Why not add a touch of class to your home landscape by adding a keystone retaining wall system. When the keystone retaining wall system was developed simplicity and ease of construction were kept in mind.
This article is a step by step instruction guide on installing a keystone retaining wall system.
Prepare the Site
To prepare the site you should have a plan of action in place. This means you should have planned out where the retaining wall will go, will it be curved or straight and how high will it sit.
Once you have discussed and put onto paper where the retaining wall will go you should then begin to mark out the area where it will go so you know which direction to dig in. you can use spray paint to do so or you can use some string just as your guide line.
To start your installation you must begin by removing all excess dirt, vegetation and unnecessary rocks and boulders. You can then start to dig a shallow trench which should be at least 4 inches deep by 12 inches wide. You also need to consider space for your drainage issues. You should remember to remove any rock, sod or roots that you find as you are digging.
Levelling, Base Material & Compaction
Once the retaining wall site has been dug to the right depth you should now begin to level off the dirt. You should then apply a base material. There are several base materials that can be used for this application these include; crushed rock, granular fill or stone fill. Concrete is the most proffered base material because it is a sturdy, reliable and durable material.
Level the base material and begin compaction.
The First Layer of Keystone
Start to place the keystone units one by one onto the base material. Make sure that their sides are touching and that they keystone units are level.
The keystone blocks have 2 holes on the face of them. Insert the interlocking pins provide into the front and back of the holes. These pins will hold them together.
Installing & Backfilling
You can now begin to install the rest of the keystone’s to achieve you retaining wall. As you place a layer you will need to back fill it with your proffered material such as; granular filler or crushed stone.
Install the Rest of the Keystone Layers
As your retaining wall gets higher as you go you will need to make certain that each unit locks it with the next. This is why the interlocking pins are so important. So make sure that you are hearing them click together.
Finishing Off
Once the height of your keystone retaining wall system has reached its peak you can start to add the finishing touches. You will need to place the finishing caps on the top of the last row of keystone. Before you do third you should backfill the area completely this will ensure the stability of the wall. You can then place the caps in their spot.
Hopefully this guide is simple and easy to follow. You will truly enjoy the creative setting of your own keystone retaining wall system that fits beautifully into your landscape.
