Building your own VERSA-LOK retaining wall can be a rewarding experience. Below is a brief summary of installation steps to give you an overview of the process.

For more detailed instructions, download our Design and Installation Guide. This is a lengthy document, so allow time for downloading and printing.

Important: Walls that support heavy loads or exceed four feet in height require special soil reinforcement and often professionally designed plans. Please consult a qualified engineer if unsure about any construction, site or soil conditions. Also, be sure to check local building codes before wall construction or design.

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Step 1
Leveling Pad Preparation
VERSA-LOK walls should be placed on a leveling pad of well-compacted gravel, crushed stone or coarse sand approximately 6" thick and 24" wide. The first course of VERSA-LOK units should be embedded below grade approximately 1/10th of the exposed wall height. Excavate to lines and grades you've established for your wall, allowing for the leveling pad and unit embedment. Place and compact leveling pad material. It may be helpful to add a thin layer of sand to create a uniform, level pad.

Step 2
Install Base Course
Place VERSA-LOK units on prepared leveling pad. As you proceed, level each unit front to back, side to side, and with adjacent units. Leveling is critical at this stage, so take your time! Align straight wall sections using a string line or by sighting down the grooves on unit tops. If your wall has a corner, begin at the corner and work out from there.

Step 3
Backfill
Using native soil, backfill and compact behind and in front of the base course to a level even with the grade in front of the wall. Next, place and compact 12" of drainage aggregate behind units.

Step 4
Install Successive Courses
Stack units one course at a time. Set units back 3/4" and insert two pins in front holes of units so they fall into the rear slots of the units beneath. Tap pins with another pin and a mallet to properly set them. Place and compact drainage aggregate behind each course as it is completed.

Step 5
Install Caps
After completing the top course of your wall, install VERSA-LOK caps, either with a slight overhang (recommended), set back or flush with the wall face. Use VERSA-LOK concrete adhesive to secure cap units to the wall.