Mike Conneely, a builder from Illinois, details a landscape block retaining wall along a driveway that starts well below grade, with the excavation filled with compacted base stone to create a stable footing that resists settling. Larger, stronger blocks make sense here because the wall holds back vehicle traffic and equipment. The wall is built in lifts, with layers of geogrid set into the blocks and extending back into compacted backfill to keep the wall from pushing forward. Drainage matters even more: perforated drain tile wrapped in a sock, surrounded by stone, carries water out to daylight, which is especially important where freeze-thaw cycles occur. Landscape fabric above the stone keeps soil from clogging the system.

Watch more of Mike's full episodes on The Build Show and follow him on Instagram at the links below.
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