How to build a Tobermore retaining wall

Retaining walls are an essential part of landscaping, especially if your house or property is situated on a slope or hill. A retaining wall helps to hold back soil, rocks, and other debris, keeping your property stable and secure.

Tobermore retaining walls are a popular choice among homeowners and landscapers due to their durability and the fact that they look fantastic.

There are two main options in the Tobermore range – the Secura Lite blocks are for retaining walls that are up to 880mm high. For higher walls you need to use Secura Grand and these walls can be built up to 9 metres high.

So lets take a look at the steps involved in building a Tobermore retaining wall.

Step 1: Planning and Preparation

Before you start building your Tobermore retaining wall, you need to plan and prepare. First, you should determine the height, length, and location of your wall. Consider the purpose of the wall, the slope of the ground, and the type of soil in your area.

Once you have a plan in place, you should gather all the necessary tools and materials. These normally include a shovel, a wheelbarrow, a level, a tape measure, a rubber mallet, a string line, Tobermore retaining wall blocks, and adhesive.

Step 2: Excavation and Grading

The next step is to excavate and grade the area where you plan to build your retaining wall. Start by removing any grass, plants, or debris from the area. Then, use a shovel to dig a trench for your wall. The required trench depth and width for the Secura Grand blocks can be seen in the instructions here and for the smaller walls the Secura Lite instructions can be seen here. Make sure the trench is level and the base is compacted.

Step 3: Install the First Course

Once the trench is dug, you can start installing the first course of Tobermore retaining wall blocks. Begin at the lowest point of your wall and work your way up. Apply adhesive to the bottom of each block and place it in the trench. Use a level to make sure each block is level and aligned with the string line. Use a rubber mallet to tap each block into place.

Step 4: Drainage

Both of the Secura Lite and Secura Grand instructions advise adequate drainage to be installed behind the wall. This will take the form of perforated drainage pipe and/or backfill gravel which will help the water drain away.

Step 5: Continue Building the Wall

After the first course is installed, continue building the wall by installing the next course of blocks. Make sure each block is level and aligned with the previous course. Use adhesive to secure each block in place. As you build the wall, backfill the area behind the wall with gravel or crushed stone. This will help to improve drainage and stability.

Step 5: Finish the Wall

Once you have built the retaining wall to the desired height, you can finish the wall by capping it with Tobermore wall caps. Apply adhesive to the top of each block and place the cap on top. Use a rubber mallet to tap each cap into place. This will give your wall a finished look and help to protect the top of the wall from weathering.

Secura Lite uses these Coping Stones while the larger Secura Grand uses these Coping Stones.

So building a Tobermore retaining wall is a relatively simple and straightforward process that can be completed by anyone with some basic DIY skills – albeit with planning and attention to detail.

With the right tools and materials, you can build a durable and attractive retaining wall that will last for many years. Remember to plan and prepare, excavate and grade, install the first course, install adequate drainage, continue building the wall, and finish the wall with caps. With these steps in mind, you can create a Tobermore retaining wall that will enhance the beauty and functionality of your property.

We deliver these blocks and coping stones right across Ireland and we are always here to help so if you have any questions at all just get in touch.