Finishing the Wall and Final Backfill
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2-tier retaining wall
What happens here
Once the final course of retaining wall blocks is laid, finish the top of the wall with capstones. These are typically glued in place with a specialized landscape adhesive. Ensure the capstones are level and have a slight overhang to shed water. Complete the backfilling process behind the wall, using more drainage aggregate and then covering it with topsoil. Grade the topsoil away from the wall to encourage surface water runoff. Finally, plant vegetation or lay sod on the graded area to help stabilize the soil and enhance the aesthetics of the finished retaining wall. This final stage consolidates the structure and integrates it into the landscape.
Goal: Complete the retaining wall with capstones, final backfill, and appropriate landscaping.
Tools and materials
- Capstones — Finishing the top of the retaining wall
- Caulking Gun — Applying landscape adhesive
- Rake — Grading topsoil
- Shovel — Adding final backfill and topsoil
- Landscape Adhesive — Securing capstones to the top course
- Topsoil — Finishing the graded area behind the wall