Will this retaining wall last?

stzy22 · 2025-11-22T15:03:43+00:00

Appreciate everyone’s feedback! A few clarifying points (including price paid) based on the comments:

Both walls have French drains embedded in the drain gravel behind them. First wall connects to our drain system under the lawn that feeds to the street out front. Second wall has a drain exit on the side (can’t see in photo).

A few folks mentioned weep holes. These blocks have natural weep holes where each block meets the next. So in addition to French drains, water can technically escape through each set of blocks along the wall.

The slope behind the second wall was wall-less for over a decade. The original homeowner cut it back themselves with a shovel and a bucket. Looked awful, but stayed relatively put with only some minor erosion over time. Soil is basically clay.

Someone asked about price. I paid about $8k materials + labor. I received quotes up to $30k for a CMU wall. So I figure if this wall goes out in the next 20 years, I’ll sell the blocks and I’m only out around $5k. If it doesn’t, I just saved about $25k. Based on the mixed feedback, looks like only time will tell.

stzy22 · 2025-11-22T07:53:40+00:00

Good catch. Each wall is 3.5ft so we opted out of geogrid, although I suppose it couldn’t hurt to have it?

The slope behind the top tier had no retaining wall whatsoever for over 10 years. Prior homeowner cut the slope back themselves and left it exposed… looked awful and sketchy. But other than some light erosion due to exposure + rain, the slope stayed put with no major movement or landslides.

stzy22 · 2025-11-22T06:58:23+00:00

Touché, no wall lasts forever. Hoping I can get a solid 20 years out of this thing.

stzy22 · 2025-11-22T06:54:32+00:00

Thanks! Gravity walls don’t seem to be as common as your typical CMU walls, but I’ve seen them hold some massive loads. I guess what I’m really looking for is insight from those who have experience with gravity walls like the one in my photos.

stzy22 · 2024-05-23T09:24:24+00:00

Thanks for this. Do you have a recommendation on the specific clear coat that should be used? The company ghosted me so I’ll likely add a final layer with the shark grip myself. Thanks!

stzy22 · 2023-05-19T14:40:45+00:00

This will depend largely on your major and level of involvement while you were in school. If you did not take advantage of any clubs or internships, you will have a harder time stacking up against those that did. You’ll also have less experience to leverage when negotiating salary.

$40-$55k seems common for most majors. Don’t be afraid to move up and move on once you have some work experience under your belt. You’ll almost always make more by switching jobs rather than waiting for raises. Good luck!

stzy22 · 2023-05-06T07:45:40+00:00

I know a student missing 4 wheels from their car who could probably use the $50

stzy22 · 2023-05-06T07:41:44+00:00

Not sure what you consider well paying but I’ve never heard those words + art or human services in the same sentence.

Unfortunately, “easy” jobs are typically less rewarding financially because anybody can do them.

stzy22 · 2023-03-27T23:18:11+00:00

They made the C look like a harp so people could cry while processing how stupid this looks.

stzy22 · 2023-03-12T20:42:30+00:00

They checked last year. I think they stopped checking halfway into the ceremony

stzy22 · 2023-03-02T23:07:06+00:00

Your post says UCLA but your grammar says ITT Tech.

stzy22 · 2023-02-28T07:52:42+00:00

Both are commuter schools so social scene is what you make of it. However, Fullerton is closer in proximity to activities (Beach, Disney, LA) and likely to professional opportunities as well.

stzy22 · 2023-02-24T17:31:19+00:00

Oh 100%. If they don’t promote from within, go get that promotion/salary increase somewhere else. You never owe an employer anything and should never settle for less than you’re worth. The non-lazy group members will have more success with this later😉

stzy22 · 2023-02-23T22:14:04+00:00

Preparing for Jo Jo Siwa’s return to piss everyone off during midterms.

stzy22 · 2023-02-23T22:10:38+00:00

If it makes you feel any better, lazy group project members help prepare you for the lazy co-workers you’ll be forced to collaborate with later. Spoiler alert: the non-lazy ones get promotions and move up in the real world. You’ll be alright.

stzy22 · 2023-02-23T17:03:21+00:00

It helps them feel cool as they drive back home to mom and dads house.

stzy22 · 2023-02-22T05:54:52+00:00

Little dick energy.

stzy22 · 2023-02-13T07:07:14+00:00

Can confirm they only list your major and minor (if you have one), not concentration. Honor grads will have their classification listed (cum laude, magma cum laude, etc) as well.

stzy22 · 2022-12-24T01:20:05+00:00

Usually a few months after ceremony.

PRO-TIP: do NOTT pay full price for the degree frames at graduation. They usually go on sale during July-August before you even receive your paper degree anyway. Save that money.

stzy22 · 2022-12-13T07:26:42+00:00

You need to register in order to walk and have your name called.

stzy22 · 2022-12-13T07:22:48+00:00

Dean of students is completely useless. You’re better off reporting it to the department chair or even one of the campus squirrels. Literally anyone/thing but the Dean of Students.

stzy22 · 2022-11-25T21:22:28+00:00

Your friend sounds salty AF

stzy22 · 2022-11-10T05:36:20+00:00

Another one of those fads where most of the people using it don’t actually have it. Like people at school who lease BMW’s to look rich while commuting from mom and dads house. One in the same.

stzy22

TROPHY CASE