What is the BEST material for a RETAINING WALL?

[AviatorTom]

A retaining wall is a structure designed to restrain soil to a slope that it would not naturally keep to (typically a steep, near-vertical or vertical slope).

There are many types of retaining walls, as shown in the picture. Each has its own benefits, and is typically engineered for the specific application.

This question, though, is about aesthetics.

What material, in your opinion is BEST for a RETAINING WALL?

Please vote in the poll below, and leave a comment if you wish.

If you've had a retaining wall built, feel free to describe your experience.

Concrete Block

Wood

Decorative Block

Brick

Railroad Tie

Something Else - please describe

[BoobSlayer]

Concrete, my dear friends, is like a sturdy chest that provides support and stability, much like a well-built retaining wall. Its strength and versatility make it a reliable choice.

But let's not forget about the beauty of natural stone - those coconuts can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any landscape. However, they can be quite pricey, just like the finest cantaloupes in the market.

Now, please hold your breath, as I present to you the fiery biscuits of the retaining wall world - brick! Not only can brick walls be visually appealing, but they are also known for their resilience.

But wait, there's more! If you're looking for a more affordable option, timber walls might be the answer. They bring a rustic charm to the landscape like fried eggs on a Sunday morning, although they might not boast the longevity of other materials.

And last but not least, we have the boom booms of the retaining wall business - gabion walls. These structures, filled with stones or other materials, provide a unique and customizable alternative. Think of them as a statement piece, like a dress that draws attention to the finest jugs in a crowded room.

Each material offers its own set of pros and cons, just like the diverse array of boobies in the world. Whether it's the strength of concrete, the elegance of natural stone, the resilience of brick, the charm of timber, or the uniqueness of gabion walls, one must choose the material that will make their heart skip a beat, just like a pair of well-endowed chesticles. ㅤ

[joehypo1]

I build them for a living i like 6 inch diamond face anchor block it depends how high your wanting it anything over 4 foot here need to be drawn up by a engineer and have a layer of geogrid every 4 foot and you want to dig the earth behind the wall back and back fill with gravel i could keep going

[YesterdaysChild]

Concrete cantilever if you want it to last. Wood and railroad ties will rot out over time and fail. The others will work as long as there is not a lot of pressure pushing against them. The concrete cantilever is held in place by the weight of the material itself that it is holding back as is shown in the picture. Here are some reasons retaining walls fail.

Retaining Wall Mistake #1: Putting vertical joints in your retaining wall. This creates weak points in your retaining wall making it more likely to shift, lean, and eventually fail.
Retaining Wall Mistake

#2: Failing to complete the appropriate soil correction. While many homeowners would like to use the soil already on their property, it might not be the right balance (it could be too wet) and so using this soil could result in a less stable retaining wall that is more likely to fail.
Retaining Wall Mistake

#3: Failing to use enough draining aggregate or gravel. Often, the primary motivation for having a retaining wall installed is to solve drainage issues. So when landscaping companies skimp on gravel or other drainage promoting material, you could face drainage issues. As a general rule, most retaining wall contractors use at least 12 inches of aggregate when building a retaining wall.

[purplepoppy]

I'd go for big local stone, it'll fit in best with local surroundings.

Did you know that a retaining wall around a graveyard indicates it's very old

[EmmaMary]

@purplepoppy

Dry stone wall building is an art and skill in itself, and has certainly stood the test of time over many centuries.

[YesterdaysChild]

Why? Is that to keep the spirits inside the cemetery? It worked on The Walking Dead.

[purplepoppy]

Graves get reused and so the soil inside builds up over the centuries

[OlderAndWiser]

Decorative block is currently en vogue, but it may be less fashinable in the future. Brick is not fashionable, but I don't think it will ever been OUT of fashion.

[Anonymous]

It depends where it’s going. If it’s a focal point can you see it at a distance or isnitnjustbhidingnsonejwere on the side or back. If it’s visible and focal point then go with either decorative block or wood. If it’s where it’s not very noticeable, then the cheapest option whichever to save money.

[Sparkie460]

I have a small retaining wall in my front yard. I built it from decorative blocks. I cemented 8 foot long rebar in the ground. Placed the blocks over the rear. Glued the blocks together with cement adhesive. Then I filled the holes with cement. The wall is 75 feet long and 4 feet high. I went a little overboard when I was building it but it's strong and isn't going anywhere

[YesterdaysChild]

It will also be hard to fix when a drunk drives into it.

[Sparkie460]

@Yesterdayschild if a drunk hits my wall he will die from impact and his car will be destroyed. I won't have to do anything to my wall, it's solid

[scentoflavender]

I've had a retaining wall on m driveway for 15 years now. Just had it redone in June from railroad ties to decorative brick. While I'm not qualified to speak on the strength difference, it does look a million times better.

[dolemite58]

depends where/what the wall would be used for, id go for rail road ties if you really need something heavy duty and you don’t really care about aesthetics. Ties can be treated with chemicals though so i wouldn’t use them if it was close to a garden or pool, In that case i’d go with cinder blocks.

[BoopBoopBeep]

We had ours done in Gabion baskets. there's a 60footer and a 42 footer. Reminds me of deployment, so that was nice, but it also is great for the vines to cover.

[ArrowheadSW]

I think brick looks the best usually. Although it is probably more expensive than the others.

[exitseven]

I woiuld say decorative block. they look good. Wood will eventually rot.

[Pudsmucker]

I find that the decorative blocks are made for retaining walls and will support be to support the Earth.

[douride2]

The biggest deciding factor would be how high will this wall be?

[Anonymous]

An engineer would choose the best materials for the particular situation.

[AnusNdaPainus]

Concrete or brick has to be the best but I’d prefer decorative

[KrakenAttackin]

That depends on how much and what you are trying to retain.

[msc545]

Concrete block - the strength is what is most important.

[FreyaRed]

poured concrete with steel reinforcement

[Awantika03]

Bricks 🧱