Rebuilding A Retaining Wall

[cecil39]

I need to get my garden wall rebuilt as it is leaning out towards a public footpath, since it is a retaining wall and the garden behind it is full of shrubs, can someone tell me how much space would a builder need to work in on the garden side, in other words will I have to have all my plants dug up.

[Dervockwan]

Traditional block built retaining walls will take up a lot of space if built properly and made to last. However there are products now on the market that are self supporting and require no mortar. These products are, as you would expect, more expensive to buy but are time and labour saving and come with a finished side so no need for plastering etc. so the cost works out about the same with a lot less mess and consequently tidying up. Look at Tobermore concrete products Northern Ireland and then ask your local building supplier for a firm that would do something on a par in your locality. You probably get away with using your existing foundations. Jerry.

[The Builder]

What's the height of the wall from the pavement Cecil?

[cecil39]

Its about 3ft 6in high on the path side builder, and the garden behind comes to 9in of the top on the other side, (sorry I still think feet and inches)

[The Builder]

Ok, he wouldn't need space on the garden side usually, Cecil. Retaining only 2'9" of soil (3'6" minus 9"), I would simply take it down from the footpath side.

Is it brick or rendered blockwork/stone?
Also, how long is it?

[cecil39]

Its about 14 yards long + a pillar at each end and one in the middle, and just ain brickwork.