Our Keystone Block Retaining Wall System

Holyoak X in Santaquin, UT is your one-stop solution for keystone block retaining walls. We provide a complete service package, from planning and city approvals to permits. Choose the level of involvement you need, whether it's drawing plans, obtaining permits, or handling the entire process, including excavation, block setting, and backfilling. Count on Holyoak X for a seamless and efficient retaining wall solution.

Scope

    • Installing a keystone block retaining wall in your backyard is a phased process that requires careful planning and preparation. The key phases of installation include design, excavation, leveling pad, stacking block, backfill, and final grading. Below, we'll walk you through each step of the process to ensure a successful and well-executed keystone block retaining wall installation.

    • Installing a keystone retaining wall requires careful consideration, especially for walls exceeding 4 feet in height, which should be designed by an engineer. Accurate measurements of starting and ending elevations at both the base and top of the wall are essential for visualizing the final outcome.

    • During construction, the wall is laid perfectly flat to ensure stability. If the property has a sideways slope, the wall must be stepped accordingly. Once elevations are determined and steps designed, the construction proceeds by ordering blocks based on the design. There are two types of blocks—base blocks, used throughout the wall by stacking, and top blocks, flat blocks placed as finishing elements on the last course of blocks.

    • The initial phase of block wall installation is excavation, conducted with precision to avoid disturbance to existing landmarks or retained post-construction objects. The excavation depth is typically set at 4 to 6 inches below the first row of blocks, accounting for the leveling pad beneath. If the block wall is not engineered, a minimum of 1 foot of excavation is required behind the wall to accommodate a gravel backfill layer, discussed later in the process.

    • For engineered walls, the excavation depth behind the wall is determined by the engineer, ranging from 6 to 15 feet, facilitating the installation of geogrid for added structural support.

    • Following excavation, the next step in block wall installation is the installation of the leveling pad. For smaller retaining walls, a gravel leveling pad is commonly used. However, for walls exceeding 100 feet in length, a concrete leveling pad is often preferred. It's worth noting that laying the bottom row of blocks is more challenging when the leveling pad is made of gravel compared to concrete.

keystone block retaining wall

A Keystone Block Retaining Wall We Installed In Santaquin, UT.

keystone block retaining wall

Another Wall Installed In Santaquin

Scope Part 2

    • To enhance drainage and prevent potential retaining failure, the initial foot of space behind the wall is filled with gravel. This design allows water to drain effectively, reducing the risk of winter-related issues such as ice formation behind the blocks, which could otherwise force them outward and lead to wall instability. Positioned at the base of the gravel layer, a perforated pipe is installed to collect and drain water away from the wall.

    • Beyond the gravel layer, native material can be utilized for backfilling if needed. In the case of an engineered wall, the engineer will specify the type of backfill material required for optimal structural integrity

    • Upon completion of the block wall construction and backfilling, the final phase involves meticulous grading. The process includes leveling and placing dirt to ensure proper drainage. Additionally, this stage provides an opportunity for grading and preparing the area for concrete if needed. Our team is equipped to handle these final grading tasks with precision to achieve a polished and functional outcome.

    • Obtaining permits for any retaining wall exceeding 4 feet in height is a standard requirement in nearly every city. This ensures that the retaining wall meets modern code standards, promoting structural integrity and preventing potential harm. Most cities mandate a stamped set of plans, a cost-effective service provided by engineers to guarantee the project's structural soundness.

    • Landscaping preservation is crucial during retaining wall projects, as they involve excavators, block pallets, and gravel backfill, which can impact existing greenery. Protecting landscaping may incur additional costs, involving the removal of dirt and additional manual labor for wall installation.

    • For retaining walls exceeding 4 feet in height, collaboration with the property owner above is essential, especially when retaining a hill. Geogrid installation behind the wall is a requirement, and if the wall is on the property line, coordination with the neighboring property owner for geogrid installation is necessary.

    • Enhancing your property with a retaining wall is a smart landscaping choice. Not only does it create a level ground for easier maintenance, but it also maximizes usable space in yards and gardens. The addition of a retaining wall not only reduces the need for extensive maintenance but is also known to significantly increase the property's overall value.

    • Explore additional options such as a rock wall or a large concrete block wall to further elevate the aesthetic and functional aspects of your landscaping project. These sturdy structures not only serve practical purposes but also add a distinctive and appealing touch to your property.

Get a quote from us.

holyoakx@gmail.com
(435) 260-1445

Santaquin, Utah