Decks, Patios, Porches and Docks - block retaining wall with paver patio

I am puting up a block retaining wall behind a garage with interlocking blocks about 3 FT. high want fill in the center with sand and put patio pavers on top any advise would help Thanks Dave

pipeman,

Welcome to the forums.

After you build the retaining wall you'll want to mostly fill it with dirt, compacting it as you go. Then a layer of sand, and then lay the pavers.

Search back through this forum and see what Concretemasonary has told others about laying paver patios.

pour a slab back about 3 ft under where the dirt will be use no5 (5/8) rebar with a 90 degree bend so that it sticks under the soil in the concrete. and then extends up in to the hollow centers of the blocks, I would do 2 ft centers, then pour concrete in the center of those blocks. also french drain the wall behind the concrete footing and drain to day light. i would also pour concrete in everycavity of the blocks unless you live in a area with no freeze. the reason why is cmu's are porus and will adsorbe water. if it freezes when they are wet it will eventully split them.
Murphy was an optimist

pipeman -

A reinforced block wall is a waste of money.

Used segmental retaining wall block as you plan. They are designed for shallow walls for DIYers.

No concrete footing is ever suggested or permitted. No steel and grout. You do not have to go below the frost level.

Build the walls first. Follow the installation instructions given on the web site if it is one of the national brands that are available nationally and internationally. Provide drainage behind the wall and fill immediately behing the wall with compacted granular fill.

You will want your paver surface to be at or below the level of the top of the cap block on the wall.

The stability of the pavers will depend on the soil under them. Do not use "dirt". Use some sort of material that can be compacted to minimize any setlement. On top of the backfill place 6"to 8" of compacted road base (the stuff under asphalt pavement) in two layers (3' to 4' each). Compact each layer with a plate vibrator.

Place a 1" layer of concrete sand that is screeded level. This is you setting bed for the pavers. Place the interlocking concrete pavers tight. Spread fine concrete sand or mason's sand over the pavers and vibrate with a plate vibrator to even out the surface and force the sand into the joints. - Sweep away the excess sand.

Dick,

YOU guide pipeman through this one. (I build the covers OVER the patios, not the patios themselves!!)