Retaining walls aren’t just pretty yard ornaments—they also serve a purpose. As intentional barriers that provide support to prevent soil erosion, help control water runoff, and turn sloped yards into level spaces, retaining walls improve the usability and appearance of your property. Installed correctly, they can increase the value of your home and last for decades. There are several forms of retaining walls, each serving different purposes, as well as different options for materials. We’ll explore several points to consider when constructing a retaining wall.

What Is the Strongest Type of Retaining Wall?

While most types of retaining walls are resilient if built correctly, there is a range of strength in the construction styles. Let’s review four different build types ranging in strength that may serve different purposes.

• Gravity – This type of retaining wall is common and relies on the weight of the build material to maintain its own stability. It is made of interlocking blocks; the weight of those materials on top of the lower layers helps keep it in place. Gravity walls can be reinforced with geogrid that is tied back into the gravel and soil behind the wall, ensuring additional strength. When building this style, the wall is made to lean back slightly as a counterbalance to the soil behind. This version is ideal for areas such as gardens or gradual slopes. While all retaining walls have some degree of complexity in their design and construction, this is one of the simplest methods overall.
• Cantilevered – This is a reinforced retaining wall that has a slab foundation (known as a “heel”) that projects backward into the soil it’s holding up. The weight of the soil on that extended ledge helps keep the wall in place so it doesn’t fall over. There may also be a small forward projection known as a toe to help prevent the wall from overturning. Construction of a cantilevered retaining wall should include precise calculations and attention to detail, and due to the heavy material, it may require engineered plans and specialized machinery to construct. Having a hardscape contractor design and install the wall significantly reduces the likelihood of it failing.
• Anchored – The strongest of the build methods, an anchored retaining wall uses a thick cable that is driven into hard ground behind the wall and secured with a concrete anchor. It can be used alongside any of the other methods above and is of great benefit if the wall has to be very high. If you aren’t sure how to build a retaining wall, properly performing anchoring can be a tricky process to get right.

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What Materials Can Be Used to Build a Retaining Wall?

Depending on the type of wall you need and the aesthetic you prefer, there are several options for what can make up your wall.

• Concrete – A concrete retaining wall creates a clean and uniform look that is more modern and industrial. It is a hardy material that holds up well to high pressure and tall heights, but it may be less attractive without additional beautification. It also requires a skilled hand to pour correctly, and it may need equipment the average person doesn’t have access to.
• Stone – Delivering a natural look, stone is an excellent way to make the retaining wall blend into the landscape seamlessly.
• Brick – Brick will need to be installed over a CMU block wall, using mortar in order to be stabilized, and it can be painted to better match the coloring of your home and decor.
• Block – These are a common choice for building a retaining wall. Retaining wall blocks create a stable base without the need for cement and usually have uniform shapes that make them easy to stage. CMU block on the other hand, will need a concrete base and steel reinforcement. Both will need attention to ensure weep holes or proper drainage behind the walls are present so water can escape after heavy rain.
• Wood – Using wood posts, hardware, and rebar, you can create a retaining wall that truly blends into the landscape. The wood will need to be pressure treated, and it may have a shorter lifespan than other material options.

No matter which material you move forward with, prior to purchasing, you must calculate the projected length and height to ensure you purchase enough to complete the project. Buying extra building material is never a bad idea, especially if there’s a return policy that will let you bring back leftovers. You may need to arrange for stones or blocks to be delivered, and you will need plenty of space to place the material. Regardless of what you use, all retaining walls will need a stable base and footing so that the initial layers are secure and level. If you’ve never built a retaining wall, reach out to hardscaping professionals like Greenway of Nashville, who can take planning and execution off your shoulders and deliver the perfect results.

“Work with skilled Nashville hardscaping and outdoor construction professionals who understand your vision and respect your schedule. Contact us for a free quote!”

What Is the Cheapest Retaining Wall to Build?

By the square foot, wood is generally the cheapest material option for building a retaining wall. From there, prices increase to use block, concrete, brick veneer, and stone veneer. Consider the long term, though—it may be worth spending a little more money now for a structure that lasts a lifetime versus saving money today but needing to replace the wall in a few years. Your retaining wall may also need added features to promote drainage of the ground. Good water drainage will help prevent the wall from failing, and some materials will more naturally lend themselves to this, while others may require additional solutions. Factor this into your cost when creating an estimate so that there’s no shock mid-project. While it may come with a higher budget, having expert contractors install the retaining wall assures you that it’s done correctly and safely and has a better lifespan—it also saves you time you can’t get back.

The retaining wall contractors at Greenway of Nashville are here to help you weigh all your options. You’ll get a full assessment of the land in question, guidance on which materials and approach will suit your needs, and expert construction from contractors who’ve specialized in these projects for nearly two decades. We’ll help make sure there are no surprises by looking ahead at potential needs such as drainage solutions, and we can get all your projects done at once. With no strings attached to our consultations, you have nothing to lose by reaching out—it’s easy to submit a form on our website or call us at (615)-238-4574 to set up your free discussion and estimate.

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