Retaining walls and patio

[Buppies]

Nice work

 

[Muhammad]

Another day of back breaking work. Did I mention the clay soil? Really slows things down. But the second level should be finished tomorrow.

 

[EddieWalker]

So I was on a job yesterday, installing tile, and the best place for me to work from my tailgate was in the clients driveway. His driveway looks similar to yours, except it's super steep grass right next to the concrete. It's wide enough to drive on, but not wide enough to walk on to get to my doors because of high tight it is. By the end of the day, I really hated that driveway.

I know it's king of late, but I would seriously consider moving those blocks back, away from the concrete, and having a strip of grass there before starting the wall.

The loss of time would be small compared to the long term benefit of having a usable driveway for parking

 

[Muhammad]

So I was on a job yesterday, installing tile, and the best place for me to work from my tailgate was in the clients driveway. His driveway looks similar to yours, except it's super steep grass right next to the concrete. It's wide enough to drive on, but not wide enough to walk on to get to my doors because of high tight it is. By the end of the day, I really hated that driveway.

I know it's king of late, but I would seriously consider moving those blocks back, away from the concrete, and having a strip of grass there before starting the wall.

The loss of time would be small compared to the long term benefit of having a usable driveway for parking

I think you're looking at the sidewalk! The driveway is actually getting widened later on.

 

[EddieWalker]

Thanks. I just saw concrete right next to the wall and reacted. I really hated the driveway I was parked on yesterday, it made the entire day miserable.

 

[Muhammad]

Another day. This is one of those projects that takes way longer than you think it will... or want it to.

 

[MoKelly]

Lots of work for sure!

But just think of all the money you are saving on gym memberships!

MoKelly

 

[Muhammad]

Lots of work for sure!

But just think of all the money you are saving on gym memberships!

MoKelly

Labor quotes to stack these blocks was $24,000 (including the other wall we did last year). So that would actually pay for the membership for many years.

 

[goeduck]

Has anyone done a large block retaining wall?

 

[Muhammad]

Has anyone done a large block retaining wall?

You mean those 4,400lb concrete blocks?

 

[deezler]

Daaaang, Mo. You guys are still rocking over there. Great work.

 

[Muhammad]

Finally something exciting to report. We were (well I was) backfilling the second tier with the bobcat and the ground was loose and the course of blocks below was not filled with crush rock yet and apparently I bumped the wall with the track and knocked the entrie thing out of alignment. So that was an hour of taking apart yesterday's work and fixing it. But in the end we got a lot done today, working on the third and final tier. Also made a decision to integrate planters on the ends of the tiers where we are already at the 4 foot height limit but wanted to add more height because of the downhill slope.

Overall it's coming together nicely. Hopefully tomorrow we can finish the blocks and backfill since my one week bobcat rental ends Friday morning. I think we'll get it done. And if not all of the blocks are closer to the walls now so it should be a lot less hauling than the first 5 pallets. Only 2 pallets left.

 

[MoKelly]

After all your work using a Bobcat, makes you really think about how the Pyramids were built all those years ago!

MoKelly

 

[the old grind]

I heard they used steam power and wood gasification .. supposedly why there are so few trees in Egypt to this day.

 

[Muhammad]

Got to the point of running out of blocks and the next delivery is coming on Monday so I'm done with the dust bowl for a while.

I have to say that the "little" Bobcat T110 impressed me. It packs the typical skid steer power but with better maneuverability thanks to a 48" width.

Also I had a chance to use two different T110s because the first one had a problem with the fuel system losing pressure and not starting without the system being primed. That machine was also running rough, and the hydraulic pedals were both very sticky which can be dangerous. Only 1460 hours on that one, but being a rental and a skid steer you have to figure that those are not easy hours.

The replacement machine had 1380 hours so not much less, but what a night and day difference. Everything was smooth and no issues at all.

 

[goeduck]

You mean those 4,400lb concrete blocks?

Something like this. Your walls sure look nice!

 

[4570Man]

Has anyone done a large block retaining wall?

I did a couple years ago.

 

[Muhammad]

Another update!

Have a couple cuts left and need to wrap the planter boxes with pretty mangaris wood, but otherwise the walls are done!

We decided to add planter style trim on the outside edges to avoid stacking blocks above the 4 foot height limit. City trucks passed many times and never stopped so I think we're good.

Next step is some grading to do in preparation for lawn installation, sprinklers, landscaping, and a new driveway, steps, etc.

Note: All mistakes are intentional.

 

[goeduck]

Looks really good! You guys should go into the business.

 

[Muhammad]

Looks really good! You guys should go into the business.

If I were in the business I would be in a wheelchair from a broken back.