👷 Safety First: Always adhere to local building codes and regulations. Wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when performing construction tasks.
What is Retaining Wall Calculator?
Calculates the materials needed to build a segmented retaining wall. It determines the number of wall blocks based on face area and accounts for the critical base course (buried row).
How it Works
1. Wall Area = Length x Exposed Height.
2. Add Base Row: Add 1 block height (usually 6in) to the total height for burial.
3. Total Blocks = Total Area / Face Area of one block.
4. Cap Stones = Length / Cap Width.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Length: Total linear feet of wall.
- Height: Desired exposed height.
- Block Size: Face area of your block.
- Calculate: Total blocks & caps.
Example
Input: 20ft long, 3ft high
Result: 70 Blocks, 20 Caps
FAQ
How deep to bury?
Rule of thumb: 1 inch of burial for every 8 inches of wall height (min 6 inches).
Drainage?
Place 12 inches of clean gravel behind the wall for drainage.
Geogrid?
Required for walls typically over 3-4 feet high.
Glue?
Use construction adhesive for the cap stones.
Max height?
DIY gravity walls are usually limited to 3-4 feet.
Conclusion
Retaining walls must be built correctly to avoid collapse. Always bury the first course (embedment) for stability. Walls over 4 feet typically require engineering and geogrid reinforcement. Don't forget drainage gravel behind the wall.