Interlocking concrete block is a way to build a strong wall without mortar.
Mortar concrete block retaining wall.
Scrape off excess mortar.
Some such blocks are made with flanges that slip over the rear edge of the preceding course.
Before you set a block or stone spread a layer of mortar that is about inch thick along the top surface of the retaining wall.
A cinder block retaining wall requires a bit of heavy lifting and plenty of planning and preparation of the area where you intend to build.
Incidental water moves easily through a vertical drain that is formed by the layer of wall rock placed behind the block and in the block cores.
Press stones firmly into the mortar on the block wall enough so that the stone is embedded into the mortar.
Likewise if a wall is over three feet you should seriously consider using only mortar for work on brick or stone.
With both types you don t have to practice throwing mortar or setting block but you will get an attractive addition to your landscape.
Position the caps or blocks so that they are evenly aligned with the wall or slightly offset to create a more pleasing appearance.
While type m mortar provides at least 2 500 psi of compressive strength it offers relatively poor adhesion and sealing properties making it unsuitable for many exposed applications.
Type m mortar mix.
Others rely on a system of pins.
Mortar will stand the test of time and support the weight of brick and stone more effectively.
Type m mortar mix has the highest amount of portland cement and is recommended for heavy loads and below grade applications including foundations retaining walls and driveways.
Run an entire row across the bottom first then another row on top of that and so on.
Spread mortar in short runs.
Fixing structural walls or pillars should be done with mortar every time.
The hollow core design combines with mortarless construction to allow water to drain freely from behind the segmental retaining wall.
Don t get too far ahead of yourself.
Build the footing and insert.
The dry stack construction technique allows the incidental water to escape by flowing around the blocks and out the retaining wall face.
As you lay the second course of block insert weep holes 3 4 inch pipe into the mortar every third.
A well built cinder block retaining wall can add a sense of a separate secure space within a wider space turn a slope into a garden and add living space by holding back a hillside.
The system consists of dry cast concrete blocks that are placed without mortar dry stacked and rely on their keyed interface and mass to resist overturning and sliding.