Retaining Walls are often used to leval a yard or to prevent erosion on a hillside. In a flat yard, you can build a low retaining wall and fill in behind it to create a raised planting bed. Terraced retaining walls work well on steep hillsides. Two or more short retaining walls are easier to install and more stable than a single, tall retaining wall. Construct the terraces so each wall is no taller than three feet. While retaining walls can be built from many materials, including wood timbers and natural stones, interlocking concrete blocks have become a very popular choice. Typically made from concrete, retaining wall blocks are rather inexpensive, very durable, and easy to install. Several styles of interlocking block are available at building centers and at your local landscaping supply yard. Most types have a split-face finish that combines the rough texture of cut stone with the uniform shape and size of concrete blocks. Some have cast flanges or tongue and grooves to create a locking system that holds the retaining wall together. Other types do not interlock, but have flat surfaces that need to be bonded with landscaping stone adhesive. Some older styles relied on nylon pins that fit into cast holes in the blocks to add strength and assist in alignment. This type of system is rarely used today. Interlocking wall blocks can weigh up to 80 lbs. each, so its a good idea to have helpers when building a retaining wall.

Structural features for all retaining walls include: a compactable gravel subbase to make a solid footing for the wall, crushed stone backfill and perforated drain pipe to improve drainage behind the wall, and landscape fabric to keep loose soil from washing into and clogging the gravel backfill.  When building retaining walls, pay close attention to drainage. Your wall can be damaged if water saturates the soil behind it, so make sure you include the proper drainage gravel and drain tile. You may need to dig a drainage swale before building in low lying areas. Be sure to check you local codes for maximum wall height restrictions and for minimum property line setback. Also have your public utility company visit your property to flag any utility lines that are in or near the project area.

JJW BrickScape specializes in retaining wall construction for residential homes located in Shelby Township, Troy, Rochester Hills, Macomb, Sterling Heights, Washington Township, Royal Oak and Clinton Township Michigan.