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Easy Shou Sugi Ban Black Retaining Wall on a Budget

May 25, 2022 by Brooke Larsen · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

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When we were building the most inexpensive way we found to retain were these ugly retaining blocks. But, we can always fix that. Check out my shou sugi ban black retaining wall turned out.

Cement Block Retaining

Table of Contents

  • Cement Retaining Blocks
  • Supplies for a Shou Sugi Ban Black Retaining Wall
  • Instructions for Shou Sugi Ban
  • 2x4 Framing for Retaining Wall
  • Shou Sugi Ban Black Retaining Wall Reveal

Cement Retaining Blocks

We had to figure out a way to retain our drive way so we could keep our backyard flat. After getting tons of bids, these ugly 6'x2' cement retaining blocks were by far the cheapest. We purchased them from Jack B Parsons Concrete in Salt Lake City, Utah. We then had to pay for them to be transported and placed. Even with all of that we were under $5000 for this retaining wall. Now, we just need to make them pretty. View more details on our exterior here

Cement block retaining wall

Supplies for a Shou Sugi Ban Black Retaining Wall

  • 6' cedar boards - I used the fencing boards from Home Depot
  • weather treated 2x4's - Home Depot
  • hammer drill
  • impact drill
  • black deck screws
  • self taping screws
  • propane
  • torch
  • tung oil
  • metal saw horse
  • brush
  • miter saw
  • hose

Instructions for Shou Sugi Ban

Shou Sugi Ban cedar wood treatment

Lay your cedar out on metal saw horses and torch both sides evenly. It can get an alligator texture. That's just fine, I personally like the look.

Shou Sugi Ban Black wood treatment

Have a hose and water on hand. After I torched both side I water them down and use an acrylic brissle brush to wash off the ash.

Shou Sugi Ban Black Retaining Wall on a Budget

I propped them up to dry.

Tung oil on Shou Sugi Ban Black Retaining Wall on a Budget

Once dry I used a sponge and 2 coats of Tung oil to seal them.

Hint: heating up cedar can cause it to cup - bow in the middle. This is normal, I found if I torched both sides before cooling with water I had less cupping.

2x4 Framing for Retaining Wall

We found it easiest to build the frame on the ground and then stand it up. To attached the frame we used a hammer drill to drill the holes for the screws. Then we used self tapping screws and a drill to drill the frame to the cement.

Framing a retaining wall
Hammer drill for a retaining wall
Frame for a retaining wall

Now that our frame is attached we can add the Shou Sugi Ban cedar easily to the frame with black deck screws.

Shou Sugi Ban Black Retaining Wall on a Budget

Shou Sugi Ban Black Retaining Wall Reveal

Shou Sugi Ban Black Retaining Wall on a Budget

This Shou Sugi Ban Black retaining wall turned out even better than I thought I would. I do still need to put something on the top to close it all off. That tutorial is coming soon!

Shou Sugi Ban Black Retaining Wall on a Budget

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About Brooke Larsen

Hello Friends! I love anything DIY and home decorator! On my blog I hope you will find home inspo. Whether it is for your next DIY project or home decor. If I can do it, anyone can!

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Hi I am Brooke I am an avid DIY-er and home decorator! I share home inspo and all of my DIY projects with step-by-step directions. I sprinkle in a few recipes to help out all of us busy moms too. If I can do it, so can you!

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