Are you looking for a way to make your garden look more beautiful and increase its usability? Installing a Belgard Retaining Wall is the perfect solution. Belgard is one of the most popular and reliable retaining wall systems on the market, offering durability and strength that will last for years. It also provides an attractive aesthetic, with various colors and styles available to suit any home landscaping design.
Installing a Belgard Retaining Wall can be done yourself with some basic tools, or you can hire a contractor if you’re not comfortable tackling this project on your own. In either case, it’s important to understand all the steps involved in order to ensure that your new retaining wall is properly installed and secure.
This guide on how to install belgard retaining wall will walk you through each step of installing a Belgard Retaining Wall, from preparation to completion. We’ll cover what materials are needed, how much product should be used at each stage of installation, tips for making sure everything fits together correctly as well as other helpful advice for getting the best results possible from this project. So let’s get started!
What is a Belgard Retaining Wall?
A Belgard Retaining Wall is a freestanding wall system designed to hold soil and other materials in place. It is most commonly used as a boundary or barrier between one area of the landscape and another and can help create usable space where there wasn’t any before. The walls are made of interlocking blocks that fit together like a puzzle and are available in various shapes, sizes, and colors.
The Benefits of Having Belgard Retaining Wall
Installing a Belgard Retaining Wall can have many benefits for homeowners. It can be used to create usable outdoor space in areas that are otherwise unusable, as well as provide an attractive aesthetic feature for any yard or garden. Belgard walls are also incredibly strong and durable, so you won’t have to worry about them falling apart or needing repairs. Finally, Belgard walls require minimal maintenance and can last for many years with proper care.
Materials Needed
- Belgard Retaining Wall blocks
- Gravel or other aggregate material
- Landscape fabric
- Needed tools (shovel, level, etc.)
10 Ways How to Install Belgard Retaining Wall
1. Mark the Area
Mark the area where the wall will be built, and make sure that it’s level. Marking will help you plan the layout of the wall and ensure that no blocks are placed incorrectly. If you do need to adjust the grade, use a shovel or other tool to level the ground before continuing.
2. Install Landscape Fabric
Lay down landscape fabric on top of the prepared area and secure it in place with stakes. This will help prevent weeds from growing grass through the wall and will also help keep the soil in place when you’re installing the blocks.
3. Place Gravel Base
Lay down a layer of gravel or other aggregate material over the landscape fabric to provide drainage and support for the wall. Make sure that the gravel is level before continuing with the installation.
4. Install Geogrid
If necessary, install a geogrid over top of the gravel base. This will provide additional stabilization and strength to the wall, ensuring that it won’t collapse or shift over time. Installing a geogrid can be tricky, so it’s best to hire an experienced professional if you don’t feel confident doing it yourself.
5. Determine Wall Layout
Once the base is prepared, begin laying out the blocks for the wall. Start at one end and work your way towards the other, making sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper installation.
6. Place the First Block
Once you’ve determined the layout, begin placing the first block in position. Make sure that it is level and check to see that all other blocks will fit properly before continuing with the installation.
7. Install Remaining Blocks
Continue installing the remaining blocks, making sure to check each one for level and fit before continuing. Take care when installing the blocks, as they can be heavy and may require additional support as you’re putting them in place.
8. Backfill
Backfill the area behind the wall with soil or other material, such as mulch or gravel, to help stabilize the wall. Make sure to compact the soil after backfilling in order to prevent shifting or settling of the wall over time.
9. Finish with Capstone
Finish your Belgard Retaining Wall by installing a capstone atop the last row of blocks. This will help keep debris out of the wall and give it a finished look.
10. Inspect and Enjoy
Once your Belgard Retaining Wall is finished, take some time to inspect it for any mistakes or issues that may have occurred during installation. If all looks good, then you’re done! Sit back and enjoy the new addition to your landscaping.
Congratulations on completing your Belgard Retaining Wall installation! With proper planning and careful installation, you can enjoy this wall for years to come.
If you need help with the installation process, contact a professional landscaper or Belgard Certified Contractor who is trained in installing these walls. They will be able to answer any questions that you may have and ensure a successful installation.
7 Safety Precautions to Take
- Wear safety gear, such as a hard hat, gloves, and steel-toed boots, when installing Belgard retaining wall. Safety precautions will help to protect you from injury in the event of an accident.
- Read and understand the installation instructions that come with your Belgard retaining wall kit before beginning any work. This will help you install the product safely and correctly. The instruction will also provide you with tips and tricks to make the process easier.
- Be aware of your surroundings during installation. Disconnect utilities from any area where you are working, check for underground cables or wires and be sure to mark any areas that may contain buried lines.
- Make sure the ground is level before beginning installation. This will ensure that the wall is constructed properly and securely. Also, it is important to make sure that the ground is free of any sharp objects or debris.
- Make sure the wall is installed securely and evenly according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This will help ensure the integrity of the wall and prevent future problems due to improper installation.
- Be aware of your footing during installation. Always use stable footing when installing the wall, and never stand on top of it. It will create an unstable platform.
- Check the wall regularly for signs of wear or damage, and make any necessary repairs before continuing with the installation. This will help to ensure that the wall is properly secure and stable when it is finished being installed.
Following these safety precautions when installing Belgard retaining walls will help to protect you from injury and ensure that your wall is installed securely and properly. Be sure to read all instructions thoroughly before beginning any work, and always use caution when working with heavy objects or tools. Remember to stay aware of your surroundings, use stable footing, and check the wall for damage regularly. These steps will help ensure a successful installation of the Belgard retaining wall.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Will It Take to Finish the Project?
It all depends on the size and scope of the project. Generally, a Belgard retaining wall installation can take from one day to several days, depending on how much work is necessary. If you are installing a small wall for landscaping purposes, it will likely take just a few hours to complete. For larger walls that require excavation, heavy lifting of stones, and other hardscaping materials, it could take several days. It is best to plan ahead and allow ample time for the project.
Do I Need Any Special Tools or Equipment?
Depending on the size and scope of your Belgard retaining wall installation, you may need special tools or equipment such as a cement mixer, masonry saw, power drill, and other tools. You may also need a wheelbarrow for transporting materials or a trencher for digging drainage trenches. It is important to be prepared and have the necessary tools on hand prior to beginning the project.
What Type of Base Material Should I Use?
The base material that you use should be selected based on the specific type of Belgard retaining wall you are installing. Generally, a 4-6 inch layer of gravel is recommended to promote good drainage and provide a sturdy base for the stones. For larger walls, it may be necessary to use a heavier base material, such as crushed stone or concrete, to provide added stability.
Conclusion
Installing a Belgard retaining wall can be an intimidating task, but with the right preparation and tools, it is possible to achieve great results. The key to success is in selecting the correct base material for your project and allowing ample time for completion. Depending on the size of your wall, you may need special equipment such as a cement mixer or masonry saw.
Ultimately, by following our tips on how to install belgard retaining wall and taking into consideration the necessary preparations before beginning work, you will have all that you need to successfully install a Belgard retaining wall in no time!