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We want to extend our patio that is currently about 10 x 5 feet to about 10 x 10 feet.

Problem is there is a slope where the current patio ends. The next 5 feet has an approx. 1 foot deep slope.

My worry is that if I build a retaining wall and compact the newly filled slope, the compaction will destroy the retaining wall.

What would be a strong enough material that can withhold the compaction and the 1 foot deep filling?

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  • Seems like a prime job for a concrete wall. Of course it would need to bear on footings below frost depth. Is there some reason that's not suitable?
    – isherwood
    Commented May 24, 2017 at 21:22
  • @isherwood Isn't that a bit overkill for a wall that will be 1 foot tall?
    – Mike Baranczak
    Commented May 25, 2017 at 3:58
  • I would argue that a concrete wall would be too much of an overkill.
    – L4zl0w
    Commented May 25, 2017 at 7:33
  • Well, you've expressed concern about compaction, and you haven't posted a photo, so that's the only reliable advice I can offer.
    – isherwood
    Commented May 25, 2017 at 12:01
  • 1
    A photo of the place the wall would go would be more useful. Might wanna mow first.
    – isherwood
    Commented May 25, 2017 at 16:36

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Retaining wall block is made to have heavily compacted backfill. Some of it, if not all of it would have to be crushed stone though. After that patio pavers would probably be more forgiving of any future ground movement than poured concrete, but it all depends.

A wooden deck patio extension might be the easiest way to go.

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    How about a timber based retaining wall with dead man?
    – L4zl0w
    Commented May 25, 2017 at 7:33
  • After seeing your pic, that's a tough one. Another 5' out and you're almost right against the fence? Not to talk you out of it, but that's some nice looking grass! Hahaha
    – Rand
    Commented May 25, 2017 at 21:56
  • because of the slope it looks like the fence is very close. I want to add 3 more rows of those slabs and that will only be half way to the fence, 3-4 feet away.
    – L4zl0w
    Commented May 26, 2017 at 6:57
  • Can you pick those slabs up or are they mortared down? If you can pick them up, what's under them?
    – Rand
    Commented May 26, 2017 at 19:13
  • Yes, I can pick them up, there is leveling sand under them and probably undisturbed soil under that.
    – L4zl0w
    Commented May 26, 2017 at 20:56

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