Fencing & Retaining Walls

Discover expert guides on wood fencing, retaining walls, post footings, and block walls to plan, dig, frame, backfill, and build fences

A low split-face block retaining wall under construction with drainage gravel, perforated pipe, and a string line

ExteriorFencing & Retaining Walls12 min read

Build a Block Retaining Wall That Will Not Lean

A step-by-step guide to building a segmental block retaining wall under three feet: trench and base depth, compacted gravel, drainage stone, setback, and capping.

A level held against a pressure-treated fence post set in gravel and wet concrete along a taut string line at sunset

ExteriorFencing & Retaining Walls11 min read

Build a Privacy Fence With Posts That Stay Plumb for Decades

A step-by-step guide to building a wood privacy fence: string layout, post hole depth, gravel-and-concrete setting, racking versus stepping on slopes, and hanging pickets straight.