Stand the block upright face down then position the tip of a broad masonry chisel into the groove.
Making your own concrete retaining wall blocks.
Formablok molds are easy to use from the amateur diy to the professional contractor.
Retaining wall blocks have v notch groove on the backside to allow the blocks to easily cleave in half.
Making your own wall blocks will be very hard work you have to clean the molds after each use spray with a release agent mix the concrete tamp it into the molds let it set up take the molds apart and start all over again.
For your next project try formablok molds and gain the fab satisfaction of creating your own unique configurations.
Continue laying your first course of blocks making sure to check that every block is level.
Adjust for sloping ground.
First approach your footings.
Formablok saves you money with every block you pour creating your own blocks will be cheaper than any comparable block on the market today.
Most block construction calls for an 8 x 16 footer.
The half blocks at the end of alternating rows can be cut using a masonry chisel and hammer.
Make sure they are solid and a minimum of twice the width of the concrete blocks you ve decided to build with.
For row one knock off the flanges with a hammer and chisel so the.
Of leveling sand and half the height of the first course of blocks.
To bury the first row.
Of compacted base 1 in.
I d suggest building forms for the wall s base from 2 x 8 boards and then using the same lumber for the block forms after the footer is done.
With the layout marked you can begin digging the trench.
Position your first block and use a standard level to make sure it s even.
If the wall is load bearing meaning it will hold dirt or other heavy substances the tie rods should be at least 6 inches into the footing before you set the wall.
How to build a concrete wall figure a.
Dig for the first row of block.
With a few basic skills and a bit of creativity you can easily design and build your own diy fire pit using retaining wall blocks.
After you finish the first course fill the space between your retaining wall and.
Tall wall excavate a trench deep enough to accommodate 4 to 6 in.
If needed reposition it using additional.