How to Lay Concrete Blocks

Build a retaining wall with this easy-to-follow guide

Are you starting the foundation for a large structure or building a retaining wall? If so, you’re probably preparing to lay some concrete blocks. Laying concrete blocks is a simple project, even for beginner DIYers. In this article, we’ll walk you through the entire process, including what tools you need and what type of blocks to get. To start your project today, read on.

[Edit]Things You Should Know

• Before laying cinder blocks, pour a footing below the frost line. The footing is the foundation for the concrete blocks.
• Let your footing dry for at least 3 days before laying concrete blocks. Start with corner blocks, and use mortar to keep them in place.
• Place a wooden stake in each corner of the footing, and use a string line wrapped around the stakes to make sure your blocks are straight.
• Stack the blocks on top of each other in an alternating pattern on top of the footing. Apply mortar to the sides of each block before stacking them.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Pouring the Footing

1. Dig below the frost line. The footing is the solid concrete perimeter that your concrete blocks will sit on. Check with your county to see how far down the frost line is, then dig beneath that line to start your footing.^[1]
   
   • Be sure you’re not going to dig through a utility line as you start your project. In the United States, call 811 to see which utility lines are on your property.
   • Your local building codes may also specify how deep the footing needs to go. Typically, you need to make your footing twice as deep as the thickness of the wall.
2. Make your footing twice as wide as your concrete blocks. If you're using standard blocks, which are , make your footing at least wide. Dig the perimeter where your concrete wall is going to go that’s at least twice as wide as your blocks.^[2]
   
   • To ensure you’re digging in a straight line, snap a chalk line onto the ground to create your base shape.
3. Place 2x4s in the hole to keep the concrete in place. Grab eight 2x4s and place them inside of the hole that you dug for the footing. Use the 2x4s around the perimeter as a guide to hold the concrete in place while it dries.^[3]
   
   • Make sure that the 2x4s are flush with the top of the hole that you dug. That way, the concrete won’t spill out of the top.
4. Pour the base concrete. Mix a batch of concrete in a wheelbarrow with a shovel. Fill the frame that you just dug up to the edge. Level the freshly poured concrete by running a 2x4 across the top, and fill any spots that are low with additional concrete.^[4]
   
   • For a large retaining wall, consider renting or hiring a concrete mixing truck to come and pour the concrete for you.
5. Wait 3 days for the footing to dry. Before you can begin building, you'll need to give the concrete ample time to dry. Building on wet concrete can lead to sagging, and your concrete wall may not be as sturdy as it needs to be.^[5]
   

[Edit]Laying Concrete Blocks with Mortar

1. Section off the corners with wooden stakes. Before you begin laying the blocks, visualize all the corners of your frame. Place a wooden stake in each corner, and use a cord or string to tie off exactly where the corners’ edges will be. Attach a cord or string to the wooden stake used to mark the corners and lay out a perimeter.^[6]
   
2. Mix cement mortar with water. Take the bag of dried concrete, and look at the bag's specifications to find the ratio of mortar to water. Use a 5-gallon bucket or a wheelbarrow to mix the mortar with a shovel until it’s thick and paste-like.^[7]
   
   • Type M mortar is the strongest mortar mix out there, so it’s ideal for this project.
   • Use a drill and a mortar mix drill bit to make this process easier.
   • Try not to mix more mortar than you can use. Mortar dries out quickly, and any extra mortar you have will need to be thrown away.
   • Wear protective glasses, gloves, a ventilated mask, and long jeans.^[8]
3. Spread the mortar along 1 corner of the footing. Use your trowel to spread a few slabs of mortar around the corner's base of the footing. Spread the mortar deep and wide in the marked area. Continue to spread the mortar to account for the distance of about 3 to 4 blocks.^[9]
   
   • You may notice that the mortar falls off your trowel quickly, which can be frustrating. To keep it contained, scoop mortar up with your trowel, then tap the flat side of the trowel onto a flat surface. The remaining mortar will be thin and stick to the trowel until you’re ready to apply it.
4. Center the corner block on the footing. Stand over the footing and gently set the concrete block down, making sure it’s level and flat. Center the corner block in the footing by measuring around the block and making sure it’s even.^[10]
   
   • Use your string to make sure your corner block is level and in a straight line.
5. Continue to lay the concrete blocks in a line out from the corner. Start laying blocks from the corner or edge of the wall to work in one direction. Apply a thick layer of mortar to the sides of each block as you go.^[11] Keep laying blocks and applying mortar until you reach the next corner.
   
   • Apply mortar at the end of the block before you place the block adjacent to it.
6. Check the alignment of the blocks with a level. Before stacking more concrete blocks on top of your initial foundation, check if everything is aligned.^[12] Use your mason's level by laying it on the first set of blocks. Check both the outside and center section of the bricks.
   
   • Tap the blocks for any alignment adjustments while the mortar is still wet.
   • Do not try to move a block after the concrete has set, since that could make your wall unstable.
7. Apply mortar to the top of the blocks. Use your trowel to spread of mortar over the entire width of the block.^[13] Then, spread the mortar so it covers the length of about 3 blocks in the direction that you are laying the bricks.
   
   • Keep the mortar on the sides of the blocks so that it doesn’t fall into the hollow center. It won’t hurt your retaining wall, but it will just waste your mortar.
8. Stack the blocks on top of each other. Lay the block down on top so the edge of the top block aligns with the halfway mark of the bottom block. You'll recognize the pattern as a standard among the construction sites. The top block will fit in between 2 bottom blocks.^[14]
   
   • Use a level every 2 to 3 layers to ensure your wall is flat. If not, remove bricks from the uneven layer and try again.
9. Add reinforcement rods for high walls. If you’re building a house or a large shed, consider adding reinforcements. You can also use reinforcements if the ground pressure on the site is not stable. Place the 1/4" steel reinforcement rods into each opening of the concrete blocks.^[15]
   
10. Strike the mortar joints. The mortar joints are the spaces between the bricks that are filled with mortar. Once the mortar mix has set enough so you can leave a thumbprint in it, run a concave jointing tool along each joint to remove the excess mortar. Start with the horizontal joints, then move to the vertical joints.^[16]
    
    • For best results, move across each joint 2 times, and keep your tool wet.
    • There are several different joints to choose from, but the concave joint is the easiest to do for beginners.
11. Wait 24 hours for the mortar mix to cure. Mortar mix will start drying within 20 to 40 minutes, but it’s best to wait at least 24 hours before adding anything on top of your walls. After 1 day or so, the mortar mix will be mostly cured, and it will be strong enough to support other construction materials.^[17]
    
    • Mortar mix can take up to 28 days to reach its full cured strength.

[Edit]Warnings

• Always wear protective glasses, gloves, a ventilated mask, and long jeans when you're mixing mortar.^[18]

[Edit]Things You’ll Need

• Shovel
• 2x4s
• Concrete mix
• Wooden stakes
• Mortar mix
• Wheelbarrow or bucket
• Concrete blocks
• Trowel
• 1/4" steel reinforcement rods (optional)

[Edit]Related wikiHows

• Lay Concrete Blocks
• Form Concrete Walls
• Build a Mortarless Concrete Stem Wall

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

1. ↑ https://homefixated.com/concrete-block-wall-1/
2. ↑ https://www.bhg.com/home-improvement/patio/installation-how-to/tips-for-working-with-concrete-block/
3. ↑ https://homefixated.com/concrete-block-wall-1/
4. ↑ http://www.diyadvice.com/diy/patios-walls/masonry/concrete-block-wall/
5. ↑ https://homefixated.com/concrete-block-wall-1/
6. ↑ https://www.bhg.com/home-improvement/patio/installation-how-to/tips-for-working-with-concrete-block/
7. ↑ https://homefixated.com/how-to-build-a-concrete-block-wall-2/
8. ↑ [v161325_b01]. 10 March 2020.
9. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UbB5Cre3-ng&t=35s
10. ↑ https://www.bhg.com/home-improvement/outdoor/retaining-walls/how-to-build-a-concrete-retaining-wall/
11. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UbB5Cre3-ng&t=119s
12. ↑ [v161325_b01]. 10 March 2020.
13. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihJ-n1hThhA&t=685s
14. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UbB5Cre3-ng&t=115s
15. ↑ https://www.bhg.com/home-improvement/outdoor/retaining-walls/how-to-build-a-concrete-retaining-wall/
16. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FipF36eG2Lw&t=68s
17. ↑ https://diyquickly.com/how-long-does-it-take-for-quikrete-mortar-mix-to-dry/
18. ↑ [v161325_b01]. 10 March 2020.

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How to Comfort Someone Who Is Sad

When someone you care for is down in the dumps, it might leave you feeling a little helpless or frustrated. There must be something you can say to help dust them off and get them back on their feet, but what is it? With a little help, learning to comfort others can be super easy. That's why we created a foolproof guide for lending a helping hand. Read through our tips below, and you'll know exactly how to care for your circle in good times and in bad. Let's get started.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Knowing What to Say

1. Ask how they're feeling. One way to help get the conversation going is to ask the person how they are feeling. In any situation, a person is going to feel more than one emotion, even in sad situations, so letting them open up about all their emotions can be helpful.^[1]
   
   • For instance, if they had a parent die after a long and complicated illness, of course, they are going to feel sad. But they also may be feeling some relief that the illness is over and some guilt on top of that for the relief they are feeling. For this kind of situation, a person's feelings might be too complicated and overwhelming for them to open up at first but you can help them.
2. Acknowledge what's upsetting them. You may be tempted to dance around the issue if you already know what's wrong. If the person had a loved one die or if they broke up with someone they cared about, you may find yourself not wanting to say what the problem is because you don't want to hurt the person more. However, the person knows what is wrong and is probably already thinking about the situation. Asking about it in clear terms shows you care and are willing to deal with the issue as it is without sugarcoating it, which will likely come as a relief.^[2]
   
   • For instance, you could say something such as "I heard that your father died. That must have been really tough. Do you want to talk about it?"
3. Keep the attention on them. It's tempting to compare what they're going through with something you've gone through in the past. However, when someone is upset, they don't want to hear about what you went through, necessarily. They want to talk about what's happening in the present.^[3]
   
4. Don't try to turn the conversation instantly positive. It's a natural tendency to want to help the person feel better by having them look at the positive side. However, when you do that, they may feel like you are glossing over what's wrong; that is, they may feel like their feelings aren't important. Just listen without trying to show them the positive side of things and help them to process their sadness.^[4]
   
   • For instance, try not to say things like, "Well, at least you're still alive," "It isn't all bad," or "Cheer up!"
   • Instead, if you must say something, try phrases such as, "It's okay to feel bad; you're going through a tough time."

[Edit]Learning to Listen Attentively

1. Understand the person wants to be heard. Most of the time, people who are crying or upset just need someone to listen to them. Don't try to talk over them and offer them solutions.^[5]
   
   • You may be able to offer solutions near the end of the conversation, but at the beginning, focus on listening.^[6]
2. Show you understand. One way to listen attentively is to repeat what the person is saying. That is, you could say, "What I hear you saying is that you are upset because your friend wasn't paying attention to you."
   
3. Don't get distracted. Keep the conversation on them. Turn off the T.V. Drag your eyes away from your phone.^[7]
   
   • Part of staying focused is not daydreaming either. Also, don't be sitting there trying to think about what you want to say next. Actually take in what they're saying.
4. Use body language to show you are listening. That is, make eye contact with the person. Nod along to what they are saying. Smile at the right moments, or show concern with a frown.^[8]
   
   • Also, keep your body language open. That is, don't cross your arms and legs, and point yourself towards the person.^[9]

[Edit]Finishing the Conversation

1. Acknowledge your helplessness. Most people feel helpless when faced with a friend going through a tough time. It's a natural feeling, and you likely won't know what to say to the person. However, just acknowledging that fact and telling the person that you're there for them is often enough.^[10]
   
   • For example, you could say, "I'm so sorry you're going through this. I don't really know what to say to make it better, and I know no words really could. But I want you to know that I'm here for you when you need me."
2. Offer a hug. If you feel comfortable doing so, offer the person a hug. It's always better to ask first, though, because some people may not be comfortable with physical contact, especially if they have been through some kind of trauma.^[11]
   
   • For example, you could say, "I'd like to give you a hug. Would you like that?"
3. Ask about next steps. While there's not always a solution to what's bothering a person, sometimes just making a plan can help them feel better. Therefore, now is the time to gently offer solutions if they don't seem to have any ideas; if they do, encourage them to talk about and plan out what they want to do next.^[12]
   
4. Bring up therapy. If your friend is going through a lot, it's fine to ask if they've thought about seeing a counselor. Unfortunately, seeing a counselor comes with much social stigma, but if your friend has been having trouble for awhile, it may be worth it to talk to someone who knows what they're doing professionally.^[13][14]
   
   • Of course, the stigma around seeing a counselor is unjust. You may even need to convince your friend that it's perfectly fine to see a counselor. You'll be helping to combat that stigma by letting your friend know you'll still see them as the same person even if they need a little help.^[15]
5. Ask if you can do anything. Whether someone wants to talk weekly or just go out for brunch once in awhile, you may be able to help. You may also be able to help by offering support with difficult tasks, such as supporting the person if they're obtaining a death certificate for a loved one. Just open up the conversation to see if the person needs anything in particular.
   
   • If the person seems uncertain about asking you for help, offer up concretes suggestions. For instance, you could say, "I'd love to be able to help. I can drive you somewhere if you need me, or I can help by bringing food over, for example. Just let me know what you need."
6. Be sincere. If you offer support or help of any kind, make sure you are willing to follow through. For instance, if you say, "Feel free to call me, and talk anytime," actually be willing to drop what you're doing to talk. Similarly, if you offer to do something, such as drive the person to therapy, be the person who actually shows up to do it.^[16]
   
7. Check in again. Most people have trouble reaching out to someone when they need help, especially emotional help. Therefore, don't forget to check in with the person from time to time. It's important to be available if she needs it.^[17]
   

[Edit]Things to Say and Avoid

Talking to Someone Who Is Sad

Talking to Someone Who Is Sad

Things to Avoid Saying to Someone Who Is Sad

Things to Avoid Saying to Someone Who Is Sad

[Edit]Video

[Edit]Warnings

• Don't force someone to talk if they don't want to. They have to be ready to open up to someone first.

[Edit]Related wikiHows

• Hug
• Give a Great Gift to Someone
• Smile
• Have a Pleasant Facial Expression
• Be Down to Earth
• Cheer Someone Up
• Cheer up a Sad Child

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

1. ↑ http://www.cmhc.utexas.edu/bethatone/friendscopingsuicide.html
2. ↑ http://www.cmhc.utexas.edu/bethatone/friendscopingsuicide.html
3. ↑ http://www.prevention.com/sex/friendship/be-better-friend-these-tips-offering-comfort
4. ↑ http://www.redcross.org.uk/What-we-do/Teaching-resources/Teacher-briefings/Emotional-support
5. ↑ http://www.prevention.com/sex/friendship/be-better-friend-these-tips-offering-comfort
6. ↑ http://www.wsj.com/articles/how-active-listening-makes-both-sides-of-a-conversation-feel-better-1421082684
7. ↑ https://www.mindtools.com/CommSkll/ActiveListening.htm
8. ↑ https://www.mindtools.com/CommSkll/ActiveListening.htm
9. ↑ https://www.mindtools.com/CommSkll/ActiveListening.htm
10. ↑ http://www.cmhc.utexas.edu/bethatone/friendscopingsuicide.html
11. ↑ http://www.redcross.org.uk/What-we-do/Teaching-resources/Teacher-briefings/Emotional-support
12. ↑ http://www.redcross.org.uk/What-we-do/Teaching-resources/Teacher-briefings/Emotional-support
13. ↑ http://www.wsj.com/articles/talk-less-listen-more-to-be-the-friend-of-a-person-with-depression-1409008450
14. ↑ [v161670_b01]. 7 January 2021.
15. ↑ [v161670_b01]. 7 January 2021.
16. ↑ http://www.wsj.com/articles/talk-less-listen-more-to-be-the-friend-of-a-person-with-depression-1409008450
17. ↑ http://www.wsj.com/articles/talk-less-listen-more-to-be-the-friend-of-a-person-with-depression-1409008450

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How to Turn off an iPhone

A simple guide to shut off your iPhone with or without the hardware buttons

Do you want to power down your iPhone but aren't sure which buttons to press? If you need to turn off your iPhone, you can easily do so in a few simple steps. Depending on your model of iPhone, you'll typically have to press and hold a button (or combination of buttons) and then drag the power slider to the right. If you're having trouble using the hardware buttons on your iPhone that's running iOS 11 or later, you can also use the Settings menu to shut down your iPhone. This wikiHow will show you how to power off any version of the Apple iPhone, including iPhone 14, iPhone XR, and iPhone SE.

[Edit]Things You Should Know

• On iPhone X and newer, press and hold the right-side button and either Volume button simultaneously. Slide right on the power-off slider.
• On iPhone SE, 8, or earlier, press and hold the side button. Slide left on the power-off slider.
• When using the Settings app, go to General. Scroll down and tap Shut Down.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]iPhone X, 11, 12, 13 or Later

1. Press and hold a volume button and the right side button simultaneously. It doesn't matter which volume button you press. After holding down these buttons for a few seconds, a slider will appear on the screen.^[1]
   
   • If you don't hold down long enough, you might take a screenshot.
2. Drag the slider to the right. This powers off your iPhone. It can take up to 30 seconds for your iPhone to power down.
   
3. Press and hold the right side button to turn the iPhone back on. You can lift your finger from the button once the Apple logo appears.
   
   • You may need to wait a few moments until you can use your iPhone.
   • If your device is unresponsive, you can perform a hard reset.

[Edit]iPhone SE (2nd Generation), 8, 7, or 6

1. Press and hold the right side button. It's near the top of the phone on the rightmost edge. After a few seconds, a slider will appear.
   
2. Drag the slider to the right. Swipe the button from the left of the "slide to power off" message to the right and your iPhone will power off.
   
3. Press and hold the right side button to turn the iPhone back on. You can lift your finger from the button once the Apple logo appears.
   
   • If you need to force restart an iPhone 7 or 7 Plus, press and hold the Volume down and Power button until you see the Apple logo. Once the logo appears, release both buttons and wait for the device to reboot.^[2]
   • To restart an iPhone 8 or 8 Plus, press and release the Volume up button, then press and release the Volume down button. Press and hold the Power button until you see the Apple logo appear. Once that happens, release the power button and wait for the device to reboot.^[3]

[Edit]iPhone SE (1st Generation), 5, or Earlier

1. Press and hold the top button. It's on the top of your iPhone close to the right edge. In a few seconds, a slider will appear.
   
2. Drag the slider to the right. This powers down your iPhone. It can take about 30 seconds for your iPhone to turn off.
   
3. Press and hold the top button to turn your iPhone back on. Lift your finger from the button once the Apple logo appears on the screen.
   
   • To force restart your device, hold the Home and Power button until the Apple logo appears. Once the logo appears, immediately release both buttons and wait for the device to reboot.^[4]

[Edit]Using the Settings Menu (iOS 11 and Later)

1. Open your iPhone's Settings . It's the gear icon that's typically on your home screen, although it may be inside of a folder.
   
   • Be sure to update your iPhone.
2. Scroll down and tap . You can find this in the middle of the screen, above Control Center.
   
3. Scroll down and tap . It's all the way at the bottom of the menu. After a second or so, a slider will appear.
   
4. Drag the slider right to power down your iPhone. Your device will shut down
   
   • To turn your iPhone on again, press and hold the Power button until the Apple logo appears.
   • If you're having trouble with your iPhone's touchscreen, you can change its touch sensitivity.

[Edit]Video

[Edit]Related wikiHows

• Hard Reset an iPhone
• Print from Your iPhone
• Watch YouTube Videos on an iPhone
• Activate Internet Tethering on the iPhone
• Activate Your Replacement iPhone
• Convince Your Parents to Get You an iPhone

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

1. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201559
2. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/force-restart-iphone-iph8903c3ee6/15.0
3. ↑ [v161675_b01]. 7 December 2020.
4. ↑ [v161675_b01]. 7 December 2020.

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How to Remove Tiktok Filter

A user-friendly guide to taking out effects or filters from your TikToks

Do you want to undo a TikTok filter or effect on your videos? If you have a video in your drafts or are currently editing one, you'll be able to remove any unwanted effects. You won't be able to edit a video that isn't your own. Select the video from your drafts and tap the back button to go into editing mode. Tap the effect in the menu to deselect it. This wikiHow will show you how to take out a filter or effect from your TikTok videos using your iPhone, iPad, or Android device.

[Edit]Things You Should Know

• You cannot remove a TikTok filter or effect from someone else's video, but you can remove it from your own.
• Go to the editing page of a video. Tap Effects, then tap the active effect to disable it.
• When removing a filter from a draft video, tap Effects. Use the back arrow to remove existing effects.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Removing a Filter from Drafts

1. Open the TikTok app on your mobile device. This is the multi-colored music note with a black background.^[1]
   
   • If needed, you can install TikTok. TikTok is available for iOS in the App Store and for Android in the Google Play Store.
   • If you aren't already logged in, tap Log in to do so now, or tap Sign up to create an account.
2. Access your drafts. Tap your Profile at the bottom-right corner, then tap the first tab below your bio.
   
   • You can remove the filter on a TikTok as long as it is still in your drafts. You can edit the filter before or after recording the video.
   • You cannot remove the filter of a posted TikTok. You'll need to delete the TikTok, edit the video, and upload it again.
3. Tap the video with the filter you want to remove. After tapping, you'll be brought to the video's editing page.
   
4. Tap in right panel. This will be above Filters.
   
5. Tap the back arrow. This will undo any effects applied to your video.
   
6. Tap . Your changes will be saved.
   
   • If you want to remove a filter, tap Filters in the right panel. A pop-up menu will open. Tap the cancel button on the left side of the menu.
7. Tap . This will save your changes.
   
   • You can now continue to create TikTok videos free of filters and effects.
   • Tap Drafts to return the video to your drafts or tap Post to post the video as is.

[Edit]Removing a Filter Before Recording

1. Open the TikTok app on your mobile device. This is the multi-colored music note with a black background.
   
   • If you aren't already logged in, tap Log in to do so now, or tap Sign up to create an account.
2. Tap . This can be found at the bottom of the screen. This is how you can create a new TikTok.
   
3. Tap .
   
4. Tap the applied effect. When you tap the effect again, it will deselect the current effect.
   
   • If you want to remove a filter, tap Filters in the right panel. A pop-up menu will open. Tap the cancel button on the left side of the menu.
5. Tap the red check mark, then . This will save your changes.
   
   • Tap Drafts to return the video to your drafts or tap Post to post the video as is.

[Edit]References

1. ↑ https://support.tiktok.com/en/using-tiktok/creating-videos/effects

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