I'm looking to take down a cinder block retaining wall on my mom's property that was built without a permit. Before I call in the pros, I wanted to explore some DIY options. The wall is around 20 meters long and varies in height from 3 to 6 feet. Since it was built as a retaining wall, it has cement and rebar in it. Luckily, the soil hasn't been filled in yet, so it's pretty much freestanding. If anyone has tips, would using a quick cut saw with a diamond blade be a good idea, or are there better methods?
3 Answers
You might not even need a permit, depending on where you live! A big sledgehammer is a great start; it can do way more than you'd think. Just be ready to put some muscle into it!
If that wall is reinforced with rebar and concrete, you might want to consider renting a skid steer to help with the demo. It's a lot easier, and you'll get rid of the debris faster if you arrange for a roll-off dumpster that can handle concrete. If you decide to go the DIY route with a sledgehammer, just make sure to wear safety goggles—trust me, you'll be sore afterwards!
An 8lb sledgehammer really moves through those blocks quicker than you expect! And hey, crank up some angry music—it’ll definitely help you hit harder! Just think of it as your workout for the week.