rowingzeus

Covid free(ish). That came out of the blue. I have another question before I get back to it and I've attached a photo which I hope you can see and understand. When compared to the photo which I first posted, it shows a close-up at another angle of the left side wall and steps footings. On the original photo this will be the bottom left corner. With the old wall and steps removed, the footings are solid, smooth and level but I have a few concerns which I hope somebody can answer. The footings are clearly labelled. The patio is clearly labelled. The area between the patio and footings indicated by white hatching is gravel drainage. [1] The wall footing is currently level with the patio. Can I still build a new 3 foot high retaining wall on it or should it be below ground level as I keep reading? If I need to remove the old footing and replace it below ground level then I will. I just need to be told. Or will the footing be fine as it is? [2] I think I'm still laying an inner skin (on the side of the soil) of 7N blocks to assist with strength and to allow water to drain down with the aid of gravel wrapped in DPM so the wall will be an inner and outer skin. Does that make sense for the purpose of this height of wall and that it is retaining a wet soil garden. [3] If I remove the wall footing will a compacted base of hardcore and sand work just as well? (something I also keep reading a lot about). Do 7N blocks require concrete footing? [4] The right side (top right of my first photo) has crumbled away so I'm removing that anyway which will dictate what I do next. Replace all or remove all wall footings. [5] I'm going to keep the steps footing which is 2 inches above ground level. Am I correct in thinking that the angle of the steps works in my favour and I can secure them easier to the current steps footing? I know what I mean. I hope you do. There's a lot I've added here for your valuable time for which I apologise and also eternally grateful because after this I reckon I'll be able to move forward. Thank you in advance for anybody willing and able to provide any answers.

Willing to learn for the first time ever. If only I had applied myself at school etc... I nearly moaned about the 20k quote but knew it was about right. However, it also gave me a reason to have a go out of necessity so building it the right way and with the right tools will always be cheaper but will also be the right way. Plans are afoot. Thanks gents (and ladies if any of you are. Can never tell in these difficult times)* * Any unintended offense comes free of charge.

Late response. Remember that Covid thing? Well I just got a fresh batch which put me in bed for 3 days. On a breathless recovery from today. You know, simple works for me. To answer a couple of questions, the entire footing is not sound. The farthest part of the footing (top right of my photo) has totally crumbled. The left side (bottom left photo) is solid. The steps footing (centre photo) is solid so I'm going to remove all the old wall footing (solid and crumbling) and keep the steps footing because that will be easier for me to work with. As for making my own gabion baskets. Like the idea but that's like me doing maths at school (a brave attempt but 100% wrong every time) Saveasteading. You've highlighted everything I don't know about DIY. Of course mortar mixtures are printed on cement bags but my mind doesn't work in that practical way. Thankfully there is this forum which allows me to remain dumb, but anonymous.

That's a fine looking job, Radian. The blocks are a great idea and look nice. My wall is at least 3 feet high. The soil is secure even during recent downpours but I'd be reluctant to lay a single skin to ensure strength. Never thought of gabion baskets. Had to look them up. My problem might be brambles. Got loads in the soil behind the wall and they grow like their on steroids. Thanks all, so far. All giving me hope. For bricks and blocks, I'll need to know mortar mixtures etc... Any clues or tips?

Amazing, Temp. Lots of great ideas here. I posted the same original question on another forum and nobody replied so this is a goldmine. I'll post the finished product when I'm done which will still be several months away due to work and life etc...but I'm a lot more confident now. Thanks all.

Thank you saveasteading. I will use a more decorative stone/brick/block or sleeper. That is a given from Mrs. rowingzeus. I like the idea of stepping it back. I reckon my (our) decision will be made when I've dug out more soil and dug out the old footing but it sounds like I must use a membrane and drain/weep holes for whatever we choose.

markc, An instant reply making total sense so far, for which I thank you. Really. Based on what you said I'm drawn to using sleepers so it looks like I'm removing the old footing (at least for the wall) and I'll keep the footing on the steps at this time unless it becomes a problem - but that's for another day. Brilliant. I'll get digging.

UpHi all, Brief intro. I know nothing so I won't be offended if you treat me like an idiot. It works better that way. I was quoted 20k for a garden wall and steps so I'm going to give it a go by myself. I get it, the quote was accurate and I'm not complaining. I just can't afford it. I speak in plain English so any words that might mean brick or wood said in any other way might confuse my old brain. Skillset doesn't exist. Drill a hole and chaos follows. I can just about mow the grass without losing a leg. My query for anybody to guide me is: I removed the crumbling old garden wall that seemed to be made from randomly shaped waste concrete blocks. The steps were bricks, Castacrete blocks and slabs. The mortar was like sand in places. I intend rebuilding it. The wall was a retaining wall about 3 feet high against soil. The steps about 4 feet high or just over leading up to the garden. The wall and steps were about 40 feet long. It was single skinned with no 7N blocks backing it up which is probably why is was crumbling. (Stop me if I'm talking nonsense) I took the wall down to a smooth poured/laid footing (?) and this is slightly above ground, including the steps. Some of the footing is in good condition. Some has crumbled so I have to lay new footing for at least part of it. However, should I remove all the remaining footing? It sits above ground on some areas and from what I've read, should the footing for my future wall be slightly below ground level for strength? I'm either going to use bricks, blocks or wooden sleepers. I don't yet know. Whatever is easiest or cheapest. Should I lay 7N blocks or simply two layers (I think "skins" is the term) of ordinary brick. I was quoted 7N possibly due to the direct facing soil on wall and moisture which travels towards the wall when wet. I have a billion more questions but that's a rabbit hole which I will avoid at this moment. In brief: 1. Remove old footing entirely or not? 2. Use 7N blocks with a front skin of bricks or sleepers of my choice? Photo attached. (I can't add any more due to image size) Good folks on this forum. Help this old (but strong and not afraid of work) son of a gun to build a wall that will last at least as long as I'm living here. Or alive. Whichever comes first. Hoping any of this makes sense... Thanks in anticipation. RZ