the bottom every 20 ft. Then behind the wall you need at least 18” of clean stone drainage, (not dirt stone or stone with fines in it) that will allow the water to drain through to that pipe, and out through the face of the wall
That was a great learning experience and I did not even get my hands dirty!
Glad you enjoyed it!
just third way through and I can tell this is a great vid,informative,complete,well filmed and edited with a touch of humor
Excellent instructive guide . Incredible number of 'authorities ' on building retaining walls that are really just decorative facades destined to fail in no time flat .
Yes, unfortunately... Thanks for the support
Came upon your page grew up in fulton county and played tussy in baseball for years. Great work. Job well done from Canada.
I've never seen wall blocks like that, they're cool.
Thanks Anthony! ;)
For the most part this wall was built very well… one of my biggest problems with this build is the lack of geofabric on the back bank… you used it for separating your subsoils, also you used it to keep your top from the clean stone, but there’s nothing separating the dirt on the back bank going into the clean stone - I see this a lot, I see a lot worse and this was definitely built better than most would, but there’s no reason not to keep your clean stone CLEAN - unfortunately this stone will pack with minerals from that bank and the same issue will arise in the future
This is definitely the professional version versus the homeowner version. I did a small two block flower bed retaining wall. I dug the trench and filled it with water and that gave me my level point. And I took those bamboo barbecue skewer sticks that look like really long toothpicks and put it in both sides at the water level. Then I drained the water and got some old bags of concrete that were pretty much useless because they've been sitting around too long and made a slurry and filled it up to the level of the skewers. Then I just laid in my bottom course of block on the concrete and it never moved since. I think it's not bad for not having a clue on how to do it.
A get it done attitude will get you a long way!
Man that's a freakin great idea, the laws of mutha nature are the ultimate. 😃
it's great to see young guys with so much talent
Thanks!
Hopefully a helpful tip! The geogrid you are using is a uniaxial grid. It is the correct type of grid for your application, but as the name implies uniaxial grid’s strength is only in one direction. The grid is designed to be installed perpendicular to the wall face not parallel like you did in the video. It takes more time due to the cuts and overlaps, but you will not get the strength you are looking for unless it’s installed properly.
I have been in the geogridand geotextile business for 7 years now so I hope you find my comment helpful and not critical! Great video!
Now this ☝️ is the way to write a helpful comment people! Thanks Brooks! 😊 Everything you said I agree with, except, this is bi directional grid. Let me find a link to the grid we used
Unigrid has ribs/slits in one direction (parallel to the roll) but as the video clearly shows they used square grid which is what makes it biaxial (squares have the same strength in both directions, simple physics).
Yes, this. ☝️ Thanks Tom!
This is what we used Brooks
www.amleo.com/srw-3-series-geogrid-4-ft-x-50-ft/p/GEO-3450/?kc=amlshop20n,&mkwid=|dm&pcrid=416316781657&pkw=&pmt=&plc=&prd=GEO-3450,GEO-3450&slid=&pgrid=96761566474&ptaid=pla-325991452724&gclid=Cj0KCQjwncT1BRDhARIsAOQF9LmfZhlce2rxCnQKizS80buCthoDpX4daJZi5ORKPj4DEDq1_VmUp9gaAom1EALw_wcB
Tussey Landscaping Awesome! Glad to hear it!
A comment you can throw at what looks to be the new kid: This is the first of your videos I'm watching, whether or not I get to any more of yours, or move on to similar videos from someone else, so the background explanation of each step, even if you've said the same thing in all your other videos, is useful, warranted, and highly appreciated. :)
Thanks for watching and hope you come back!
So the first step in building a good retaining wall is realizing that it's too big a job to do on your own, and that's why there are professionals.
Exactly! This ☝️☝️☝️☝️
@@Tusseylandscaping It looks great! There is a lot more that goes into one of those walls than I ever knew about. Thank you for the video! Fantastic job guys!
Hardly, I just underpinned my house and built a 50sqM basement, I work in TV.
That's not really true. It's more a matter of whether you have the time or not and a willingness to learn. A lot can be done by an individual with a little leverage, some good tools and innovative thinking. A lot of so-called "professionals" that are licensed and bonded will mess up these days. There are more bad ones than good ones in my experience. These guys happen to be one of those who take pride in their work and have expertise, but I can name countless contractors in our area who don't, and the worst part is that the county issues permits and approves jobs that were done criminally.
SUPERB! Makes me understand that I will NOT attempt this myself or it will look bad and not last. I am no longer in my 30s, 40s or 50s!
I say you get what you pay for. This guy shows how to build a retaining wall that won't fail in your lifetime. Key elements: spend lots of money to buy lots of material and find a competent person to put all those materials together correctly. Good job.
You got it man!
WOW!!! Who knew it was SO much work and SO much technology?!?! I'm very impressed!
Thanks! 😜
10 years ago I build a wall with 6×6 treated lumber. I needed to build it alone, without fancy tools and still do my day job. I've been regretting it since!
The sad truth 🥺
Dig out behind it and install some proper drainage....???
About 24k???
Thanks for explaining separation fabric this is the first of your videos I have watched
I'm looking at contractors to do work here in MN and now, I at least know when they describe/explain what they will do, knowing if they are any good at what they claim to do. Awesome Video!
Hey John, glad this video helped you get a better understanding! Good luck on your project 🙌
Good video. Only critique I would note is the orientation of the geogrid. Normally would run the grid perpendicular to wall. Good job. Thanks for taking the time to put this together.
Way to pay attention to detail! This grid is actually bi-directional, so it has equal strength both ways
That Geo grid is not bi directional. It should have been cut to the proper lengths, not rolled out.
Great job and great information!!! I am by no means handy like this but truly enjoy learning these money saving techniques! Do it right the first time and take comfort in a well done job the will last for decades to come. Awesome job!!! Keep up the great work!!!
Amen!!!
I'm glad you mentioned why you put down separation fabric, because this was my first video lol
Awesome!
You guys are going to be in business for a long time...As long as the wall...
You betcha!
the wall will more than likely out live us all, you can't beat quality workmanship
? No mortor? 👀
As long as the kids working for him lol
Not too many guys doing their retaining walls correctly these days. Good job.
Excellent value sir, you sharing your hands-on expertise is the most valuable asset available at this point in time.
I see your technique applied at scale you demonstrated applicable to whatever size and scale necessary.
I look forward to more in detail construction methods and such, please.
Thanks Johnnie!
WESTON YOU GUYS JUST MADE OUR LIFE EASIER lol!!! Oh my goodness that sling is clutch for so many different things!
Great job that will last forever. Thanks for sharing your ideas and techniques!
You bet!
The wall came out beautifully
Thank you!
When money is no object :) Great video on what it actually takes to build a proper wall.
Thanks Brad
One of the best videos giving detailed explanation.
Glad it was helpful!
Wow you guys do incredible work. That job deserves a plaque somewhere on the face of the wall.
Thanks James! 😉
very well professionally done! what block is it..looks gorgeous
Great job with super detailed step by step!! Frog at the end adds up a special touch!
Thanks a bunch! ;)
Great-looking work. What kind of structural block is that?
Techo Suprema
Proficiency makes confidence. Thank you very much for sharing.
You bet
Very helpful and informative video. A neighbor needs to replace an old stone retaining wall that's 10 to 12' high. A stepped back wall made of interlocking blocks has been recommended. Would you recommend that approach?
Honestly, with your video editing I feel like I’m borderline watching a program on HGTV
Thanks for the compliment Seth!
not sure why anyone would give this a thumps down he did a great job!!!!
☺🙌✌
😂 thanks for the support guys!
Man, I wish you guys were near me. Fantastic job.
We can be!
Good job guys the bag for the stone.......... easy as ...... not worry about longevity for the wall well done👌👍👊
Geogrids primary function is to stabilize the material being retained, which in turn reduces the lateral force being applied to the wall. The secondary benefit would be helping to hold the face in place, but that's not what makes geogrid the super impressive product it is :) You for sure do everything right as far as utilizing it, very solid build!
Thank you Tom! Yep, you're correct. So much misinformation out there on walls, glad to see this spot on comment 🙌💪
@@Tusseylandscaping yessir, I've replace a whole lot of failed retaining walls from people who didn't understand the principals involved, it's a shame to see so many falling over when building it right in the first place would have solved all the problems!
And not been any harder to do than what the worked to install it incorrectly!
@@Tusseylandscaping precisely! Except it does cost a little more, more money for drainage material, more money for geogrid and soil separation, but it's a hell of a lot cheaper than paying twice to build the same wall!
100% truth!
I don't know much about retaining walls! The process is well done..
Thanks for watching and welcome!
Great job guys...good learning experience for me and very entertaining!
Awesome! Nice hear that thanks!
Giving an estimate is not just presenting the cost to the homeowner, it's more about explaining all the steps and quality that go into the project, demostrating knowledge and expertise...
Hello! Great video. We live in NH and would like to build a 4’ wall along our drive under garage/walkout basement. We live at the bottom of the hill and we a lot of water. We just wanna make sure the wall will hold up. How deep should the subgrade be? Thank you so much for your time!
Hey there! Make sure you bury a full course of block below grade, and depending on what the spec is on the wall block you are using, you may need geo grid as well. Good luck!
Thanks for this. Did you say ''2" stone base''? I have a crawlspace that has an eroding bank next to the foundation and I'd like to build a retaining wall to shore it up. This looks like a good solution.
Phenomenal work guys! Thank you for sharing your knowledge
Looks great, the only thing I'd recommended isspraying your base with water before you'll get a much better compaction. Great job though, keep it up!
Hi I truly enjoyed your video very professional. I'm a retiree and tying to build a small three block garden wall with a curve at the end. My question is I have put down approx. 3 to 4 inches of base material, I should say I dug a trench about 10 in deep . My wall pavers are 7 inches in height. How much sand should i bring in to lay the wall stones on? and should i back fill with course stone behind the wall. Again this is just a garden wall .I live in northern Michigan, we might get 3 months of summer and about 7 months of winter. the rest is bug season. LOL
hey glad you enjoyed the video! I would do 6" of crushed stone base (compacted) and then use a smaller open aggregate stone for your setting bed, like #9's or 1b. I don't prefer to use sand. Regarding the setting bed, we make it only 1" thick
There is a biblical tale or proverb about a house built on stone, as opposed to one built on sand, I do believe the one built on sand is the no no.
Great Job! Do you have a similar presentation of a sea wall kind of construction? some kinda new design. thanks.
They did a great job.
Thanks Daniel!
Nice job. Great explanation of what and why you are building it that way. Stay safe...
Thanks 👍
Great video. I need a wall redone. Glad I saw this, I need to save up some money for a couple of more years!
I saw caulking? in the background, but I didn't catch what it was used for?
Glueing...
yep, in places where we couldnt use the black clips (curved part of the wall and the cap stone) we glued them instead.
Any recommendations on where to buy the retaining wall blocks? You guys honestly have the best built retaining wall I’ve seen on UA-cam
Your local garden supply center should have some block. This is Techo Bloc Suprema. So you could search for the closest Techo Bloc dealer
@@Tusseylandscaping thank you! Much appreciated
I’m curious what a wall like that costs. I can only imagine. It’s beautiful and will be there for generations with that design and craftsmanship.
Thanks Craig! It was 14k
Tussey Landscaping
That’s less than I thought for all that work, material and equipment.
What is the length and height of this wall
@@olivernassry4055 it's approx 45' long and about 52" tall
@@Tusseylandscaping Is that 14k WITH material? if not, how much was the material in addition?
Very nice work that will undoubtedly last a lifetime
Thanks my friend!
You guy's did an excellent job on that retaining wall!! I see you had a few nuts commenting that don't know what there talking about!
Thanks John! What can I say..? 🤷♂️ Some in every crowd
8:55 thanks for showing how the drain terminates! Have watched a few vids that mention the drain pipe but nothing of what to do at the end of it.
You're welcome!
Correct me if I’m wrong but shouldn’t the Geogrid be cut and rolled opposite the direction you’re installing it ? That is to say that it should be perpendicular to the block not rollled across in parallel (which is easier).
You are correct, except this was bi-directional grid, which allowed us to roll it out the way we did
You had me when you said you’re building it better than it has to be! This is some of the best information I’ve seen on retaining walls. One question though, how many courses can you run with this type of block? Beautiful job!
Great wall, great content, very informative. Small note, got carsick watching, so maybe don't pace as much when videoing. Thanks and I look forward to more videos!
Thanks! 😁 Yeah, trying to do better with that 😬
Shouldn't be watching this vid while driving anyway- even if your Tesla was on autopilot.
I agree with comment above. Loved the content and tried to focus on what the guys were doing, but the fast camera movements and flash editing were preventing me from actually absorbing and retaining the information. It's edgy and exciting to edit the content like a tv ad, but it's too much for an entire video. Slow it down and take some time to explain the work at a normal pace. Keep up the great work, and I'm now a subscriber!
I can tell you guy's are true professionals
Thanks Kyle!
Imagine if everything were built with the attention to detail of that wall...
Yeea
Looks great, what type of lights could you use in a wall like that?
We like to use a low profile light under the cap. integral or Kischler make some
Best how to video that I've seen! Where are you based out of? WELL DONE...
Thank you thank you! 😌
Hollidaysburg PA
ROCK ON!!!
What do you do with the old wall blocks? Ever reuse them or they just go to a landfill? Beautiful job by the way!
We just dumped them. You could reuse them, but the labor it would take to handle them doesn't make it worth it for us when we're trying to get a job done
First class job!
Thanks Peter!
I love to see the job done right. It costs more to do it properly, but then the wall lasts way longer. Hey any tips on how to locate a wall guy in my area?
That is correct sir. That will save you a lot of greif in the long run. Best advice I could give is to do Google searches looking for a contractor, and then make SURE you go check out their past jobs. Be good if you could see some of their work that is 5+ years old so you can see how it is holding up
This video makes me wonder if the 7’ retaining wall in my backyard was done properly or not. It looks ok, but I don’t see drainage points.
Ouch! Hope you're good!
@@Tusseylandscaping Doesn't it depend on the amount of water (surface area above wall exposed to rain and diversion of building downspouts) expected to gather behind wall and the degree of seepage allowed though the wall?
GOOD job...you have ALL the necessary toys...!!
You know it! Key word: necessary 😅
What did you do with the geogrid that was sticking out the front of the wall? It looks like you were putting blocks on top of it while it was still sticking out.
Yeah it was, we just cut it back against, s and then used a torch to melt it out of sight
What always sucks is no one EVER gives a price on their project, its why many of us look this stuff up, to see HOW it's done and cost of project !!!!
Yes labor will be different in different areas, but still, give an idea on the cost of a project one has in mind!
Wonderful video by the way
I've mentioned the price probably half a dozen times or more in the comments here. 14k
Great video, great info, thanks for taking the time to make it.
You bet James
What is that little wall drain you used?
Thanks so much for such a fun and informative video! I have a question though. I live way too far from you guys to hire you to build such a wall for me and am on a limited budget but the size is approximately the same. I am going to have to build this one myself as there is no one where I live in the backwoods that does this sort of thing. Approximately, without divulging too much personal or private information, should a wall like this cost me to do myself, granting that I have all my own equipment to compact it, lift the gravel, etc? Just a ballpark figure would be fine as I know brick and gravel cost differently throughout the U.S. Again, thanks so much for teaching me how to do this the right way!👌😊
Hey Shannon, glad the video is helping you out! :) I would be prepared to spend 5-7k on a project this size that is DIY. Good luck!
@@Tusseylandscaping Thanks so much for the great information!
Wonderful video. I am doing a 50 ft retaining wall with steps in middle. Can i run a drain pipe behind wall and steps the whole length where it comes out at one end? Also, at start of drainage pipe do I need to raise it higher at one end so water flows out of other end? Thanks for any advice you can give.
Yes you can. Should have a pipe come through the wall or be daylighted every 20'. And as long as it's level, which it should be, no need to worry about slanting the drain pipe
@@Tusseylandscaping Thank you very much for help.. Will keep watching your videos. Take care.
Great video !
And nice work !
Whenever I put in a drain pipe, I always ask the question, how do I clean this out when it's clogged up ? And always bury utility inside a drain pipe. I cringe when I see utility buried right in the dirt. But the utility was buried before you got there.
Thanks James! Yeah, we had to work with what was there
I'm sorry If it's been asked or talked about already but I've always been told to have a piece of fabric separating the clean stone from the soil going up the wall? I saw that you guys don't do that and if it's not needed that would save a lot!
Yep! Beautiful job.. Well done boys!
Thanks Mike!
A Vibra-plate will consolidate material but will NOT compact more than surface to maybe two inches deep. Anyway, stone just needs to be consolidated so the plate works for this application. Just semantics, but should be clear to the uninformed so they don't use a plate thinking they are getting compaction. A good video. You build a good wall.
Thanks Jeff for the comment. Yeah, there is a limit to how deep the compactors can compact. There's compactors that can only go 2 inches, there's some that can do up to 6". We always compact the base stone in lifts that the compactor we are using can handle
It's impressive how often repairing something starts with ripping it out and redoing it right. Do you ever wonder if in 50 years someone's going to looking at that wall and saying, "they didn't use a high tensile polywhatchit bracketing system..."
Truth! Unfortunately that's the case... The goal is to keep people from making those mistakes in the first place
Ha ha yeah I know right! They'll be like man this was in the stone age! 😂
I need a link to the polywatchits. I’m trying to future proof my little wall.
🤣🤣🤣👍
The wall will be 50 yrs old and won't owe them nothing.
I really appreciate the video, thanks! All the movement did make me nauseous though
Nice Job guys!!!
Thanks Dwayne!
Would like to see more detail on each step, like how you trim the geogrid. Great work. Good overview.
We just cut it back with an utility knife. And then used a torch to burn it back in until you couldn't see it anymore