Size the trench so there's enough room for the retaining wall block and at least 8 in. of space behind it. Excavate deep enough to completely bury at least one full course, including space for 6 to 8 ...

Q: I have seen many failed retaining walls. Many have bulges or have tipped over. What needs to be done to ensure I do mine only one time? I've seen photos of walls hundreds of years old that look as ...

This is the last of three stories on terracing hillsides. To read the first two stories, "Slippery slopes" and "Know your hillside," go to sfgate.com and type in Deborah K. Rich. "Almost all ...

Q: I have two deteriorating (but still standing) retaining walls made of timber and two even worse, leaning cinder-block retaining walls. I was planning to replace them all eventually, but to spread ...