Making a Concrete Wall With Reliefs

This is a concrete retaining wall built alongside a highway.  Hard to believe the taxpayer gets to pay for something this fancy!

I put the picture here so you could get an idea of what can be done.  This was made to look like the original rock that had been cut to make the roadbed.

Have you ever wanted to make one of those concrete retaining walls that you see alongside the highway? You know the ones, they have designs built into them. Sometimes mountain ranges, or giant leaves, reliefs of various animals,etc.

Someone what wrote to me recently asking about making one. Here's my reply to him...

I like your idea and have thought of doing it myself but never seem to find the time. I got a letter the other day someone who had the same idea.

Thanks for Your inquiry regarding loans make a concrete wall with designs on it. The only problem I can see you having is that the concrete will stick to the wood. If I ever get around to it I would do as you suggest (router, etc for the relief designs) and then seal the plywood with some good paint or I had thought of using fiberglass resin. I would use the "Gel coat" type - it has wax in it.

If you are adventurous you can buy the gel coat without the wax pre mixed and add your own. I know fiberglass guys who do this (they work on boats not molds) They claim it is better - you can build up a couple of coats and then add wax for the final coat. This way you get a stronger layer of protection. The thing here is you can't paint more gel coat on top of the wax added gel coat - it won't stick.

Make sure that there are no undercuts in your forms and that they are as smooth as you can make them. Paint on some gel coat mixed according to the instructions and you should be ready to go.

I think I would also use a spray on non-stick like "Pam" as extra insurance.

I would test this before I went to my project because there is a lot of pressure on the form when it is full of concrete. Be sure you make your form as rigid as you can. Use 2x4 bracing on the outside. If it flexes your gel coat may crack and then you will have concrete sticking and of course a ruined wall.

The critical thing here is preventing the concrete sticking to your form. Do all you can to stop this and I think you will build a great looking wall or grilling pit.

Good luck and let us know how you make out.

Del

The critical thing here is preventing the concrete sticking to your form. Do all you can to stop this and I think you will build a great looking wall or grilling pit.

Good luck and let us know how you make out.