[pacifistart]

I am building a 2ft raised patio in my backyard and I'm using Allan Block for the retaining wall.

I have followed all the instructions to the letter for building the wall and it worked pretty well so far - I'm only half way through with the wall though.

I read other posts here regarding what to use for infill on the patio and I'm not sure what do to in my case.

In the backyard I had a lot of concrete slabs of various sizes as well as some asphalt that I broke into pieces and I'm wondering if it's a good idea to use them as fill or not?

I thought I could throw all the rocks and concrete under the patio then cover with 3/4" gravel an compact. Or I thought I could first lay down a layer of gravel, then throw all the concrete pieces and rocks then put gravel again until I reach the wall height.

Now, I also got with the bobcat through them while it was raining and I managed to disturb all the soil and mix it with the rocks pretty bad. See pictures.

What would you do with all the rocks and concrete pieces? Would you remove them from there or just cover them with gravel and compact?

[dan deutekom]

Get rid of that junk concrete and asphalt and use the proper "A" gravel that will compact properly. Using rubble for fill is just asking for trouble when you build a patio.

[Stonehenge]

I'm hoping there's another course of block beneath that bottom step - it looks like a few inches of a few of those block is cantilevered out over open space - that's going to cause you future problems.

To the question at hand - do as Dan suggests.

[pacifistart]

Thanks for the good advice.

There is no hidden course below the first step - it looks like I need to add some gravel in from of the bottom step and compact it before it starts to run away.

[Matt Kulp]

You really should remove the step and add the stone, don't try and just put stone up against the step. I also would go with Dan's suggestion.

[AZTLANLC]

Well in a year or so you'll be thinking why didn't I hire a professional.

By looking at your wall I don't think you have followed all directions, otherwise you'd know it has to be level and a full block bury below grade.

You still in time to fix many flaws in that job before you start backfilling and make it nice and last a lifetime not just couple of months.

[EpicInterlock]

I agree with everyone's suggestions. Do not use junk concrete or asphalt as backfill, it will not compact properly and could create voids of open space.

One major flaw that could be fixed easily:
The middle step should be tied into the wall exactly like the bottom step, it strengthens both the step and wall. Do the same to the top step as well.

Please don't take our criticisms as a bad thing, we're here to try and help create something that will last forever, and for you to be happy and proud of something you built with your bare hands. From the looks of it, you definitely have talent.

Good luck.