Cambridge Pavingstones - Homeowner Resource Center

How To Install Your Cambridge Segmental Retaining Wall System

Step 1 Excavation: Dig a trench roughly 8” deep and 12” wide. Firmly compact until bottom is fairly level. Add 6” of 3/4” clean gravel and compact again.
Step 2 Leveling Course: Add 1” of coarse C-33 sand into bottom of trench.
Step 3 First Course: Place Cambridge wall units in trench touching each other (textured face outward on single-face units). Keep all units level in all directions. For straight walls, also use a string line.
Step 4 Additional Courses: Stack staggered wall units on top stepping each new row back approximately 3/4”. In this type of gravity wall installation, weight and set back of the units provide resistance. Backfill with 3/4” of clean granular fill and compact as each course is completed. To prevent any granular fill or soil from passing through the system, a landscaping fabric can be placed behind the wall units. Add cap units if desired.

This is the basic recommended procedure for straight, circular and serpentine retaining walls up to 28” high. For higher walls, contact your Authorized Cambridge Distributor for advice.

Important Notice: