How to build a Retaining wall STEP BY STEP!

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Building a Allan Block Retaining wall
#retainingwall #allanblock #dirtboss
Hello my name is Mike and I'm the owner operator at TC Excavating also known as Dirt Boss please leave a comment and tell me what you think!
If you would like to email me:
[e-mail]
Tri-County Excavating
My Equipment:
KOBELCO SK160-6E
KUBOTA SVL 90-2
KOMATSU D51 PX22
KOMATSU PC88 MR-8
JOHN DEERE 310G
BOMAG 172-2
BOMAG BW900-2
HYDREMA 912
MF 35
BIG TEX 7 TON
DYNAWELD 20 TON
KENWORTH T-800
GMC W4500
RAM 3500
TRI-COUNTY EXCAVATING

[@alittlebitofeverything5090]

Always nice to see how you do things right and basically overbuild most things. It's like when people say it meets minimum code. Minimum code is not good enough, maximum is much better!

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Yes sir thanks !!

[@deplorablelibertarian]

Sometimes you just gotta make it work, not everything has to be perfect all the time. Let’s also consider that it’s pricey to over build, sometimes good enough is fine.

[@alittlebitofeverything5090]

@@deplorablelibertarian I agree, however the DB doesn't seem to take on jobs that he can't accomplish without it being perfect and in several of his videos he was called to do jobs that others started and abandoned or didn't do properly. It's a good channel for learning.

[@EdwardT9]

The wall build is fantastic, but the owner might want to see if a railing is needed in their region to meet code.

[@DIRT-BOSS]

@@EdwardT9 100% there's going to be a railing

[@XroorX]

That retaining wall is so wel done, the house goes up a million dollars in value!!

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks

[@michaelbeck3132]

Nice wall. Built properly. Not overbuilt. Some notes: Hard soil base important. Drainage very important, 3" weep holes every 15'. Geo grid first layer on second block (assume one block buried) and then after every two courses. Grid tight and pinned at the rear. Basic engineering rule (we are geotechnical and structural engineers), one foot of grid length for each foot of height. Six foot wall, six foot grid length (pulled tight). Using the gravel is excellent backfill. Dry clay compactable soil can also be used with a 12"gravel drainage field just behind the block. However, the soil will need to be compacted in 8" lifts. Very important. And must be dry. Moist or wet soil equals mud which will not compact. No organic soils for back fill. The #57 stone gravel not only drains well (to the pipe at the base of the wall with slope to outlet). The #57 actually mechanically stacks such that it is essentially self supporting. When proper engineered design and with good installation practice (like these guys), walls of over twenty feet tall are possible and long lasting. Note: most building jurisdictions require a building permit for any wall that is 4' tall or taller. Walls over 6' require an engineer sealed design to get permit with inspections by the jurisdiction or the third party engineers. Once complete, it is normal for the walls to show wetness after a rain as the blocks are porous and absorb water. They will dry out in the following days. It is always a pleasure to see good work. We only see this quality of work on about 50% of the projects we inspect. Wish you guys worked in the Southeast!

[@mittenequipment2443]

Is it necessary to use a filter fabric placed vertically between the clay soil and drainage stone? Or only on top of the stone.

[@phillipmclellan8722]

Great job, a little praise to the young helper wouldn't go amiss.

[@DIRT-BOSS]

💯

[@crr2762]

Man Oh man. I finished stacking my wall this afternoon, then I started putting caps on. I cut 45 on the corner caps, and man, that cut wasn’t straight down.I’m glad I found your video becuase I learned to things: chisel the cap on one end to get the rough finish look, and also just use it the way u showed which saved me from cutting 45s on two more caps.
Thank you Sr. Amazing.

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Welcome

[@staceymccloud6]

With all these detailed videos, dont make me take you out of business, bro. Im a hustler, baby. Triple dog double dare me..broham. excellent video, keep them coming.

[@markg.2501]

Nothin But "Another Brick In The Wall" For Mikey Mike....
Who ALWAYS Makes It Nicey Nice👍👀

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks Mark !

[@sassafrasvalley1939]

Boss man… that looks rather posh! The crisp straight lines, professional fit and perfect color match showcases the home. I LIKE It!!!!
Collin is really coming along. He doesn’t appear to be afraid of work… and is mindful of tools and equipment. Perhaps he’ll be bossing dirt in a few years!
Nicey-nice!

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Yes he's doing good Thanks SV see you soon!

[@blackdogexcavator21]

That turned out nice. Good job Boss and Colin.

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks buddy

[@alexosborne5629]

Marvellous Sir!!! A solid, level foundation is an absolute for any job, I refer to your work here for further reference!!!!
Good to see Colin getting stuck in, a good labourer is a must, he is getting there with good instruction from you !!! 😁
A fine job Mike, very prettay, very prettay!!!

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Yes thanks buddy

[@Jamieclarke88]

Lucky the home owner called the BOSS out wall looks nica nice thanks for taking the time to explain and show tips and tricks mike 👍👍

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks buddy how's everything down your way

[@Jamieclarke88]

@@DIRT-BOSS were in COVID lockdown atm where I am boss

[@DIRT-BOSS]

@@Jamieclarke88 I heard that that's crazy! What are your thoughts on it legit or I heard you only have 450 cases

[@Jamieclarke88]

@@DIRT-BOSS yeah I think it’s pretty legit mate we’re up to 600+ confirmed case in nsw that state I live in it was pretty concentrated around Sydney but now it’s moved fairly close to where I live I’m about 4 hours west of Sydney whole lotta craziness boss

[@billyshumate853]

Now that looks good. Take care and have a blessed weekend and I'll see you on your next vidja.

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Yeah buddy see you then

[@danlinnane6745]

Wow another A+ job by the Dirt Boss. Thanks for showing how to do it right the first time Mike, a lot of other videos skip parts and you have to guess what they did. Keep the videos coming 👍

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks Dan I appreciate it

[@darrenp5495]

Great video on how to do the job right .
Looks fabulous another happy customer.
Always going to be that person negative about tilt buckets because they couldn’t run it properly. Love how you like to work in a clean area no need for muddy boots .

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks I appreciate it Darren

[@henryg683]

Can’t argue with perfection another awesome job DONE by the DIRT BOSS!!!!! Great job as usual Mike thanks for sharing this awesome job with us looking great see you in the next video!!!!! Have a great weekend say hello at home!!!!

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks Henry I appreciate it

[@davidh7799]

I'm looking at putting a retaining wall around the back of my house. Part of it will be 6 foot high. Talking to a couple of small contractors around here. I hope they are half as good as you.

[@jettech1041]

Yea Buddy you make it look easy! That wall is dead nuts ! 🇺🇸🦾

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Heck yeah!

[@DigginLife21]

🔥🔥🔥 DIRT BOSSSSSS💪💪💪 Retaining wall extraordinaire 👊🏻👊🏻👊🏻

[@DIRT-BOSS]

DL-21 in the house Thanks buddy!

[@sonnyblazer5504]

Yes sir, had to come back and watch this one again. After thinking about it and looking at the beautiful thumbnail, it dawned on me how much you just presented. I mean you started with nothing, created a base, cut blocks for fit plus more (UNDER 16 MINUTES!) Quite the EDIT MASTER & lots of work!

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks my buddy

[@njonebale7889]

that’s how you do those caps D-Boss! no 45’s, got to break em like that, sweet job you grid it up tough, looks krakatoa proof!

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Oh yeah Buddy you know you put them in !

[@jfssparky]

I wonder, would geo grid hold the weight of a truck when parked on it. Say 4 foot tall.
I'll have to check. I thought that turned out beautifully. Go steal a snap shot of the final. Great job

[@michaelkoop5380]

Very nice on that wall. Like seeing how u do things and making it done the right way. Thanks again Mike.

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks Mike

[@dalepremo3695]

Outstanding, Dirt Boss! You need to clone yourself into southern PA - very, very few here have your natural skill level and attention to detail. Always a joy to watch your work. ELITE was talking about a tilt bucket this week - must be he read your mind!

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks Dale I appreciate it yeah those walls cannot be rushed they have to be precise pretty much every course or it multiplies it and gets bad at the top..

[@Dab-sh6tw]

South Carolina already called dibs on DB

[@dalepremo3695]

@@Dab-sh6tw Don't blame you, LOL! Seriously, though - it's pathetic how rare it is to find someone who does this kind of work and takes pride in it, isn't it?

[@eliteearthworksllc]

Looks fantastic! They make a really nice block. Great explanation too 👊🏼

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks Brandon you know walls.. they will make a man out of you !💪🏼💯💪🏼

[@brentking-gmailking2570]

Beautiful work... that really add a nice touch to that house. Thank you for sharing Mike and have a great day.

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks Brent I agree

[@MichaelJones1527]

Oh my back aches thinking about those Allen Blocks. Most people don't realize how heavy those babies are. I did a curved wall about 200 ft long for my son's house 20 years ago. But I was young like you when I did it. It still looks good 20 years later.

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Yes those Allan blocks are a good wall

[@donaldtrabeaux5235]

Excellent work and done right by Dirt Boss

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks Don I appreciate it

[@TB109.]

@6:13 lol I thought it was a mirror how the two dogs came in walking towards each other. I had to go back and watch it again lol

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Lol 🐕 🐕

[@jaidenniemeyer612]

I work for superior wall and paver we build retaining walls we use a push broom to clean off over blocks I highly recommend it, it helps alot

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks

[@cyndikarp3368]

Super nice & straight with sharp corner. Well Done.

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Hey thanks Cyndi

[@mikeembrey9176]

Great job Boss looks great very educational 👍🏻🇺🇸

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks buddy

[@rocketricksfireworks4544]

You guys did an excellent job! I love the attention to detail and not cutting corners nice! I've got to put up a 23-footer at 60 ft. And it's on a heavy slope. Can't find anybody to do it that I feel comfortable with.

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks

[@Drew_peaballs_128]

Great video well done!
Workmanship is top notch!
Gday from Australia

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks 👍

[@dackerson5]

Mike, that wall is awesome! Nice job!

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks Dave

[@briankosky4428]

Wow man ,beautiful craftsmanship.

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks

[@derrickpettit3489]

Awesome work Mike, just got done a smaller wall with that similar Alan block an concrete patio poured on top, tell 6a what lifting those everyday will make a man out of ya in a hurry, 80 lbs a piece, man that wall looks dang good, thanks for sharing an look forward to the next video. 💪💪🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks Derrick yeah those blocks are no joke definitely tone you up 💪🏼💪🏼

[@davebeck3135]

Another great project from the Boss!

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks buddy

[@HankinsExcavating]

Nice piece of art work Boss Man!!!!

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks Ryan

[@jamesboris1233]

Great job on wall

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks buddy

[@MadbencoFS]

Now, That's a pretty wall.

[@jamesmucci9344]

Nice looking wall and well built.

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks

[@allanmcleod3302]

I have been a professional wall builder up here in Canada for over 25 years the quality of the blocks down in the US is much better than up here you did a great job missed a few things but it is hard to include everything in a TH-cam video

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Exactly 💯

[@ProudPapaw88]

Nice straight wall DB. Great job thanks for sharing.

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks man appreciate it

[@alejandro6turrubiartes672]

Perfect job, I would like to see the drains installations.

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks

[@migzestradaa]

That's a beautiful wall bro.. I love it!!

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks

[@frank4532]

That is a great looking job Thanks for sharing Dirt Boss

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks Frank

[@ShiftyCDN]

Don't you need some type of landscaping fabric going between the drainage stone and soil?
I would say that soil's going to gradually creep in there, but maybe not?

[@DIRT-BOSS]

No I used to do that and a engineer had told me not to because It could push the ball when the dirt pushes the fabric like a dozer

[@mcethos8678]

Great video! Great job! Good information. Just starting out on building my first wall all this will help. Keep up the good work!

[@leoslandscape24]

I like this guy

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks Leo I like you too

[@isaacjacobs6192]

Beautiful work.❤

[@patriciabockenstette6550]

Beautiful stone and stacked just right for a pleasing look and sturdy structure. Thanks for sharing.

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks for watching

[@shitloveaduck]

Wow!! Laser straight and an awesome focal point to build off of!! You do excellent work!! Definitely a person I would hire in an instant!! If only you lived in Canada and on the opposite side of the continent!! Haha. I say the same to Brandon from Elite Earthworks!! You both do some of the same work, but you do so much more stonework!! Very nice stonework!! I love the stuff!! We have everything from 4x8x4 foot cement “Lego” blocks I call them. They are supporting the base my shop is built on. Level with the drive at the front of the shop, but 2 tiers deep at the back! Not so attractive as it is functional, but I like the look. Then all the way down to the very stonework as you have done here! Lots of flatworm as well, about 4800 square feet or so. Your work is as perfect as it gets! Thanks for sharing this video!! Some of my Dort Boss favourites!!
Take care out there!! Glad to see it’s not raining quite so much!?!?

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks my friend appreciate it

[@jasonmckee5030]

You do some dang good work there Boss. Good looking wall!

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks buddy

[@dylantrinder1571]

Looking good. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks buddy

[@user-ru7ys8zn8d]

Extremely nice looking wall.
Just had one question.
What is the aggregate layer at the bottom of the wall for? Is it for drainage? Wondering if you could've just scarified and recompacted the existing soil for a stable base. Since the pipe is above the bottom aggregate layer, I don't fully follow how it is helping. Seems like water could potentially get confined down there if you have some impermeable stuff adjacent.

[@josephdriscoll8527]

First class all the way and the explanations were vary clear , thank for another great video

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks man appreciate it

[@sallygreentv]

Amazing job out there 😎

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks

[@patfrederick7902]

Great videos..they arent monotonous. And you do nice work👍👊

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks man I appreciate it Make sure you subscribe for the next one

[@elroysuggen9821]

Awesome job, that looks really nice.

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks

[@sonnyblazer5504]

MAN, that came out really nice! Glad you chose this style over the curved wall, The FLOW is perfect, MIKE! Hey, isn't this the house from this past winter and that CASE what you helped your buddy (Jim?) choose? (See, we pay close attention to what you do - like the excavator sliding sideways on ice on its own!) The touch of this wall adds totally more character to the whole project! Thank you sir! Sonny

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Yes it is same house !

[@sonnyblazer5504]

@@DIRT-BOSS GOOD and ALL of you worked HARD on it and look how amazing the near finish product came out! Really happy for all concerned.

[@timothybutler9859]

Beautiful job!!

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thank you

[@justinbrandt5190]

This is great for sure. A couple questions: Can anyone answer if you're compacting the backfill stone every few inches too, or should that be naturally loose? I don't think he mentioned a few possibly important things: 1) Is the backfill 3/4 clean, just like the base? 2) Is each course glued, or just the caps to the top course? I've seen it done differently. 3) Why PVC drainage vs typical corrugated tile? Also, @DirtBoss, do you have a portfolio of projects years-out from completion to see how they hold up after "X" number of years. It's rare to see a solid wall years later that's withstood the elements and hasn't bowed or anything around here (Iowa).

[@DirtBrute]

Nice work ! Tilt bucket 💪💪

[@DIRT-BOSS]

I know you know it !!! 🤙🏻

[@DirtBrute]

@@DIRT-BOSS oh yeah !!

[@richardsedorski1206]

Hi nice wall looks great another brill job.👍👍👍

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks

[@TheMixedPlateFrequency]

Dang, that is a nice wall.

[@innovativeconcretesolution3522]

Looks really good, very tall wall!

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks buddy

[@justinsh2129]

"I'll show you how to do that on the next corner." Proceeds to not show us how to do it on the next corner... lol. good video tho wall looks delicious!

[@theoilman249]

Awesome job

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thank you

[@allenzackery1639]

Beautiful job 👍

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks

[@dccrafts4962]

Really nice job on the wall

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks

[@farmerbob728]

Fantastic job...Job well done..

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks

[@kevingrainger2530]

Good job, I hope a barrier will be fitted to stop people falling, otherwise this area is a unnecessary risk.

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Of course there is That would be quite ridiculous if there wasn't The job is not complete sir

[@xCoolBreezex]

Nice wall
It’s funny how everyone calls stone products different names but it’s the same thing

[@DIRT-BOSS]

10-4 I hear that

[@memyselfandifarmer]

Nicely done DB.

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks buddy

[@karlcarnevale4948]

Nice looking wall DB.

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks

[@myleseastwood1904]

Very good video explains all the steps not rocket science

[@christophernoguera3553]

Very freakin nice work almost like you learned from me from your method of work clean to the tools you use even the boots you wear . Awesome 😎

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks Man

[@Driving4bangers]

That’s a good looking wall

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks bud

[@johnmattu7262]

Turned out great, nice job!

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks

[@southswellsd]

Looks Great !

[@bryanlloyd1099]

Beautiful job on that wall!!

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks

[@bryanlloyd1099]

@@DIRT-BOSS you are welcome!!

[@kennethharwood2083]

Beautiful work

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks

[@bigsid1984]

Excellent work

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks welcome to the channel

[@irishman9935]

Looks damn good bro hell of a job!!!

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks!!

[@tractorworkandmore411]

I was wondering how the corners were done for these type of blocks. The place I bought the Allan block didn't have any of those half block when I asked so I had to curve my wall.

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Yeah the whole AB system really didn't perfect their corners

[@brandonl5343]

Outstanding!!!

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks

[@stejac51]

VERY NICE job ...

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks

[@stevelux465]

This looks amazing!

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks

[@chopboss]

You boys should invest in a rototilt attachment for the excavator

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Send one

[@chopboss]

@@DIRT-BOSS if I could I would bro

[@johnfurey6569]

Great job

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks

[@TwoTall1988]

I've got a pipe dream for about 200 linear feet of retaining wall (100 feet of it curved) and I know it will be a LONG time before I can afford the materials... curved section is about 45° slope 12 feet long 12 feet tall and the straight section is about 45° 8 feet long 10 feet tall.

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Nice

[@OliverHoffmannDesign]

Very nice work!

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks

[@stephentackett4064]

Insane job! Too bad you are not local. I need to get one built just like this.

[@richardhumber318]

Skill and pride in your work is evident. Really nice job bud!!!

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks !

[@freddybowman9905]

You do great work

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks

[@edstevens9357]

Looking great !

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks

[@joeycyr6910]

Looks really good!

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks Joe

[@Tangaroa1dollarway]

Good job sir

[@stoweman34]

Pro! Nice work!

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks!

[@AllAccessConstruction]

Great Job...

[@DIRT-BOSS]

Thanks