Somewhere between 1′ or 2′ is pretty common. Some require specific types of retention systems to prevent the wall from toppling from the top during high winds.

How close can you dig next to a retaining wall?

Re: excavating in front of a retaining wall





I think your idea is very cool, but I would not dig closer than 2 or 3 feet to the wall base, or behind the wall within 2 or 3 feet. A lot depends your soil type and the back fill. Talk to an engineer.

Can you build a deck on a retaining wall?

Building a deck around a series of retaining walls can definitely present some problems. Under no circumstances should you ever consider setting a post on top of a retaining wall. The walls are not designed to resist this additional loading and could result in a catastrophic failure.

How close to a house can a deck footing be?

Meaning the deck footing is projecting 5″ (125mm) closer to the house than the centre of the deck beam. Adding an additional 5″ (125mm) to the house 8″ (200) footing projection, the centre of the deck footing needs to be 13″ (330mm) from the house to not bear on the edge of the house footing.

How wide and deep for a footing be for a retaining wall?

A concrete footing should be 100mm deep by 300mm wide if the footing is for a free standing wall. The footing should be increased to 150mm deep and 450mm wide if the wall being built is a retaining wall.

How do you build a hill retaining wall?





All retaining walls should lean into the hill 1 inch for every 12 inches of height. Timber walls 4 feet or higher should be tied to the hillside with “deadmen” anchors (6-foot-long, T-shaped tiebacks buried in the hillside) attached to the wall every 8 feet, extending 6 feet back to a 2-foot-wide T-bar.

How much is a retaining wall in California?

Generally speaking, the California average cost for a retaining wall is anywhere between $300-$900 per linear foot.

Why is my deck sinking?

Sinking decks often occur because of improper inspection of the soil before the deck is built. The major issue is typically the soft fill dirt that originated when the home was built. Before you begin to lift and stabilize the deck, know where the soft dirt ends and the solid earth begins.

How deep should a footer be for a support post?

A concrete footing must be at least 12 inches below the frost line in areas with freezing winters. The footing should be at least 8 inches thick and twice as wide as the wall or posts.

How deep should a footing be for a 4 foot retaining wall?



The general rule of thumb is to bury about one-eighth of the height of the wall. For example, if your wall will be three feet (36 inches) tall, the first course of blocks should start five inches below soil level. The gravel base should start three inches below this.

What is the minimum depth of footing?

The minimum depth of footings below the surface of undisturbed soil, compacted fill material or controlled low strength material (CLSM) shall be 12 inches (305 mm). Where applicable, the requirements of CBC Section 1809.5 shall also be satisfied. The minimum width of footings shall be 12 inches (305 mm).

How deep should a column footing be?

A filled core column or poured concrete column should be placed full height to the belt course (ring beam) at each door jamb. This reinforced concrete footing is constructed monolithically with the floor slab. It consists of a series of slab thickenings under the walls with a minimum 12″deep downstand on the perimeter.

How thick should a footing be?



Minimum foundation wall is 6 inches for masonry or concrete construction. The minimum reinforced concrete footing thickness is 6 inches or 1 1/2 times the length of the footing projection from the foundation wall.

What is the standard footing size?

Articles & Tips. Under every house is a foundation, and under most foundations are footings. Most of the time we take footings for granted, and usually we can: For typical soils, a common 16- or 20-inch-wide footing can more than handle the relatively light weight of an ordinary house.

How do you measure a footing for a retaining wall?

Base width = 1/2 to 1/3 of the height of the wall. Base thickness = 1/8 of the height of the wall but not less than 12 inches. Stem thickness = 6 inches + ¼ inch for each foot of wall height.

Do you need gravel under footings?

You do need gravel under a concrete slab, footing, or patio. Gravel provides a solid foundation for your concrete as it can be compacted. It also improves drainage, preventing water from pooling beneath the concrete.

How deep do concrete footings need to be for a deck?



For most deck applications, in most jurisdictions, the width of a footing should be 20 inches round and a minimum of 24 inches deep. It is important that the base of the footings be solid, and in many cases you will need to keep digging until you reach undisturbed soil.

How far down do deck posts need to be?

Set footers a minimum of 6” below the frost line for your area to prevent movement during freezing temperatures. Pour about 6 inches of all-purpose gravel into postholes and pack the gravel tight by using the end of a wooden post.

How far should posts be on a deck?

Ideal deck post spacing is 8 feet or less. The distance between deck support posts depends on the type of wood species used and the size of the joist and beam. There is no minimum span, and maximum spans can reach up to 15′.