Aw man....you're making my back hurt! I'm gonna build a wall similar to that a little later, to create a level spot behind the house, myself. Sloped land can be such a pain sometimes.....

EG

I first thought to do SRW walls. But to get the height, I needed to use blocks that weigh around 70 lb. For the amount of wall I needed I knew my back couldn't handle that kind of weight, even if I could have afforded the cost. By scheduling far back to front I kept everything where I could get the concrete truck to pour directly in the forms. Lots of labor in my project, but all I have to pick up is the 32 x 48 inch form panels, about 15 lbs.

It does look like it's going to be really neat!!

Probably of more interest to this forum would be the 3.5 inch thick by up to 16" high bed walls made of concrete. Here's one under construction ...

{{gwi:13234}}

Later, the same wall left background ...

I don't know why more people don't do concrete beds. Concrete is strong, economical, and permanent; does not rot, burn, leech chemicals, nor is it damaged by termites.

It's pretty expensive if you can't do any of the prep yourself. I love concrete, I have a deck but am dreaming of one day having a patio.

I agree, it's unbelievable what contractors want for wall work. My material cost for concrete, steel, and form material has cost me right at $4 a face foot. I hope to add a stone veneer with local stone that costs about $0.85 a ft plus the mortar cost.

For flat work like patios, walks, and drives, there is a level of skill in getting a good looking finish. But anyone could do walls, no special skill needed, just a lot of work.

Looks like I'm reviving an old discussion...

This is a fantastic idea and appreciate that you shared it here.

Is there some significance or reason for the 3.5" measurement (wall thickness)?