Hey guys,

Need some help again. There's a set of cement stairs and a retaining wall that leads to the basement from backyard. Well the stairs are in bad shape and the wall is buckling side ways. Eventually it is going to fall over so my honey and I want to tackle this problem ourselves. My question is how do we prep for a new retaining wall and for a new set of stairs? On the other side of the wall is all dirt. Any suggestions? Here are some pics of the damage we are facing.

One thing you have a problem with is that the 'dirt' on the left side of the first picture is where rain and snow can accumulate, where can it go?

Water goes to the points of least resistance, kind of like electricity.. only it pools and in the winter... freezes, breaking even the hardest of walls.

I would find a way to rid yourselves of that water trap or allow it to flow into a drain somewhere else.

As to the wall and steps;removal of the 'patched' wall area and all of the steps can be done.. but there are alternatives.

From removing only PART of the wall.say back to where you can install a wooden staked wall,Driving a 6X6 every few feet and running a 'deadman' from every other one back into the dirt area.Tying it into the ground with concrete and rebar.

Not easy for me to draw,so I will look for a site that shows retaining walls and dead men supports.

The steps can be wood topped(unless you NEED that much space between the base of the step and door(and by the looks of the picture,there shouldn't be a code problem for door opening and clearance to step face.)

You can either remove the concrete floor and replace, or go over the top,again,with wood, the door would then need to be cut shorter to accommodate the rise in flooring,but that way you wouldn't have to be too concerned with water,if it pools down there,so what.. it'd be below the wood(treated wood,naturally, or better if you can afford it!)

Just an idea!

KBC

Added:

Timber Tie-Backs

Since your wall will be higher than about 18 inches use tie-back timbers(deadmen) every other post on various levels to hold your wall upright and make sure it will not fall forward due to the constant pressure exerted upon it from behind (top failure). To add a tie-back timber, simply lay one timber perpendicular to the other timbers but with its length extending into the area that will be back filled. When the area is back filled this timber will act as an anchor to hold the wall in place and ensure your timber retaining wall will last.Installing a rebar into the 'tail' of this and into a concrete pad would insure no movement of the wall.

I do this about 1/2 to 2/3's of the way to the top for the best holding power,the most movement of a wall is the top and lessens at the bottom(where it should be held tightly by the posts installed into the ground and braced by the concrete flooring already in.)

Well my honey and I were thinking of removing all of the dirt and pouring cement. Maybe make like a tool storage of some sort. The only problem is our sewer is right in the middle. Also I think the floor has has to be poured as well. Here are some more pics. I will try to research the deadman thing and see what I can come up with. If you can give me a link would be great as well. I would like to know what you think about removing the dirt. Thanks again KBC. You have been a great help to me and my honey. :)

Honestly,the floor at the base of the steps can be wooden,it takes some carpentry to cut the joists to a level surface,but it really isn't too hard.. once they are leveled(and by the looks of things,you would only have to make 4),you could easily make a nice floor line allowing debris to go underneath.But enough about that, you'll decide what you want.:)

Removal of the dirt would also assist in laying the deadmen(ie:tiebacks),the tiebacks are located at the height of ,lets say,18" above the floor,and another set of them at 24" above the floor,spaced evenly away from the 18" sets.,then the wall won't tend to fall inwards ever again.

Now this is all for a wooden wall(of which I like to work with.)There are many concrete type walls available from any big box stores(Lowes,Home Depot,etc.),,online there are many such sites available.

Search,"Retaining walls" and there will be X amount to choose from,everything from step by step videos to hiring outside contractors.

In my opinion,the steps will be more than the average homeowner can work comfortably as to framing and pouring (concrete),that's why I have been suggesting wood.