Create a retaining wall
Build a small backyard retaining wall using bricks, gravel, and soil with adult supervision to learn about erosion control, stability, and safe construction techniques.
About this activity
Build a small backyard retaining wall using bricks, gravel, and soil with adult supervision to learn about erosion control, stability, and safe construction techniques.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Pick a straight spot for your wall and mark the two ends on the ground with small rocks or a stick.
- 2
Step 2
Measure the distance between your marks with the tape measure and choose a wall height no taller than 24 inches.
- 3
Step 3
With an adult, dig a trench along your marks about 6 inches deep and about one brick width plus 2 inches wide.
- 4
Step 4
Bring gravel in the wheelbarrow and pour a 2–3 inch layer into the trench.
- 5
Step 5
Use the shovel to tamp the gravel down until it is firm and level.
- 6
Step 6
Place the first brick at one end of the trench and continue laying bricks in a straight line to form the first course.
- 7
Step 7
Use the level to check each brick so the first course is flat left-to-right and front-to-back.
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Step 8
Tap any bricks that are low with the rubber mallet until the level shows they are even.
- 9
Step 9
Lay a second course of bricks offset by about half a brick so the joints are staggered.
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Step 10
Unroll landscape fabric behind the bricks along the length of the wall so it will separate soil from gravel.
- 11
Step 11
Add gravel behind the wall in 2–3 inch layers and tamp each layer down to help drainage and stability.
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Step 12
Backfill the top with soil and slope the soil away from the wall so water runs downhill.
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Step 13
Press gently along the wall to check for wobble and ask an adult to help fix any loose bricks before finishing.
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Step 14
Share a photo and a short description of your finished retaining wall on DIY.org.
Fun facts
How do you build a small backyard retaining wall with bricks, gravel, and soil?
To build a small backyard retaining wall, start by marking the wall line and digging a shallow trench about one brick deep. Pack a 2–3 inch layer of gravel and compact it. Lay the first course of bricks on the level base, staggering joints. Install landscape fabric behind the wall, backfill with gravel for drainage, compact in layers, then add soil and slope it away from the wall. Cap the wall and check levels throughout. Always work with an adult and use basic safety gear.
What materials do I need to build a small retaining wall with bricks, gravel, and soil?
You'll need bricks or concrete pavers, coarse gravel for the base and drainage, landscape fabric, construction sand or crushed stone, soil for backfill, a shovel, tamper or hand compactor, level, rubber mallet, gloves, safety goggles, tape measure, wheelbarrow, and stakes/string for layout. Optional: capstones, edging, and a small pry bar. Always plan for adult supervision when handling heavy materials or tools.
What ages is building a small retaining wall suitable for?
This activity is suitable for different ages with adult supervision. Ages 5–8 can help with measuring, passing light materials, and simple tamping while closely watched. Ages 9–12 can assist more with laying bricks, compacting gravel, and checking levels. Teenagers can take on heavier tasks like moving bricks and operating a small compactor under an adult’s guidance. Never let children lift loads heavier than they can manage; adults should handle noisy or powered equipment.
What safety tips should I follow when children help build a retaining wall?
Safety first: always wear gloves, closed-toe shoes, and safety goggles. Limit children to light tasks; adults should lift heavy bricks and operate tools. Check for underground utilities before digging and keep the work area tidy to avoid tripping. Use proper posture for lifting, compact layers gradually, and keep kids away from unstable sections until fully built. Teach kids about drainage and erosion control but prohibit climbing on the wall. Keep water and a first-aid kit nearby.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can we use instead of bricks if they're hard to find?
If you don't have standard bricks you can use concrete blocks, pavers, or large flat stones and follow the same steps for placing the first course, gravel base, and tamping.
What should we do if the first row of bricks isn't level or the wall wobbles later?
If the first course isn't level or the wall wobbles, use the level and rubber mallet to tap low bricks, add or remove gravel in the trench, retamp each 2–3 inch gravel layer, and ask an adult to help fix any loose bricks as instructed.
How can we adapt the project for younger kids or older kids?
For younger kids let them mark the ends, help measure, and hand bricks while adults dig and tamp, and for older kids let them measure the distance, dig the 6‑inch trench, lay the first and staggered second course, and check the level themselves up to the 24‑inch height limit.
How can we make the retaining wall look nicer or work better after it's built?
To enhance the wall add a row of capstones or flat pavers on top after the second course, tuck landscape fabric and extra gravel behind the bricks for improved drainage, plant low groundcover in the backfilled soil, and share a photo on DIY.org to show your personalized design.