Wall dimensions
Measure the visible wall, not including buried base course. Most DIY walls should be 3 ft (36″) or less – taller walls usually require engineering and permits.
Block type
Standard 12×4 blocks (like Pavestone, Allan Block AB Classic) are the most common at big-box stores. Each block weighs about 27 lbs.
Capstones
Cap blocks finish the top of the wall and hide the block hollows. They are usually narrower than wall blocks and glued in place.
Curves and corners
Corners need corner-specific blocks. Curves use slightly more standard blocks because of the tapered fit.
Materials needed
Wall blocks
0
incl. base course
Cap blocks
0
finishing top
Courses
0
total rows incl. buried
Total weight
0
lbs of block
Base and backfill materials
Base gravel
0
cu yds (crushed stone)
Drain gravel
0
cu yds (behind wall)
Landscape fabric
0
sq ft for backfill
Cap adhesive
0
10 oz tubes
Bury the bottom course at least 1/10 of the wall height below grade for stability. Use 6 inches of compacted crushed stone as a level base. Place 12 inches of drainage gravel directly behind the wall and run a perforated drain pipe at the base. Wrap the gravel in landscape fabric to keep soil from clogging the drain.