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Landscape Design

Bin black as retaining wall question

4 years ago

Might use mafia block for backyard retaining wall. Want to bring the wall up 2.5 feet then backfill with dirt.
Can I just add 6 inches of shale on top of the ground the way it is? Or do I have to dig down beneath the frost line even for block this big?

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3onthetree
4 years ago
The bin blocks I know of are 24" high, so I don't know how you'd get 30" without digging a lot for 2 courses. Also, the shale I know of would not interlock and compact for a base, if that is what you are asking. But, most likely it would be good to have a below-grade gravel base to allow water to migrate out from under. Practically speaking, the bin blocks I know of also have a 'Vee' groove (outie and innie sides) and a rebar handle, so that might not be the best look for a typical residential backyard, especially if there are corners or curves. And if they move, well, you won't be able to fix them without bringing in a method of craning again.
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