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How Do I Use Fill Dirt to Build a Retaining Wall?

January 21, 2019

retaining walls containing bushes that are being supported by fill dirtRetaining walls are structures that are designed and constructed to support the soil mass laterally so that the soil can be retained at different levels on the two sides. They are intended to restrain soil at a slope that it would not naturally keep to, usually, this is a steep slope that is near-vertical or vertical. A basement wall is kind of a retaining wall, but the term is most often used to refer to a cantilever retaining wall – a freestanding structure without lateral support at the top. Using fill dirt to support and construct retaining walls can solve many problems you may be experiencing your backyard. Retaining walls can reduce slopes, create a strong barrier to hold soil, manage stormwater runoff, and establish function landscape beds.

Uses for Retaining Walls

Oftentimes retaining walls are used when the landscape needs to be shaped severely and engineered for more specific purposes. On a larger scale, they can be used for things like hillside farming or roadway overpasses. For uses on a smaller scale like in a backyard, they are most often used to prevent soil erosion, increase stability, and in order to create visual interest in landscape design. Many materials can be used to create retaining walls, they include things like stones, bricks, and concrete. Regardless of which material you chose, you’re going to need fill dirt to help create your intended slope. While you won’t see the fill dirt in the final product, it is an instrumental part in ensuring that you are building a stable wall that can support weight properly and stand the test of time. Reach out to a Maryland fill dirt contractor for more information and to schedule your fill dirt delivery.

Costs of Retaining Wall Materials

There are several costs that you have to consider when purchasing the materials you need to build your retaining wall. The first is going to be the cost of acquiring the necessary amount of fill dirt you need. Fill dirt is extremely easy to get your hands on so it shouldn’t break the bank by any means. Cost becomes more of a factor when deciding what material your wall is going to be made of. Wall block prices can fall between $10 to $15 per square foot, while poured concrete can run from $20 to $25.

Constructing a Retaining Wall

a retaining wall that is built on fill dirt to keep plants upright and healthy while also protecting the yardBy following some simple steps, building your retaining wall can be less of a hassle than you think. Below is an outline to the steps you will need to take to complete a quality retaining wall.

Outline the Shape of the Project

Begin by planning your layout. You need to figure out where your retaining wall is going to start and end, and also if you’re going to need to build more than one. Make sure to avoid having downspouts pointed at the retaining wall, and if your retaining wall is against your house, keep soil and much well below the siding. Make a free-form layout by using a rope or hose to outline the shape. Then, use a shovel to mark the outline. Next, you’re going to mark the entire area with stakes and connect them with string.

Dig a Trench

Once the layout is marked you can begin to dig a trench. This bottom of your wall will start in the trench, so it’s very important to be diligent with this step. Dig your trench about 4 to 6 inches deep and about 12 inches wide, or twice the width of the blocks your using.

Level the Trench With Fill Dirt

Fill dirt will be the foundation for your retaining wall. Fill dirt is vastly different from the dirt that is already in your backyard. This is because the dirt in your yard contains organic matter. This organic matter is what helps support the growth of your grass, but is what also makes it unsuitable for supporting your retaining wall. Organic matter breaks down over time, and as it does the volume of the dirt changes, which can result in shifting of the dirt. Shifting of the dirt could cause shifting of your retaining wall, which would make it much harder for the wall the wall to support the soil it needs to. Fill dirt is taken from below the top layer of dirt so that it contains no organic matter.

Conduct Land Grading to Correct Drainage

If your trench slopes, you’ll have to use fill dirt and implement a little land grading. Land grading is a construction process in which land is leveled or sloped to form a base, typically called for when a foundation is needed for a building. Land grading can also be used to correct drainage problems, prevent flooding, level backyard space so the area is more useful, or terrace a property’s hillside yard. If your trench has a minor slope, you’ll have to find the lowest point of the trench and the highest point of the trench. Then using fill dirt, you have to build up the low points until they are level with the high points. If there is an extreme slope to your trench, you’re going to have to have your wall rise or fall down the slope in steps. Using your fill dirt, you’ll have to lower or raise an area of the trench so that each step is level. You do not want the wall to run parallel to the slope.

Build the Wall

a front yard featuring multiple retaining walls next to a driveway that has all been built with proper fill dirt landscaping and land gradingOnce you have your trench at the right level, you need to tightly compact the fill dirt. You can use wood boards or maybe one of your building blocks. Next, you lay down the blocks in the trench and stack them up to your desired height. It’s a good idea to secure your blocks will concrete or another material that can keep the blocks in place. Once that is complete, your retaining wall is done and you can begin landscaping.

Hiring a Maryland Fill Dirt Contractor

Though building a retaining wall can be completed with a simple step by step process, it is important to consider utilizing a Maryland fill dirt contractor for assistance with the the construction process. Fill dirt contractors can supply your project with the adequate fill dirt it needs to be a stable and successful structure that will improve your yard and ensure proper drainage. For more information and help getting started on your retaining wall project, contact the experienced fill dirt contractors at Dirt Connections.

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Google Rating
4.8
Dirt Connections
Dirt Connections
4.8
C Hannon
C Hannon
16:27 02 Jan 19
Chuck is a master communicator. Great quality dirt, quick responses to all my inquiries. highly recommended. Will be using Dirt Connections again in the future for more fill/top soil needs.
Daniel Chaney
Daniel Chaney
20:57 22 Nov 17
Chuck Moore at Dirt Connections really goes above and beyond to help his customers with all their trucking needs! My company, Benchmark Utility Services, has used Dirt Connections for many jobs and they always deliver for us!
Chris Mihm
Chris Mihm
20:49 08 Sep 16
Dirt Connections is amazing. I had a few people string me along promising good quality fill dirt but never delivering. Dirt Connections showed up at 7am the next morning! We discussed my unique needs. He told me I needed twice as much as my contractor suggested. He was correct. Dirt showed up same day! Would strongly recommend.
John D
John D
22:45 16 Sep 16
Chuck did a great job getting fill dirt for my project. He was able to help me meet a deadline. Highly recommend.
DJ Sweater
DJ Sweater
15:54 23 Feb 16
Chuck does a great job at taking care of customers. He walked us through the whole process, and made us feel at home about our siding and brick repair. I am going to call Chuck and Dirt Connections about our future bathroom and concrete driveway remodeling as well. Great guy, great company, thanks Chuck!
Jonathan Gessert
Jonathan Gessert
18:01 17 Dec 15
I gave Dirt Connections a call about a week ago to see what they could do about remodeling the bathroom at my house. Chuck answered the phone, was extremely polite and knowledgeable, and pointed me in the right direction! I thought the quote was very affordable, and will be recommending him to my friends. 5 out of 5 stars.
Sandra Maxey
Sandra Maxey
21:50 03 Feb 16
If you are looking for quality home improvements, this is the company for you. They were on time, courteous and went beyond our expectations with the addition they did for us. Would recommend them highly and definitely use them again!
David C. Roseman
David C. Roseman
15:16 29 May 18
My experience with Dirt Connections has been excellent. Chuck Moore is quite professional, and his personal service and attention to detail in arranging the right fill material is impressive.
mpgary21090
mpgary21090
14:10 04 Jun 18
We used this company to haul dirt for a pool dig out of Bethesda Md. They did an outstanding job. Thank you Chuck for making this work on short notice.
Michael Loper
Michael Loper
23:03 16 Jun 18
On behalf of the Trustees of Bruen Chapel United Methodist Church, I see hallmarks of this project (filling a 6 foot sinkhole) by Dirt Connections as the contractor's extremely prompt response and the thorough accomplishment of the work. The project was wrapped up much faster than I had estimated, given the issues that heavy rain has caused all over Fairfax County.
Miri Birk
Miri Birk
21:35 16 Jul 18
Excellent service. Quick delivery. good clean fill dirt. And the price was right.
Laura Bryan
Laura Bryan
17:38 01 Aug 18
I worked with Chuck who was VERY accommodating. He worked hard to get me clean fill which is not guaranteed. He was easy to get a hold of and quick to respond. If I ever need dirt again this is where I will go.
Brett Gerard
Brett Gerard
15:02 15 Aug 18
This is the second time I've worked with Chuck. The service is stellar A+, very organized, on-time and they are flexible on delivery. The fill dirt is clean. Chuck goes above and beyond to service his clients and most of all I appreciate they level of communication. This level of service is difficult to find in NOVA.
Chuck Jones
Chuck Jones
13:48 24 Aug 18
LandArt Associates, LLC utilizes Dirt Connections services whenever performing projects in the Northern VA/DC area. We have used them on small and large projects and the service is always outstanding. It is always a welcome relief when you have a company that is consistently dependable.
Shannon Frazier
Shannon Frazier
23:18 04 Sep 18
Our delivery was placed in the wrong location. Chuck made sure the mistake was corrected quickly and went the extra mile. Very responsive and professional. Highly recommend.
VIRGINIA TICER BAECHLER
VIRGINIA TICER BAECHLER
16:19 29 Sep 18
Chuck Moore and his staff have helped our family with multiple projects, including moving, snow removal, and water remediation! They're always willing to help, and they do so quickly and professionally! We would strongly recommend them to anyone needing any of their services! Thank you for everything, Chuck!!
Chris Myers
Chris Myers
14:00 09 Dec 18
Great service, great dirt, all around great experience! They even helped me think through what I needed to do after the dirt arrived.
Christian Chopitea
Christian Chopitea
22:31 11 Dec 18
Working with them was a remarkable experience, starting with the communication, punctuality, the delivery and the quality of soil. Everything was coordinated precisely to my expectations. Highly recommend if you are in need of soil.
Taylor Pereira
Taylor Pereira
14:25 12 Dec 18
Chuck is the man! He’s been working with my husband and our trucking business for months and has never let us down! Awesome guy, great businessman, and a great connection to have.
mike row
mike row
14:47 09 Jan 19
Chuck took the time to walk me through the entire process. He met with me multiple times and was on site the first day the dirt was delivered to help coordinate dirt placement. I would not hesitate to use him in the future.
Thomas Mathew
Thomas Mathew
19:18 13 Feb 19
Chuck was great to work with! Responds quickly and very flexible to meet any request. Highly recommend!
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