I didn’t, but I will use that for the top caps. Once you get that first layer done, it’s pretty straightforward! Stagger your blocks, make sure the ridge is pressed up against the back of the block below it, and don’t forget the river rock between rows! You can use construction block adhesive between each and every block if you feel it’s necessary. All the rest of the wall took another three more. So the first layer and it’s weird step-up took me about three hours. With the two inches of paver base, my first row here will be level with the second row there. I tamp that down, then add my two inches of paver base. Gather soil next to the first layer of block two inches shy of flush with the top of the block. However, I have huge tree roots to deal with along my wall so I do a step up. Ideally you dig the trench the same depth all the way across the area you’re going to build your wall. If you have a retaining wall block that is hollow inside, fill that center hole of each block with river rock, too. Also if your retaining wall is holding back land this is sloped down towards the wall. The amount of river rock should be increased if you live in an area that gets lots of rain. The idea is that water flowing behind your wall can get through the river rock all the way down to the ground level underneath your wall. This is for drainage so water doesn’t eventually compromise the integrity of your wall. You want to have at least 2 inches thick of river rock behind your blocks and in between them. You’ll notice I left space behind the retaining block in my trench. The good news is the paver base is very easy to manipulate and pack down. Sometimes I build up and move around the paver base, too. To adjust the levelness of each block I usually just use a rubber mallet. When I lay another block next to it, I also place the level across both blocks to check they are level with each other. Just like when you’re building a fire pit, the first row of blocks must be level! I use a torpedo level to check each block both directions – level from side to side and level from front to back. Now it’s time to start laying your blocks! Be patient with yourself and work thoroughly on this first layer. Be sure to get that paver base tamped down well! If your paver base doesn’t come wet like mine did, spray it down with a hose to compact it. I tamp with a spare 2 x 6 I had laying in my garage. Check with the building materials specialists who sell you your materials! Mine needs 2, but you could need as many as 6 inches of paver base. The height of your retaining wall dictates how many inches the depth of paver base you need. After tamping, you must put a layer of paver base down. In the trench, you need to tamp down often to ensure you’re placing your blocks on solid ground.
(height of each block) x (the number of rows I was planning to set) + (the height of the finishing cap) + (the depth of the paver base) = depth of the trench
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