How to Build Concrete Block Walls
Concrete block walls provide security and privacy for a yard. These walls can be decorative as well as functional. Building a concrete block wall is not difficult, but will take some time and quite a bit of money. The materials are rather costly, but a good deal of money can be saved on labor if you do the job yourself.
Things Needed:
- Concrete blocks
- Concrete mix
- Wheelbarrow
- Shovel
- Mortar
- Trowel
- Level
- String
- Wooden stakes
- Dig a trench for the concrete footing. It should be at least twice as wide and twice as deep as the width of the concrete wall.
- Mix the concrete according to the directions on the bag in a wheelbarrow. Shovel it into the trench, gently tapping it down with the back of the shovel. Wait a few days for the concrete footing to cure before building the wall.
- Apply a 1-inch deep layer of mortar on top of the concrete footing making sure that it is wider than the concrete block. Work with a small amount of mortar at a time to prevent it from drying out. Place the first block in the mortar ensuring that it is straight and level. Set a second block by applying a 1/4-inch layer of mortar between the blocks and setting it in place.
- Set two blocks at the opposite end of the wall by repeating this process.
- Tie a string to a wooden stake positioned at each end of the wall. Position the string so that it is tight and just touching the inside of the blocks. Use this as a guide to ensure that the wall remains straight.
- Set the remainder of the first row working from one end in this manner. Check every block as it is laid to make sure that it is level and touching the string.
- Install the second row by applying a 1-inch layer of mortar with the trowel and stacking the blocks directly on top of the first ones. Line them up carefully and check every one to be sure it is level and in line with the string guide.
- Add each row in this manner until the wall reaches the desired height.
- Finish the wall with a special top piece or by adding a final layer of mortar and smoothing it with the trowel.