I am replacing a small block retaining wall. Water damage pushed the two-block high wall with 4 inch cement cap. This was replaced with the new do it yourself blocks and limestone shavings as a base. I need to level this? How thick and wide should I go more than the blocks (I prefer the 4x8 or 12-inch wide by what ever the length is? The total height of this wall will only be two feet +/- one block, plus the top will be wide enough to sit on. There is also a two step stair in the middle of this. Any caution with any of this? There was some major water flow past this and that's why it is being replaced as well as a fence.
Answer:
Wow! No matter how high the wall, if you're within a frost area, you have to put your footings below the frost line and for the wall you're suggesting, you'd be best off to have footings at least 8X16X6-inches thick. You might also check with your local building authority because in many municipalities you need building permits when you put something on footings.
