Your guys aren't just getting it done, they're getting it done right! Careful planning and excellent execution! I'm looking forward to seeing this entire project through. Thanks for sharing the experience with us and God bless you!
Stan, this is where your content shines above the rest. Your expertise is evident and the informational level steps up. This is only my personal opinion, but I like it when you take us here. Thank you very much for helping us understand the retaining wall construction process! Nick, North West Farmer
Never realised how technical dirt could get. I'm amazed by your content and the professional way your team approaches the job. I learn something new each time I watch one of your uploads . Shame TH-cam doesn't have a bigger thumb's up button.
I went all Bobcat in the end. The New R2 series available today are incredibly improved and like you say, buttery smooth with serious mechanical improvements and stability. I like how you show us all the different equipment and input... thanks!
It’s nice to see some one ho knows how to do it right with the grid and back fill is just about as important as the block work start to finish top notch all the that will never move I did one it was 360’ long with 3 set backs of 8’ and 24’ high still standing 15 years now and you are right it’s the pins that make.the job last good job guys
Stanley "Dirt Monkey" Genadek ya sitting back now retired watching you do the work same weather here in Mass starting to get cold one more log on the fire keep up the good work
@@Dirtmonkey Thank you bud and it’s nice to have you along in the videos as well as commentating them. Thank you and you too stay safe and can’t wait 👍🏻
I'd have to argue that one because if the wall is backfilled with drainage aggregate all the way to the top like I have done in the past...then the water will find it's easiest way out and that's down through the rock to the drainage pipe which let's the water out quicker if it builds up behind the wall instead of building up pressure against the wall seeping through the cracks in the block...but yes the wall is designed to let water pass but if your drainage ditch is installed properly it will find the pipe ...I've always had to do at least five foot of 3/4 inch stone all the way up to subsoil grade and fabric over the top of gravels before subsoil is placed...
Love it Stan. We don't have a versa-lok distributor within 500 miles. It's likely an alternate manufacturer would make my project more affordable. Fortunately it isn't a 9 foot+ wall.
Hello there from Brownsville, TX I really enjoy the vids especially the break downs they have inspired a lil project here at home keep up the vids great job I do got a question I'm thinking of doing a small addition to one side of my driveway using pour mold the quikrete walk maker basket weave pattern 10' 10' how much base do u suggest and wat u think of the easy joint sand
1” clean with Portland cement..typically I backfill 18”-24” behind walls sometimes more. Your local concrete supplier can mix it for you..it’ll harden like concrete but be fully permeable. Major time saver..👊
@@joelarson3528 This sounds like a very interesting product. Thank you for the tip! Sounds too good to be true. Will check it out here in the north west area. At times we are in need of retaining walls on some of our sights. It is extremely useful to be aware of options we would otherwise be unaware of. Nick, North West Farmer
That fabric looks like what ppl crews used under the temperarry stone access road they made through are fields while replacing old wooden power poles with metal one's
Great video and I look forward to the series. I think your magnet did the same thing to your camera as letsdig18’s. The magnet messed with something internally and the video shows up with random multi color bars. Just thought you should know
Stan compaction compaction and then more compaction is the key with the grid that’s a big wall there wasn’t a problem with the engineering changing from a 9 to a 11’ wall but I guess if the slide plane is taken out of the equation everything will be fine.
We had the excess grid lengths already in place, I talk more about that during this mini series. But your right about the slide plane. The grid lengths were long enough to eliminate that as a possibility and built into the engineering.
That geogrid has to be a game changer. It probably effectively ties things together so the wall has double the equivalent thickness or something like that.
I had grilled hamburgers, grilled corn, baked potatoes. All homemade by MRs. Dirtmonkey and she is a dang good cook. Just wrapped up eating dinner myself. Enjoy the vid tonight! 4 vids coming out this week with the bonus extra on Thursday.
On sketchy slopes I loved my old bosses terex pt100g forestry that thing I sware couldn't tip over backwards and could handle a bunch of weight out front on a steep slope
When you say that those are the only solid blocks with pins, is that because the Keystone Standard retaining wall blocks have some voids in the backside? Or simply the only large block systems with pins in your area?
Love your vids. My yard is the opposite slope. I don’t know/trust anyone in my town to do help me get a flatter yard If it’s even possible. Any chance you have a vid of a job where grade goes toward the home
It's hard to describe the warm fuzzy feel of seeing the geogrid and pins go in with the blocks and be well assured that the wall won't have a blowout slide after it's done. Excellent work indeed
Why don't you use a geocloth to create a barrier between the dirt and the drain rock to keep the soil from mixing with the drain rock over time and reducing the effectiveness of the drain rock? Many French drain guys recommend a permeable geocloth to keep the drain rocks clean.
Are you subexcavating all the way out of organic soils, or to a set elevation below your wall? Most of the work I do (heavy civil works) I have to get rid of all organics but it looks like some might have been under your wall.
If I wasn't on youtube then I would stick with one brand for sure. But I feel like its my responsibility to test and try out as much equipment as possible to show others what they can and can't do. So others can make informed decisions.
Hi Stan, not that I have had much experience with those blocks with the lip, I have seen some people use clear silicone to secure the two levels together
Unfortunately there’s no versa lok dealers within 5 hours of me. It sucks because I’m bidding a 350 face feet wall right now, and I would love to have a block that’s easy to use doesn’t have the rear lips. Does versa lok ship if it’s a large enough order?
Is there any advantage to using Gabions versus retaing wall block? Ease of use, more reliable, stronger, less BS with drainage? Love to see you do a Gabion wall someday.
Maybe someday I will certified contractors that I can attest to the quality of their work. That way I don't have to do it but can trust its getting done our way.
Hey Stan just a question. I believe in one of your earlier videos you said never go more than two courses before backfilling. What changed that we can go up to four courses now? Besides speeding up the process.
on a typical project we will go 2 courses then rock it to stabilize it but we have always been able to go up to 4 courses before needing backfill and compaction. so we put in 2 courses, lay in the drainagae material which keeps it from tipping back but don't do the full backfill until 4 courses are up. Thats when we want to make progress fat. On smaller walls we typically build and backfill at the same times.
Your guys aren't just getting it done, they're getting it done right! Careful planning and excellent execution! I'm looking forward to seeing this entire project through. Thanks for sharing the experience with us and God bless you!
Thank you sir!
@@Dirtmonkey What was the cost of the job if you dont mind me asking? I'm guessing $15-30k
Fot the first time in 7 years, my boss joined the mowing crew fir a day! It was awesome! Hope you had a great monday! Keep up the great work!
How was it working with your boss? was it cool or nerve wracking or something else?
@@Dirtmonkey Can you do a Versa Grid Vs Geo Grid Video?
Stan, this is where your content shines above the rest. Your expertise is evident and the informational level steps up. This is only my personal opinion, but I like it when you take us here. Thank you very much for helping us understand the retaining wall construction process! Nick, North West Farmer
Wow, thanks Nick! Feedback like that keeps me going brother.
Never realised how technical dirt could get. I'm amazed by your content and the professional way your team approaches the job. I learn something new each time I watch one of your uploads . Shame TH-cam doesn't have a bigger thumb's up button.
Awesome video Stan. The step by step is great to see the transformation of the project.
More to come!
I love these videos. Looking forward to the other videos on this project. Thanks Stan...
You bet!
Thanks to your videos we where able to have the knowledge to ask all the needed question for our new retaining wall .
Glad to hear it helped. Did your new wall turn out good?
Thank you Stan for another awesome video god bless thank you for all the hard work you put into these videos
Very welcome. and thank you very much for tuning in and going along on the adventure.
Thank You AS a professional to the next. Thank you for your time and the knowledge you pass on to other people. Thank You.
I appreciate that! Little things go a long way. That helps to hear so thank you
Hey Stan thanks for takin time to video this for us. Always learning something. Long time subscriber. Craig. Pa.
Glad to help Craig. Thanks for being a long time sub!
Good to see these videos back, retaining walls and other block things are kinda cool
I totally agree.
I had wondered what happened to Sam. Glad to see him back and this project. Thank Stan.
Hes been busy for a long time on this one.
I've never seen so much dirt without rocks in it. Amazing!
I went all Bobcat in the end. The New R2 series available today are incredibly improved and like you say, buttery smooth with serious mechanical improvements and stability. I like how you show us all the different equipment and input... thanks!
I've been waiting for this series! Thank you Stan
Hope you enjoy it!
same here, wondered what happened.
Hi I just saw your retaining wall called
Crazy neighbour
Brilliant job you and your lads did. Be very proud of your work
Stan ….. I’m watching! I wish you and your team the BEST!
It’s nice to see some one ho knows how to do it right with the grid and back fill is just about as important as the block work start to finish top notch all the that will never move I did one it was 360’ long with 3 set backs of 8’ and 24’ high still standing 15 years now and you are right it’s the pins that make.the job last good job guys
That sounds like a pretty substantial project you tackled there.
Stanley "Dirt Monkey" Genadek ya sitting back now retired watching you do the work same weather here in Mass starting to get cold one more log on the fire keep up the good work
Good video, can’t believe how much work goes into a wall like that
Its pretty intensive.
Can't wait, Stan....I want to learn, thanks!
Great!👍
Thanks for the videos. I cant wait for the series
Thanks for tuning in!
Great Work Stan. You have a good Crew.
I am blessed to have an awesome team for sure.👊
Excellent work and thanks for sharing this with us take care
hayden its always nice to have you along bud. Stray safe and enjoy the upcoming mini series.
@@Dirtmonkey Thank you bud and it’s nice to have you along in the videos as well as commentating them. Thank you and you too stay safe and can’t wait 👍🏻
Nicely done video again! Thank you.
Thanks for watching the progress Jason!
Great video Stan I really enjoyed this video 🇺🇲 another job well done 🇺🇲
Glad you enjoyed it
I love these project videos.
Thank you. Plenty more to come.
Been a long time coming! thank you Stan!
More to come!
Stan great vlog! Man the care you guys put into yhese walls.
Glad you enjoy the projects Robert. Thanks for tuning in.
I heard a new saying from you, "boogered up." 😂 I am watching this for the second time. Fascinating video. Thank you! 😊🙏
😁. Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for tuning in tonight and there are 4 vids coming this week. A bonus one is on Thursday.
Looking forward to this series!
Very cool. 4 in total this week and 3 next week.
Looking good Stan
Thanks Robert!
Great stuff as always, Stan.
Glad you enjoyed it
first class all the way ,this is a lifetime plus job
We sure hope it outlasts all of us.😃👍
Awsome vid as always! Can't wait for the rest!
Thanks again!
Been waiting for this video. thanks for posting!
Hope you enjoyed it! and there will be 3 more this week.
Very Informative as usual Stan.
Glad you enjoyed it
Never a dull moment
a new day- a new adventure.
Have I not seen most of this project?
Anyway I want to see the finished job.
A difficult one for sure. Cheers 🇨🇦
This is a new one. We started this last month- this week we wrap it up
I'd have to argue that one because if the wall is backfilled with drainage aggregate all the way to the top like I have done in the past...then the water will find it's easiest way out and that's down through the rock to the drainage pipe which let's the water out quicker if it builds up behind the wall instead of building up pressure against the wall seeping through the cracks in the block...but yes the wall is designed to let water pass but if your drainage ditch is installed properly it will find the pipe ...I've always had to do at least five foot of 3/4 inch stone all the way up to subsoil grade and fabric over the top of gravels before subsoil is placed...
Yup, I would not use certain blocks especially at that height. Nice work and good choice of block...
Wow a lot of work! Don’t think I will be doing jobs this big in my yard! Lol
Ok ready for the next one Stan. 👍
Coming soon! 4 total this week with a bonus vid on Thursday.
Love the videos Stan
Thanks Clay!
ive been waiting for this vid!!!
there will be 4 vids total this week with a bonus one on Thursday. all on this project.
Very cool. I enjoy the process and the meticulous way the guys are putting the job together. Keep up the outstanding work.
Thanks 👍
Good video my friend hope the Project goes ok god bless 💯👊💪🔥
Thanks for tuning in bro!
How much did this cost? Im looking to do this in my yard.
Probably like $39
Probably more then 25k as the wall probably needed engineering
@@hellsangel2005 forget it 😂 you can buy the tractor they used for that amount. Maybe even more than one!
39k why am i getting quoted 70-100k for a 7ft wall lol
I was thinking about adding a usable storage/storm cellar to help fill it in.
Man I’ve been waiting for this episode for a long time let’s go
The newest one just released tonight as well so if you have a chance - check it out.
County material makes a pin together solid block. I also only use pin together blocks. Although boulder walls are more fun to build.
Keystone makes a pinned block but those aren't solid. I will look into those ones you mentioned.
Great project.
Thank you!
I was beginning to wonder if you were going to get back to this project. I've missed seeing Sam. Keep them coming.
More to come.👍
Forward thinking and planning i like it
Very interesting and informative!!! Obviously, a soundly informed process...but...what did all that cost the homeowner???
Would like to know an estimate too, I live on a hill upstate NY and would like a wall like this one on my property., I hope Stan will answer this one.
I can not comfortably answer this question as its for a private residence.
Versa- Lok walls are awesome. Ive installed quite a few
Our teams favorite by far.
@@Dirtmonkey I wouldn't doubt it. There's so many positives i dont think id even consider another system. Its what i recommend for every wall i do
great minds think alike.
Another 👍👍👍👍👍video. Thanks Stan🤗
My pleasure!!
Cant wait to see the new excavator Stan is getting just for us to all see! Only $100k for our enjoyment…What a nice guy!😉
I kind of need it to for my jobs😂
Yeah. Been wondering about this project.
This week is the wrap up and finale on it and then next week we build a paver patio on it.
Love it Stan. We don't have a versa-lok distributor within 500 miles. It's likely an alternate manufacturer would make my project more affordable. Fortunately it isn't a 9 foot+ wall.
Whatever product you use I wish you the best of luck with it!😃👍
Hello there from Brownsville, TX
I really enjoy the vids especially the break downs they have inspired a lil project here at home keep up the vids great job
I do got a question I'm thinking of doing a small addition to one side of my driveway using pour mold the quikrete walk maker basket weave pattern 10' 10' how much base do u suggest and wat u think of the easy joint sand
we don't use it much so I can't say a whole lot about it. sorry
Good Video, thanks for shaaring.
Thanks for watching!
Would really like to see you do some videos using Redi Rock.
Very educational.
Glad to hear that- thank you!
Have you ever considered anchorplex permeable backfill in place of geo-grid?
Never heard of it.
1” clean with Portland cement..typically I backfill 18”-24” behind walls sometimes more. Your local concrete supplier can mix it for you..it’ll harden like concrete but be fully permeable. Major time saver..👊
@@joelarson3528 This sounds like a very interesting product. Thank you for the tip! Sounds too good to be true. Will check it out here in the north west area. At times we are in need of retaining walls on some of our sights. It is extremely useful to be aware of options we would otherwise be unaware of. Nick, North West Farmer
This is great. What kind of blocks are those?
Been waiting for the return of this video update.
There will be 4 parts to the wall this week and then 3 parts to the pavers next week.
@@Dirtmonkey This is interesting as hell. I am really enjoying these videos.
Awesome! Should be a fun week then.
That fabric looks like what ppl crews used under the temperarry stone access road they made through are fields while replacing old wooden power poles with metal one's
its a heavy duty woven permeable fabric
I love the content, and I’m sorry I have missed like 2 videos but I will catch up
Brilliant video.
Thanks man 👊
Great video and I look forward to the series.
I think your magnet did the same thing to your camera as letsdig18’s. The magnet messed with something internally and the video shows up with random multi color bars. Just thought you should know
I seen that. My camera does that every now and then. weird
Yeah, I noticed the horizontal flashing green bars at about 11:07 into the video.
Nice video man !!
Why do you not use tie-backs to help keep the wall from moving over time?
Thats what the geogrid does
Good stuff! Thanks
Glad you liked it!
“The wall wouldn’t have failed by any means, just would’ve been exposed” basically saying he could’ve halfway cheated but chose not too. Much respect
Have a similar scenario at my house in Boston, MASSACHUSETTS. What would something like this cost roughly with the same precision?
Love the videos
Thanks!
Stan compaction compaction and then more compaction is the key with the grid that’s a big wall there wasn’t a problem with the engineering changing from a 9 to a 11’ wall but I guess if the slide plane is taken out of the equation everything will be fine.
We had the excess grid lengths already in place, I talk more about that during this mini series. But your right about the slide plane. The grid lengths were long enough to eliminate that as a possibility and built into the engineering.
That geogrid has to be a game changer. It probably effectively ties things together so the wall has double the equivalent thickness or something like that.
The geogrid is what allows us to build tall walls.
Is the municipality requiring a 4 ft fence at the top of the retaining wall to prevent people from falling off?
After we are all through the customer will install fall protection.
Today its smothered chili verde burritos with rice and beans. Dirt Monkey has become my dinnertime entertainment. 👊😆👍
I had grilled hamburgers, grilled corn, baked potatoes. All homemade by MRs. Dirtmonkey and she is a dang good cook. Just wrapped up eating dinner myself. Enjoy the vid tonight! 4 vids coming out this week with the bonus extra on Thursday.
On sketchy slopes I loved my old bosses terex pt100g forestry that thing I sware couldn't tip over backwards and could handle a bunch of weight out front on a steep slope
Thats how we feel about the ASV
Looks like a lot of labor. how much job like this?
When you say that those are the only solid blocks with pins, is that because the Keystone Standard retaining wall blocks have some voids in the backside? Or simply the only large block systems with pins in your area?
keystone you have to core fill. They have those voids you mentioned but at least keystone are pinned.
Stan have you ever heard of hydroblock its a company here in pa you berry it in the ground it work like a french drain
I have not heard of it.
Love your vids. My yard is the opposite slope. I don’t know/trust anyone in my town to do help me get a flatter yard If it’s even possible. Any chance you have a vid of a job where grade goes toward the home
Yes. but its VEERY OLD! One of my first vids actually.
It's hard to describe the warm fuzzy feel of seeing the geogrid and pins go in with the blocks and be well assured that the wall won't have a blowout slide after it's done. Excellent work indeed
Sounds like you recognize the process and the importance
Why don't you use a geocloth to create a barrier between the dirt and the drain rock to keep the soil from mixing with the drain rock over time and reducing the effectiveness of the drain rock? Many French drain guys recommend a permeable geocloth to keep the drain rocks clean.
Outstanding
Are you subexcavating all the way out of organic soils, or to a set elevation below your wall? Most of the work I do (heavy civil works) I have to get rid of all organics but it looks like some might have been under your wall.
No organics are left below the wall. This wall actually had a soil correction done on it to get out the unstable organic material.
Do you ever run into issues ordering parts for so many different machines? Will you ever stick to one brand to make the maintenance more efficient?
If I wasn't on youtube then I would stick with one brand for sure. But I feel like its my responsibility to test and try out as much equipment as possible to show others what they can and can't do. So others can make informed decisions.
@@Dirtmonkey Thanks! We appreciate it. Love the videos.
Hi Stan, not that I have had much experience with those blocks with the lip, I have seen some people use clear silicone to secure the two levels together
Hi henry- IMO- Technically that is wrong. These blocks are designed to not rely on mortar or adhesion.
It was for a raised garden bed sorry 3 course high
Unfortunately there’s no versa lok dealers within 5 hours of me. It sucks because I’m bidding a 350 face feet wall right now, and I would love to have a block that’s easy to use doesn’t have the rear lips. Does versa lok ship if it’s a large enough order?
Try calling them and see if they will.
Is there any advantage to using Gabions versus retaing wall block?
Ease of use, more reliable, stronger, less BS with drainage?
Love to see you do a Gabion wall someday.
I love gabion walls. Strong durable, great drainage built in.
I wish you guys did work in Cherokee County, NC.
Maybe someday I will certified contractors that I can attest to the quality of their work. That way I don't have to do it but can trust its getting done our way.
Nice video bro 👍
Thank you very much!🙏
If you don't mind me asking, what was the ballpark cost of this job? 90 grand?
You should look into getting a bobcat E20 or E26 mini excavator with quick couplers and a thumb. It will change your life!
Is there no need for using masonry glue between the versalok blocks?
None- thats the jobs of the pins
Here in St Louis area we would have to have Enigineer signed and sealed drawings to get a permit to build a wall that high.
Same- Thats what we are uising to build this wall with. Stamped engineered drawings
@@Dirtmonkey video kind of looks like its improvised on the spot. Yes field changes happen but still the video looks like design as you build
Hey Stan just a question. I believe in one of your earlier videos you said never go more than two courses before backfilling. What changed that we can go up to four courses now? Besides speeding up the process.
Probably because of the weight of this particular product. Some retaining walls blocks weigh 20 pounds ish, some 80 pounds ish, some over 100!
on a typical project we will go 2 courses then rock it to stabilize it but we have always been able to go up to 4 courses before needing backfill and compaction. so we put in 2 courses, lay in the drainagae material which keeps it from tipping back but don't do the full backfill until 4 courses are up. Thats when we want to make progress fat. On smaller walls we typically build and backfill at the same times.