Whether it’s protecting landscaping from soil erosion or creating a path toward a patio, retaining walls provide durable functionality and beauty. Building one on your property starts with knowing what role it will serve and the types of materials needed to accommodate it. If you’ve been thinking about having one constructed, here’s a closer look at the most common styles. 

What Materials Are Retaining Walls Made From?

1. Concrete

This design uses poured concrete that’s fortified by a series of reinforced concrete footings and holes in the ground for strong and long-term standing. One of the benefits of a concrete retaining wall is that its construction doesn't require a lean-back support when built on a slope.

For a customized touch, the concrete can be carved, stained, or stamped to resemble mortared stone. With these choices, homeowners have the flexibility of designing a wall that complements existing landscaping. 

2. Interlocking Concrete Blocks

The rugged appearance of interlocking concrete blocks makes them an ideal choice to mimic nature's many beautiful features. Available in a spectrum of colors, such as red, tan, and gray, the blocks have flat sides that allow them to link together without the aid of mortar. Powerful anchors and layers of crushed stone firmly secure the wall in the ground for long-term stability.

3. Masonry

There’s also the option of having a masonry wall built with or without mortar. A structure without the adhesive will typically need a crushed-stone footing for additional reinforcement. When mortar is used, a rebar footing fortified with concrete is more common. Drainage channels are incorporated to ensure the wall can last for several decades. 

4. Wood

When pressure-treated with durable coatings, wood choices such as fir and pine can also provide reliable endurance. The planks are typically available in a variety of dimensions that are connected with spikes, rebar, or screws. Wood retaining walls also require T-shaped timber deadman anchors and a crushed-stone footing for solid reinforcement in the ground. 

Knowing which type of wall will work for your landscaping is the first step in the planning process. For nearly 40 years, Buckeye Lawn and Landscaping/Oheil Irrigation Company in Dayton has provided superior installation and maintenance services. Serving Southwest Ohio, the family-owned firm has the experience, equipment, and skills to create retaining walls to accommodate steep slopes and prevent soil erosion. To receive a free estimate, call (937) 432-9911. To learn more about their services, visit the team online.