How do you keep a constant width when putting mortar in a cinder block wall.?

Question

i layed a retaning wall to keep this mound of dirt up but i would like to put mortar in between the blocks to keep them more sturdy during the winter. i was wondering how you keep a constant width between the blocks so it stays level. any help would be appreciated thanks.

Answer 1

Don't stack the blocks morethan 4 layers per laying, allow it to set first.  Since it is a retaining wall, wall footing and rebars would be good for reinforcement.  Using a leveled fishing line laid horizontally as a guide would help you a lot.  Don't forget putting weap holes for water to drain from the mound.

Answer 2

If you get a chance to take a look at any brick or block wall you will notice that the mortar layers are not perfect.  You don't level the mortar.  You level the brick or block.  

To build a retaining wall you start with a footing of concrete.  You need vertical rebar coming out of the footing.  You will be laying the block over the top of the rebar with the rebar going through the holes of the block.  You build up the corners using a level to make sure that each block is level and plumb.  Then you use a plumber's line on each course to make sure each course is straight and you will still use a level.  Every other course you will use a welded wire structure in the mortar (horizontally) that some call "dura wall" it looks like a little truss and it nicely ties the whole wall together.  On the top you will put some kind of a cap:  cap block, stone, mortar.  If you want to increase the strength you will fill all the blocks with mortar.  Make sure you allow some weep holes for drainage of water from behind the wall.   This is a little brief as there are some more options for increased strength, coloring the wall, cap options, kind of block...