That time I watched a guy build a retaining wall with no string line at the Austin Home Show

I was at the Austin Home Show last spring and this old landscaper was demo-ing a retaining wall build. He just eyeballed the whole thing, leveling each block by feel and checking with a 2x4. I always thought you needed a string line and stakes for a straight wall, but his came out perfect. Makes me wonder if I overthink my own backyard projects sometimes. Anyone else ditch the fancy tools and just go by eye?

2 comments

2 Comments

craig.grant5d ago

You ever just wing something and it turns out better than when you measure twice? I did the same thing with a shed foundation last summer, eyeballed the whole layout and it came out square as could be.

garcia.casey5d ago

Man, I've been there. I built a deck last fall and just went by feel, and it's the most level thing I've ever done. @craig.grant sometimes overthinking it just gets you tangled up in your own tape measure.