The Dos and Don’ts of Building Retaining Walls

If you want to give your backyard a dynamic, layered look, a retaining wall is a great way to achieve this. And not only do they look great, they’re also essential for preventing soil erosion and holding back the earth in sloped areas. 

However, if you’re going to build a retaining wall, you need to make sure you’re doing it properly. Their effectiveness and longevity rely heavily on proper construction techniques, which is why, in this article, we’re going to be covering some key dos and don’ts.

But first, let’s cover some important questions to lay the foundations!

How do retaining walls work?

Retaining walls essentially work by resisting the lateral pressure of soil or water and preventing it from eroding or collapsing onto lower levels. As the name suggests, they hold back or retain soil in sloped areas, creating level surfaces for landscaping or construction work.

Why do retaining walls fail?

Retaining walls can fail for various reasons, including poor construction techniques, inadequate drainage, the wrong materials being used, or simply bad design. Some of the common ways in which a retaining wall can fail are: the wall tipping over, pieces of the wall sliding away, or the wall bulging and collapsing.

OK, so we’ve covered the basics, now for the construction dos and don’ts.

THE DOs

Do choose the right materials: Select materials such as concrete blocks, natural stone, or timber that are suitable for the specific needs of your project and the specific environmental conditions of your site.

Do start with a good foundation: Get a stable base by digging away and compacting the soil properly before laying the first blocks or stones.
Do stack blocks at a slight backward slope: Angle the blocks slightly backwards toward the slope to provide additional stability and counteract the pressure exerted by the retained soil. Failing to do this may result in the wall tipping forward with time.

Do backfill correctly: Fill the space behind the wall with well-compacted soil or gravel to provide support and improve drainage, preventing water build-up behind the wall.

THE DON’Ts

Don’t forget to check with authorities: Before beginning construction, consult local building codes and regulations to obtain any necessary permits and ensure compliance. The last thing you want is to find out that your wall doesn’t meet regulations.

Don’t lay the bricks unevenly: Try to maintain consistency in block or stone placement to create a uniform and strong wall that can withstand pressure and movement.

Don’t build one tall wall: Instead of constructing a single tall wall, opt instead for multiple tiers or terraces. This will help to distribute the pressure more evenly and reduce the risk of failure.

Don’t forget about drainage and waterproofing: Consider incorporating proper drainage systems and waterproofing measures to prevent water from building up behind the wall, as this could lead to erosion and structural damage over time.

Want to learn more about retaining walls from our team here at Outdoor Living? We’d be glad to help in any way we can. All you have to do is give us a call!