The National Concrete Masonry Association presents the essential guide to constructing segmental retaining walls with detailed, easy-to-follow diagrams and charts for do-it-yourself homeowners and landscape contractors alike. From the fundamentals to the latest research and modern techniques in segmental retaining wall construction, this colorful and inspiring gallery of design suggestions accompanies the expertly written step-by-step guide, and offers a plethora of landscaping ideas ilable and will inspire great new designs for all landscape styles.

Building your own retaining wall may seem like a daunting task, but this book breaks the entire process down into manageable pieces and guides you step-by-step throughout the entire process. I cover everything from the initial planning, to getting supplies, digging the trenches, and laying the stones. I have included a full materials list, explanations, troubleshooting tips, and over 50 full-color photos. If you are planning to build your own retaining wall, I hope that as you read this book and view the photos, it will help you as you begin the journey of Building Your Retaining Wall.

This book will walk you through everything you need to consider as you plan for your retaining wall project utilizing segmental concrete blocks. You will find step by step instructions on how to construct the wall, what tools are required, and how to calculate the required materials. In addition, the book will go through all the planning required, including when to file for a building permit and when to contact an engineer. There are specific instructions for various design features including curves, corners, and stairs. You will find a combination of pictures and detailed drawings so you can easily visualize how each concept applies to your project.Even if you do not intend to build a retaining wall yourself, this book will provide a great resource as you oversee your landscaper or contractor. The knowledge gained will enable you to tell if the company you hired to build your retaining wall is giving you a quality product or cutting corners.

Rustic and charming or stately and proud, a well-built stone wall can add personality and beauty to your property. John Vivian’s lively approach and step-by-step instructions encourage you to transform a pile of rocks into an enduring landscape feature with gates, retaining walls, or stiles to suit your needs. Whatever unique challenges come with your site — poor drainage, sloping ground, or low-quality rubble material — Vivian offers innovative designs and reproducible methods to help you build a beautiful, long-lasting wall.

UPDATED AND EXPANDED NEW 11TH EDITION. Design guide for earth retaining structures covers nearly every type of earth retaining structure: cantilevered, counterfort, restrained (basement walls), gravity, segmental, sheet pile, soldier pile, and others. Current building code requirements are referenced throughout. Topics include types of retaining structures, basic soil mechanics, design of concrete and masonry walls, lateral earth pressures, seismic design, surcharges, pile and pier foundations, Gabion walls and swimming pool walls. Fourteen varied design examples. Comprehensive Appendix with Glossary of terminology. 257 pages. 8-1/2x11 paperback.

Establishing adequate drainage is a critical first step in many of today's construction projects. And often, retaining walls must be used to provide a sufficiently level grade. These two topics - drainage and retaining walls - necessairly go hand-in-hand. This unique reference provides a comprehensive introduction to doing both right.

Build a beautiful custom patio or walkway with the step-by-step, photo-illustrated guidance of BLACK+DECKER The Complete Guide to Patios – 3rd Edition. A patio is the hub and heart of any yard. It’s the hard, flat, well-drained surface where you can comfortably enjoy the sunshine, feel a cool breeze, relax with a cold beverage, or hang around the barbecue with your friends and family. Luckily, patios are relatively easy to design and install yourself, and don’t require a lot of expensive tools and complicated techniques. BLACK+DECKER The Complete Guide to Patios – 3rd Edition guides the way with easy-to-follow instructions to plan and complete virtually any patio or walkway undertaking you can think of. An extensive materials and design section helps you wrap your head around all the upfront planning, and the 30+ patio, walkway, and landscape projects are illustrated with detailed photographs to guide your progress. From flagstone to interlocking pavers or plain gravel, all options are covered, as well as design tips, excavation advice, how to install a subbase, and how to install the most popular surfacing products. You’ll also find a substantial section on earth-friendly patios that make use of recycled materials and keep water runoff to a minimum, conserving resources and removing pressure from our water-treatment facilities. Discover how to create captivating: Patio and edging projects using sandset brick, cobblestone pavers, mortared flagstones, tiled concrete, and more Earth-friendly patios using recycled plastic pavers, recycled rubber chips, composite permeable pavers, subsurface grids, and more Walkways and steps using sandset brick, concrete, flagstones, gravel, timber, and more Patio rooms and amenities such as an under-deck patio, patio enclosure, screened patio room, and patio kitchen Create the perfect patio for your needs with BLACK+DECKER The Complete Guide to Patios – 3rd Edition and you will truly understand how much enjoyment these humble structures have to give.