Low-Voltage Deck Lights and Pergola Problems

Posted on by Tim Carter
Low Voltage Deck Lights

Installing low-voltage lighting around a deck is quite easy. The soft lights create a magical mood and provide safety on steps. (C) Copyright 2018 Tim Carter

Low-Voltage Deck Lights

Question #1: Tim, I’m going to tackle rebuilding my deck soon and have seen lots of photos of low-voltage deck lighting. I’m afraid of electricity and don’t feel I have the skills to do this part of the project. Can you impart any wisdom that will instill the courage in me to try to do this wiring? Have you worked with an easy DIY system? Becky, Riverside, CA

Not a week goes by that I don’t get a question about electricity from a person visiting my website. Many fear lots of things and having respect for invisible electricity is quite understandable.

You may be like Becky. You may want to try to work with electricity, but need someone like me to tell you to be brave. The good news is all the wiring needed for a typical low-voltage deck project can be done with no power connected to the circuit.

That’s how I wired up my enormous outdoor deck last year. I’ve got soft LED lights on all four sides of each post cap along my 100-plus-feet of my deck railing and I’ve got down-facing safety lights at each stair riser. All of the lights and wiring were installed with no electricity at all in the thin low-voltage wires.

low voltage deck lighting

Installing low-voltage lighting around a deck is quite easy. The soft lights create a magical mood and provide safety on steps. (C) Copyright 2018 Tim Carter

I happened to use the low-voltage lighting system manufactured by Trex. The engineers who devised the system made it caveman simple. It’s all plug-n-play. It’s impossible to make an incorrect connection.

All you have to do is connect the lights in a series. There are tiny splice-block connectors that the wires plug into as you daisy chain all the lights together. Trex provides a handy illustrated manual that helps you make all the right connections.

A transformer converts the normal household 120-volt AC current to low-voltage DC current. After you have all of the low-voltage wires connected to the lights, you plug in this transformer into a photo-voltaic timer just as you’d plug a toaster into a wall outlet. It’s completely safe. The timer plugs into a regular GFCI exterior outlet that you might hire an electrician to install for you under the deck.

Be sure you use special rust-proof tiny cable staples to attach the low-voltage wires to the underside of your decking. You and Becky can do it and I can’t wait for you to reach out to me with your success story!

To help you visualize how simple it is to install the low-voltage lights, look at my collection of superb photos showing my low-voltage connections and parts on my own deck. CLICK HERE

Pergola Problems

Question #2: Tim, this past weekend I was involved in a spirited debate with my husband about building a privacy pergola that would make our small backyard more attractive and private. He insists the pergola needs to have four posts spaced like a table to be stable, but I feel it can be more like a fence with just two, or three, posts in a row. Pick a side and join the fray! Kelly, Columbus, OH

Every time I get a message or email like Kelly’s, I have flashbacks about back-and-forth building and remodeling discussions with She Who Must Be Obeyed, my wife. The memories are so vivid I have to shake my head to clear them away. I discovered many many moons ago it was in my best interest to find a way to make her dreams come true. Maybe that’s one reason we’ll be celebrating our 44th anniversary this September!

If you made the connection between a privacy fence and a smaller pergola like Kelly did, congratulations. Not only can you build a small pergola with two or three posts in a row, but it can also be moored to the ground so it won’t blow or fall over.

The pergola cross members that are connected to the top beam can be up to 6-feet long. It’s important to realize they should be centered on the beams that are going to be connected to each side of the vertical posts for the greatest stability. However, you can cantilever the pergola cross members using a 2:1 ratio for more shade on one side of this privacy structure.

To ensure the pergola will not tip over, the posts need to be embedded in the soil no less than 30 inches if the height of the pergola is above 8 feet. The higher you go in the air, the deeper the posts should be embedded in the ground.

You don’t have to surround the posts with concrete. Concrete becomes a liability in the future if you have to replace a post. I’ve had great success using crushed angular gravel. I surround the post on all sides with at least 4 inches of the gravel. The gravel ranges in size from sand up to pieces not much larger than a big grape.

If you want to see gorgeous photos of a pergola that Kelly will be having her husband build for her, CLICK HERE.

Trex Low Voltage Lighting Photos

Posted on by Tim Carter
trex low voltage lighting

These are the post cap lights on my Trex Transcend deck. It's magical to be on the deck at dusk. Copyright 2018 Tim Carter

Here's a collection of photos showing how I connected up my Trex low-voltage lighting.

Trex Low Voltage Lighting Is Easy to Connect

First, allow me to show you what the lights look like when they're on:

trex low voltage lighting

The LED Trex low-voltage lighting in the stair risers allows for safe travel at night. Copyright 2018 Tim Carter

trex low voltage lighting

I lifted the post cap off the post so you can see the wiring. The light comes with the pre-wired stub and it just plugs into the extension wire that runs inside the sleeve down to one of the splice blocks under the deck. Copyright 2018 Tim Carter

Trex Low Voltage Wiring

Here's a Trex splice block. This one has a power wire coming into the block to feed it and one going out to the next splice block. That leaves space to connect four different lights. Copyright 2018 Tim Carter

Trex Low Voltage Transformer

Here's a Trex low-voltage transformer. They come in two sizes. The Trex manual shows you how to calculate what size you need. Copyright 2018 Tim Carter

Trex Low Voltage Timer

Trex Low Voltage Timer

Trex Low Voltage Timer

The Trex timer has a very short cord. You plug it into a standard GFCI outdoor outlet. Mine is under the deck to keep it nice and dry. Copyright 2018 Tim Carter

Trex Low Voltage Timer

Here's the timer again. The transformer plug goes into the bottom of the timer. It's like plugging in a lamp into a wall outlet at your home. So safe! Copyright 2018 Tim Carter

Trex Low Voltage Riser Light

This is the front view of a Trex low-voltage riser light. You can see it's small and the light goes down, not up. Copyright 2018 Tim Carter

Trex Deck Logo Plate

What better way to tell your visitors what they're standing on? Copyright 2018 Tim Carter

Check the June 3, 2016 AsktheBuilder Newsletter for information on how the deck looked prior to the remodeling!!

April 19, 2018 AsktheBuilder Newsletter

Posted on by Tim Carter

I had some fun the other day. My son helped me tape a video based on a dream I had about two months ago.

Yes, I had a dream about taping a second 3-way switch video. Years ago, I taped a video showing how the wires are connected to a 3-way switch in new construction or a remodel job.

But, I get countless questions from people like you who are changing out a switch and they don't put the wires on the right screws.

In my dream, I came up with a way to get the confusing switch wired correctly in 90 seconds or less using just three pieces of painters tape!

WIDE-EYED TIM - GUESS WHO'S BACK FROM THE STORE?

I think you're going to like the open and the ending of this video.

It's been a while since I've let my hair down doing a video. I already know I'll never get an acting gig.

If you like the video, or hate it, be SURE to leave a comment at the bottom of the page.

CLICK HERE to watch the video.

I Need Your Help Again!

Guess what? I know this sounds crazy, but I'm going to be interviewing one of the top credit repair and mortgage attorneys in the USA.

I'll be talking with John Heath, Directing Attorney at Lexington Law.

What's the significance of this?

Lexington Law is the only legal-backed credit repair resource for consumers. It's their belief that you have the right to a fair, accurate and substantiated credit report.

Credit reports affect all you and I do. If you want to buy a car, truck, get a home-equity loan, a mortgage, etc. the lender is going to request your credit report.

Your credit SCORE affects not only if you'll get the loan, but the TERMS of the loan! You may have defects on your credit report that are not legit.

Poor credit means a higher interest rate for starters.

So, I want to ask John the BURNING QUESTIONS you have about credit, credit repair, mortgages, etc.

Here are the general areas I'll be discussing with John.

What questions do you have about these topics?

  • your credit score affect your ability to buy, build, or remodel a home
  • odds of getting a mortgage with a low credit score
  • time frame for looking at credit before applying for a loan
  • credit repair options
  • why work with a pro company like Lexington Law?

I think this is going to be a FASCINATING interview and I'm STOKED about doing it. I'm dusting off my investigative journalist jacket to do it!

PLEASE reply to me with any and all questions about this rare interview opportunity.

With your help, we can hit it out of the park!

HEALTH ALERT - Coffee Muck and Goo

I decided to clean my daily coffee mug yesterday.

I was GROSSED OUT. I use a stainless-steel travel mug to keep my coffee piping hot as I click away at my keyboard. It's got a leak-proof top.

I clean the top and mug each day, but as you're about to find out, there's all sorts of muck and goo that does NOT get cleaned!

It's got to be a bacteria hazard!!! Look at what I discovered when I took the cap apart:

COFFEE MUCK & GOO

 

IMPORTANT NOTE: Keep in mind I scrub and wash the top each day. What you see are coffee sediment deposits hidden in the seals and inner parts that create the lid.

You may have a similar mug, coffee pot, fruit juicer, or ANY other thing that has small parts that are hard to clean. My Stain Solver can make it new.

CLICK HERE to see amazing before, during and after photos.

I've even got a short VIDEO showing how the magic Stain Solver oxygen bubbles clean on their own. You don't have to scrub most times.

PLEASE consider forwarding this page at Stain Solver to any LOVED ONES you feel could be at risk of getting sick because of hidden deposits like you see above.

EIFS Nightmare

Do you own an EIFS home? Are you thinking of buying one?

You might want to read this revised column of mine about EIFS.

It's got an interesting video in it. Well worth your time.

CLICK HERE to see it.

That's enough for a Thursday.

Please help me with the Credit Repair Interview!!!

Thanks!

Tim Carter
Founder - www.AsktheBuilder.com

Do It Right, Not Over!

3 Way Switch Troubleshooting

Posted on by Tim Carter

This video was shot after Tim had a dream about wiring 3-way switches. Really! Read about this dream in the April 19, 2018 Newsletter.

3 Way Switch Troubleshooting is Simple - Play Musical Chairs

Watch the above video to see how to troubleshoot a 3-way switch that you goofed up.

Yes, I know you did. I know you had good intentions, but now you've got the wrong wires on the wrong screws.

Using just painters tape, a marker, a screwdriver and needle-nose pliers, Tim Carter shows you how to get the switch working before your wife or significant other walks through the door.

Related Links

New 3-Way Switch Wiring Video - What's Behind the Walls?

3-Way Switch Tips & Tricks

Fixing 4-Way and 3-Way Switches - Easy If You Try

Free & Fast Bids

CLICK HERE to get FREE & FAST BIDS from local electricians if you are afraid of sparks.

Rock Retaining Walls and How To Grout Floor Tile

Posted on by Tim Carter
rock retaining wall

You can use forgotten technology to lift some of these heavy stones yourself, but it’s very time-consuming. It might be better to use a backhoe that’s got a thumb. (C) Copyright 2018 Tim Carter

Rock Retaining Walls

Question #1: Tim, I read a column on your website about rock retaining walls. I’m having a hard time believing you can build a lasting wall and not use mortar between the stones. I’d love to just build a wall and not have to use mortar. What’s the real secret? Karen - Bethesda, MD

I routinely receive inquiries at my Ask Tim page at my website just like Karen’s question. You may be a person that marvels at retaining walls that hold back earth without using mortar or poured concrete.

You were exposed to why the stacked stone works during your high school physics class. It’s possible you were sick that week, so I’ll cut you some slack. There are several formulas that might make your head hurt, but it’s just about mass and friction.

The soil behind the wall is responding to the force of gravity. It wants to be pulled closer to the center of the Earth. Any retaining wall that works, is designed to provide a force greater than the pull of gravity thus holding back, for a time, the hillside no matter how big it is.

Think about how easy it is to push a stone along the ground that’s the size of a baseball. It requires little effort. Try pushing an angular boulder the size of a dishwasher and you’ll need to enlist the help of a few friends to get it to move.

Here are a few tips to help you succeed when building a stacked stone retaining wall. The first step is to dig down into the soil and remove the topsoil from where the base of the wall will be anchored. You want the wall to be in the ground at least 6 inches and 12 would be better.

If the wall’s going to be taller than about 3 feet, you should tilt the face of the wall so it leans back into the hillside. The forces that push against the wall increase at an exponential rate as the wall gets taller. As you double the height of a typical wall, the pushing force to tip it over can be 3 or 4X greater!

A stacked stone wall relies on its own weight and the friction between the stones to hold back the soil. Larger stones work best but be certain the scale of the rock matches the overall look you’re trying to achieve.

I’ve got a collection of retaining wall columns, including superb photos and diagrams, at my AsktheBuilder.com website should you want to dive deep into the subject.

How to Grout Floor Tile

Question #2: Tim, on my vacation I’m going to install a new tile floor. I’m pretty confident I can do this job, but I’m nervous about the grouting aspect. I don’t want to have horrible messy grout that crumbles and cracks over time. Can you share any tips so I get it perfect? Steve, Spokane, WA

If I had a dime for every how-do-I-grout question that’s been typed into my Ask Tim form, I’d have quite a high pile of dimes! The most important thing to know about grouting tile is water is your frenemy. That’s a new word meaning it’s both your friend and your enemy.

Many homeowners have the desire to do tile work. I love love love this attitude.To offer a free helping hand and share years worth of experience, I went to the trouble to create a detailed four-part-video series about how to grout floor tile. The videos are all on one page on my website.

Grout Floor Tile Video Series

You need the right amount of water in the grout so it’s workable, but not so much that the grout is soupy. Too much water dilutes the Portland cement that designed to hold the grout together for decades.

A small amount of water is needed to lubricate the face of the tile and the hard-rubber float you’ll use to spread the grout. Lots of water is required, as well as a special grout sponge, to clean off all excess grout from the tile.

Most grouting failures happen at this stage of the job. You might have too much water in the sponge and this water dilutes the cement paste in the hardening grout. It’s so important to squeeze every drop of water out of the sponge before you run it across the tile to remove excess grout.

The best advice I can give you is to build a small test panel. Purchase one 3x5-foot piece of thin cement board and lay it on your garage floor. Cover it with some of the same tiles you intend to install indoors. Allow the adhesive to harden for a day or two. Practice grouting this test panel and work out all your bugs here, not on your real floor inside. Be sure to watch my video series.

Column 1244

April 15, 2018 AsktheBuilder Newsletter

Posted on by Tim Carter

We're halfway through April. Yesterday I got a text from a friend who's an amateur radio operator like I am. Emily and her husband live in south central Pennsylvania and went for a hike.

She told me it was 89 F. This impish young woman has a long legacy of pulling my leg. After all, it was a balmy 34 F in central New Hampshire and my guess was maybe it might be 55 F at Emily's house.

I went to Accuweather and by gosh it was 89 F! Here's what Mother Nature left for me overnight on my truck and driveway.

It's April 15th by gosh! Hells bells - the ice is never going to leave the lake at this point!

snow-light-on-pickup

Leak Alert WiFi by Zircon

How would you like to get an instant email ALERT when a water leak happens at your home?

But wait, there's MORE! The email tells you exactly WHERE the leak is!

Zircon Leak Alert WiFi

CLICK HERE to watch the very short NEW video I just recorded on Friday afternoon about this affordable handy device.

The setup was caveman simple. You can put numerous Leak Alert WiFi guardians all around your home.

Each one is named differently so when you get the email, you know where to stop the leak.

The little guys even float if you have LOTS of water leaking creating a sea in your home!

New Sharp SPEEDBOR Spade Bits

I just tested some new spade bits.

You'd not think you could improve on such a simplistic tool, but you'd be wrong.

speedbor-spade-bits

CLICK HERE to see lots of photos and a VIDEO of these pretty amazing spade bits.

Be sure to leave a comment at the bottom of the page sharing any stories you have about spade bits.

Gas Can Survey Results

Did you take the Gas Can Survey on Friday?

Did you scroll up to the top after clicking SUBMIT so you could see the results of others?

Did you leave a comment at the bottom of the page about your gas can experiences. Let me know how you feel about the wretched hard-plastic clicking cap lock like I have on my can.

I was STUNNED by the results come end-of-day Friday.

Let's see if there's much change during the day today. Here's what the results looked like not too long ago:

gas can design pie chart

Rock Retaining Wall

New Hampshire is the Granite State. There's a reason why.

It's everywhere. I mean EVERYWHERE. Rounded rocks and angular boulders of all sizes are in the woods, fields, etc.

There are so many the early settlers used them for FENCES of all things!

CLICK HERE to see a very gorgeous cut-granite retaining wall I saw yesterday morning.

#7 On-Demand Radio Show!

CLICK HERE for some fantastic FREE audio tips and a story about too much trust.

Listen to Podcast 7

My most recent on-demand radio show features:

  • Karen and her expansive clay soil - easy fix BTW!
  • Best Cleaner/Sealer for IPE wood decks - and all wood decks
  • Tom's Pergola Beam Problem - Dolt Builder - Tim's Quick Fix

The FREE show also features a story about how I was far too trusting as a young pup builder.

You may BE OLD and be too trusting! You better LISTEN TO or READ the story so you and your money are not parted.

A written transcript is here.

That's enough for a Sunday, wouldn't you say?

Remember to leave comments at the bottom of all pages!!

Tim Carter
Founder - www.AsktheBuilder.com
Captain Magic Mic Man - www.askthebuilder.com/podcast

Do It Right, Not Over!

IRWIN Speedbor Blue Groove Spade Bits

Posted on by Tim Carter

 

irwin speedbor blue groove

Speedbor spade bits like this are in high demand. BEWARE: You'll need to keep these away from your co-workers and friends. They'll grow legs. CLICK THE IMAGE to have them delivered to your home.

IRWIN SPEEDBOR Blue-Groove spade bits feature a 40-percent thicker cutting edge to keep the bit cool and sharp. The shank is 25% larger for extreme durability. Get a set now for your toolbox.

IRWIN SPEEDBOR Blue-Groove Spade Bits Will Power Your Profit

I've used lots of spade bits in my career drilling thousands of holes. The first generation bits dulled in no time.

These new SPEEDBOR bits by IRWIN are designed to keep working and cut through wood like a chef fillets a fine chicken.

SPEEDBOR Spade Bits Guarantee Happiness and More Profit

irwin speedbor spade bits

Imagine being a piece of wood and seeing this thing come at you. Those spurs on the outside of the bits reduce breakout and create cleaner holes than if you had washed them with certified organic Stain Solver oxygen bleach. CLICK THE PHOTO NOW to have these delivered to your home.

quickchange shank

Here's the 1/4-inch quick-changeshank. it reduces slipping in a standard drill chuck. Guess what? It's compatible with bit extensions. CLICK THE PHOTO now to have these bits in your hands including free 5W machining oil. CLICK THE PHOTO NOW to have these spade bits in your toolbox in 48 hours.

Cutting spurs

Look at those spurs just waiting to deposit chips on the floor and money in your business savings account. CLICK THE PHOTO NOW to have the bits become your best financial friend.

irwin speedbor spade bit set

This is the outside of the durable carrying case that's got a full-length metal hinge. Competing boxes are pieces of crap with their plastic hinges that CRACK in the winter and your bits fall in the snow and ice. CLICK THE PHOTO NOW to have this case on your mantle next to your prize hunting trophy.

IRWIN SPEEDBOR Blue-Groove Spade Bit Video

Here's a decent video that shows these bits in millimeter sizes and 14 pieces and all. Don't you wish you had a British accent?

Zircon Leak Alert WiFi

Posted on by Tim Carter

Leak Alert Wifi by Zircon Offers You Its Protection

This column was SO GOOD that I shared with the 31,000 subscribers who read my April 15, 2018 AsktheBuilder Newsletter.

How To Be Alerted To Leaks Early

The Leak Alert Wifi is a dandy little alarm.

Powered by a lithium battery, the device sits and waits for water to leak. When the water contacts the alarm, it sends you an email.

The email tells you exactly where the alarm is going off.

Floats In A Flood - Sounds 105 dB alarm and blinks SOS

If you have a severe flood because lots of water is entering your home, the Leak Alert Wifi floats.

It will continue to sound its 105 dB tone and the flashing red light warns you of water hazards.

You can install one of these little alarms anywhere in your home you think water can be an issue. You name each one differently so when you get the email, you know where the leak is happening.

More Information

For more information:

https://www.zircon.com/tools/leak-alert-wifi/

or call 1-800-245-9265.

[email protected]

http://www.facebook.com/ZirconCorporation

Related Link

Bathroom Vent Fan Condensation Leak - Allow Leak Alert Wifi to Guard You

CLICK HERE to purchase one, or more, of these WiFi alarms.

leak-alert-wifi

CLICK THE IMAGE to order one of these handy alarms.

 

Rock Retaining Wall

Posted on by Tim Carter
granite retaining wall

A granite retaining wall like this one will last for hundreds, if not thousands of years. Tilt the top back towards the hill you're holding back for best results. Copyright 2018 Tim Carter

A rock retaining wall is a great idea. You may have the rock on your lot or land like I do. Limestone, granite, sandstone, and schist all are great rocks to use. Tilt the wall backwards towards the hill to help counter the force of gravity.

A Rock Retaining Wall Adds Value and Beauty To Your Home

DEAR TIM: I want to build a rock retaining wall, but have no clue where to start. Rock retaining walls look great and seem to be a very green method as Mother Nature created the material herself.

What are some of the most important things I need to know to build a rock retaining wall that will last for generations? What kind of tools will I need? Should I install the rock in mortar, or can I just dry stack the stones? Greg S., Irving, NY

Related Links

How to Build A Simple Retaining Wall

Retaining Wall Design - Many To Choose From

Free & Fast Bids

CLICK HERE to get FREE & FAST BIDS from local retaining wall contractors.

DEAR GREG: Building a rock retaining wall is not for the faint of heart. It takes lots of muscle and the three D’s: Diligence, Determination and Discipline. After one day of moving rock around, you’ll possibly be muttering to yourself that this was a very ambitious project.

granite retaining wall

The large granite rocks at the bottom are almost five feet in diameter. Copyright 2018 Tim Carter

Rocks Can Be Plentiful or Scarce

Retaining wall rocks are plentiful in many parts of the USA, but in some areas, they are as scarce as rainfall in the Atacama Desert. Before you go too much farther into this project, make sure you calculate the correct quantity of rock you’ll need. You can do this by estimating the square footage of exposed wall you intend to have. Once you have a quantity, calculate the cost of the rock. If you have to buy it, you may be in for a surprise as to how much it costs. The farther you are away from the source of the stone, the more it will cost. Freight costs to transport the rock can be very high.

rock retaining wall

These rock retaining walls will last for generations because they were installed correctly. PHOTO CREDIT: Tim Carter

Rock for a retaining wall must be durable if you want it to last generations. Not all rock is the same. Some like granite and limestone can easily last for hundreds or thousands of years. Cold weather is rock’s enemy as water that seeps into tiny cracks can freeze and blast apart the rock over time. I can see that happen with the rock in my yard here in New Hampshire. It’s a very durable granite, but this spring I saw some small quartz crystals that were broken away from the stone during the winter.

Rocks Are Heavy - Get Help

Rock retaining wall construction can be very challenging. The rock themselves are very dense. It’s not unusual for a cubic foot of rock to weigh between 150 - 200 pounds. Large boulders will either require you to have a piece of mechanical equipment or you have to master using gravity to help you lift the stones in place.

Gravity can help you lift stones as crazy as that sounds. A retired carpenter, W. T. Wallington of Lapeer, Michigan, discovered just a few years ago how to lift and move huge 10-ton blocks of stone and concrete by simply taking advantage of the center of gravity of the object. You can see how he did this in this video:

Retaining-wall science can be complicated, especially as the height of the wall increases. Walls over 3 or 4-feet tall can begin to have significant loads against them from the soil that you’re trying to hold back. If you’re planning a tall retaining wall, I highly recommend that you have it engineered. You don’t want the wall falling down injuring or killing someone or damaging your property.

CLICK HERE to get FREE & FAST BIDS from local retaining wall contractors.


Your rock retaining wall design will require you to decide between a dry stacked wall versus one made where you mortar the stones together. I’m a fan of dry-stacked walls because they can be long lasting, easier to construct and resist the freeze-thaw cycles that create frost heave and soil expansion that tips over retaining walls. Come to New England to see a dry-stacked moss rock retaining wall and you’ll realize the wall has been standing for generations to have accumulated the natural moss patina.

Using Mortar In Retaining Walls

If you decide to set your rock in mortar, I suggest you take the time and build a small test wall until you master the technique. Make the mortar very weak using a minimum amount of hydrated lime and Portland cement. This will allow you to take apart the wall and salvage the rock. I would mix ten parts sand to one part each of lime and cement for this lean mortar mix.

Most rock, because it’s so dense, doesn’t have the suction of brick and concrete block. Make the mortar mix fairly stiff. Without suction, the mortar mix stays plastic for some time. If the mortar doesn’t get stiff from water loss fairly quickly, you can’t stack more rock on the wall as the mortar moves in the lower rows or courses.

Soil Is Very Heavy - 80 to 120 Pounds Per Cubic Foot

Soil can be very heavy, especially if it’s wet. A cubic foot of soil often weighs nearly one-hundred pounds. Keep this in mind as you start to build a rock retaining wall. Your wall needs to resist the push of this soil against the wall. If the ground above your wall is sloped, you have tremendous pressure pushing against the wall as the soil succumbs to the pull of gravity.

When dry stacking a rock wall, you need to be concerned with the friction between the individual pieces of rock. This friction needs to be greater than the push of the soil behind the wall, otherwise, the soil will push a course of stone from a lower one.

Calculate the Surcharge for Cars and Trucks

If you intend to create a flat area above a retaining wall that will act as a parking area for cars or trucks, you need to account for this extra surcharge load. Some of the weight of the vehicles will push against the wall, especially if the tires are close to the edge of the top of the wall.

CLICK HERE to get FREE & FAST BIDS from local retaining wall contractors.

Column 776

Granite Retaining Wall

Posted on by Tim Carter

A granite retaining wall like this one will last for hundreds, if not thousands of years. Tilt the top back towards the hill you're holding back for best results. Copyright 2018 Tim Carter

Granite Retaining Walls Built Right Last for 1,000 Years or More

Granite retaining walls come in all shapes, sizes, and heights. They can be built with or without mortar.

Granite is best because it's:

  • strong
  • resists erosion
  • easy to shape
  • looks good

Granite may not be available where you live, but it's very common here in New Hampshire. That's why our state name is the Granite State. My own home is built upon the Meredith Porphyritic Granite - known as one of the most beautiful rocks in all of New England.

Rounded Granite Retaining Walls Work Too

My house has hundreds of feet of rounded granite retaining walls. The boulders can be as large as 5 feet in diameter down to 9 inches.

Most of this rock wall was built in less than five hours by one person. Some of the larger rocks had to be put in place with a machine. Copyright 2018 Tim Carter

In the woods near my home you can find miles of granite walls that created sheep pastures back in the 1840s. The rock was rounded by the last period of Continental glaciation. Even rounded, the rocks stack with relative ease.

Related Links

How To Build A Retaining Wall In Days

Rock Retaining Walls - Even Round Rocks Work

Free & Fast Bids

CLICK HERE  to get FREE & FAST BIDS from local retaining wall contractors.