The Brew Cabin

Posted: **Sun Nov 11, 2007 11:24 am**

Hi

I'm currently terracing my back garden and need to build a low retaining wall, no more than 18" high, probably using that decorative Marshalls walling (which I believe can be layed using special adhesive, but I digress).

Anyway, I just wanted to get some advice about the foundations. The ground is solid clay which seems to get a bit waterlogged in places (at this time of year anyway). Based on the low height and type of ground, does the 150mm thick concrete foundation still apply or can I afford to go shallower?

(This is a far cry from watching my dad tamp a load of gravel into the soil as the "foundations" for low brick walls when I was a kid).

Thanks in advance
Andy

PS - keep up the good work on this site Tony - it has been an inspiration to a few DIY projects over the years...

Posted: **Sun Nov 11, 2007 12:57 pm**

A third of retained height is what I've worked to previously.

Posted: **Sun Nov 11, 2007 5:06 pm**

Hi Tandy. Seeing as its a low wall, it is OK to reduce the depth as long as you make it wider to compensate.

Posted: **Mon Nov 12, 2007 8:35 pm**

Dont forget to leave some weep holes.

Dave

Posted: **Wed Nov 14, 2007 5:49 pm**

i have used the aforementioned marshalls walling blocks that you glue together
and my advice would be make sure you get your 1st course bang on level
either bed the 1 st course into leanmix and allow to go off overnight ,or concrete the foundation and bed yout first course on mortar
there is no play with the adhesive,oh and dont knock too much up it goes a long way
cheers LLL

The Brew Cabin

Low retaining wall advice