Retaining walls are vertical structures that are built with the purpose of holding back soil or rocks that would otherwise slide down a hill, preventing erosion and dividing land into levels of different elevation. They are commonly found on properties that are sloped. If you own a sloped yard that isn't conducive to daily use, a retaining wall can help transform it into level segments that are much more practical.
Retaining walls can be made out of many different construction materials, including stone, concrete, brick, wood and metal. Make sure to pick a building material that suits the look and feel of your yard.
For beginner to intermediate do-it-yourselfers, the best option is to use stackable concrete "stones." These stones are manufactured to lock into each other so that no mortar is needed to hold them together. They are quite versatile and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. There are four basic models for building a wall. They are:
When building your wall, be sure to have plenty of landscaping fabric on hand. Lay it behind the wall to prevent any soil from leaking through the cracks between the stones.
The only limitation to using pre-cast stones is that they can only be built to a height of about three feet. Unless you're an experienced builder, you should consult a professional before attempting to build any wall larger than three feet tall.
Depending on the size of the retaining wall, you may be legally obligated to obtain the proper permits from your local government before you begin building.