Concrete blocks for Patio wall

[brucesmith1980]

Hi there, I've just put footings in for a concrete block wall for a small patio of the back on my house. The back wall is earth but is pretty solid, dug out 6 weeks ago and hasn't moved with lots of rain. The neighbours (wall on left) is dug down as they have a patio behind fence. Question is would I need to lay Concrete blocks flat for extra support or could I lay them upright? I want to maxmise space but don't want them cracking and falling down in 3 years. Any help would be much appreciated.

 

[Koolpc]

Flat would be my choice...

 

[Charlie George]

As above lay them flat, too much weight for single skin, looks like it's retaining at least 800mm.

 

[Odds]

Laying them flat will spread the weight and ease the load - maybe a double row, or steel rods for xtra support if a risk of subsidence is severe.

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

Rule of thumb for retaining walls is the thickness at the base should be about 1/3 of the height.

 

[brucesmith1980]

Thank you for the comments. Make's everything clear now