I've got a project planned out for a concrete paver patio in my backyard which has a slope of about 1' per 10'. I rented a backhoe/loader this past weekend and dug out the area where the patio will go. I'm planning to pave the area with concrete pavers and build retaining walls where necessary to maintain the new lay of the land. The patio should be about 15'x18' and the wall height should be 20-24" at its highest point. I have yet to order any materials and I have a few questions regarding the retaining wall which I plan to build dry using interlocking blocks. 1. I've read many "tutorials" on how to build a dry retaining wall and each one seems to give different advice on how to construct the base. Some say a concrete base is necessary, others say gravel, and still others say crushed stone. What is best? 2. Some tutorials give examples on providing proper drainage for the wall. What's the best way to do that? 3. This should probably be my first question, but I was thinking I'd lay the patio first and build the retaining wall second but I am thinking now that I have it backwards. Should I build the wall first? For your enjoyment, here's THE BIG HOLE IN MY BACKYARD as it stands today: [URL]http://www.dinologic.com/photos_viewer.asp?file_num=20&album_name=The%20Backyard&rows=3&cols=4[/URL] If you feel like laughing at the amount of work I've commited to by doing this, feel free! I'm having a lot of fun with this myself. :D Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

What is the appropriate slope for a porch? The wrap-around porches on my 115 year old foursquare are roofed, decked with tongue & groove pine and painted. There is some rot as well as evidence of old repairs. They slope noticeably away from the house but I don't know if the slope is adequate, excessive, etc. (I also have not yet measured the slope, but might just do so tonight.)