01 / The basics
How retaining walls work
A retaining wall holds back soil so you can level a yard, create planting beds, or protect a driveway or structure from a slope. Poured concrete walls are strong and can be finished smooth, textured or with a stone veneer.
Water is the main reason retaining walls fail. A well-built wall has drainage behind it, such as gravel backfill, a perforated pipe and weep holes, so pressure doesn’t build up.
02 / Budgeting
What affects the cost
01
Wall height and length
02
Engineering requirements
03
Drainage design
04
Finish or veneer
03 / FAQ
Retaining Walls questions
Does my retaining wall need an engineer?
Taller walls, and walls that hold up a driveway or structure, often need an engineered design and a permit. Height limits vary by area.
Poured concrete or block?
Poured walls are monolithic and very strong. Block walls are modular and can be easier to build on some sites. A contractor can compare them for your slope.
Why is my retaining wall leaning?
Leaning usually means water pressure or a weak footing. Have a contractor assess it before it gets worse.
Do retaining walls work?
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