The Brew Cabin

Posted: **Tue Oct 10, 2006 5:47 pm**

Hi all -

I need to build a 2 ft retaining wall across my garden (c70ft wide); curved in places with a couple of places for steps. Doubting my own ability to build a decent looking wall - I'm thinking of using those 'milldale mountain' blocks. These don't need setting with mortar, and sit on a bed of 6 inch hardcore (ie no wall foundation). They have a small rim on the bottom rear of each block so they sit together (with a 15mm offset) which gives the finished wall it's strength.

I know they're expensive but does anyone have any experience of using these? Are they any good - and will a 90 degree turn using corner blocks (for the steps) look OK?

Any experience / ideas VERY welcome

thanks Ian

Posted: **Tue Oct 10, 2006 7:20 pm**

Ive put up a few of these things. Personally i dont like them. Ive always put a bit of hardcore, then whacked it and then laid them on around 40mm sharp sand. Aslong as the first course is level, all the rest will follow suit. The corner might look odd, as the wall sits at a slant remember. Maybe curve it into the steps - i like curves

Posted: **Tue Oct 10, 2006 8:51 pm**

whats hard about putting 6 inches of leanmix in the trench??
you can get the leanmix spot on level and the blocks will go on easy
by leanmix i mean a 10:1 ballast :cement mix with very little water
it wil be a better job than trying to lay them on hardcore
cheers LLL

Posted: **Tue Oct 10, 2006 10:03 pm**

Thanks guys - just what I needed. I'll lay them on a mix - good idea, and use curves too. What didn't you like about them Stuarty - was it the finished look? I'm worried that the wall might look a little - erm - pants

thanks Ian

Posted: **Wed Oct 11, 2006 2:29 am**

Honestly, im not 100% sure, i just dont seem to like em. It might be because the ones ive built have been set against bright green hoarding for a house builders sales cabin. Or it could just be i dont like imitation stone.

The Brew Cabin

Dry retaining wall - Are milldale mountain blocks any good?