How to Design a Retaining Wall Admin, Lee's Content Team, October 17, 2024October 22, 2024 Summary: Request a bid today and tell us what you’re looking to tackle. We’ll check out your property, map out the plan, and you can kick back while we handle all the heavy lifting. Type of retaining wall impacts the wall’s height, strength, and materials needed. Material selection balances aesthetic appeal with cost and durability. Drainage and foundation are critical for the wall’s long-term success. đź“‹ Lee’s Retaining Wall Custom Order: Designing a retaining wall for your landscape can be both exciting and rewarding, as the decisions made during planning and construction play a significant role in the outcome. With many customizable options available, we are here to help you find the perfect match for your style and outdoor space. Get Started Review Retaining Wall Features & Request a Quote: FeaturesDetailsType of Retaining WallSegmental Retaining Wall: Interlocking concrete blocks, no mortar, flexible for DIY projects and curved designs.Gravity Wall: Large, heavy materials like stone, relying on weight for stability, suitable for small projects.MaterialsConcrete Blocks: Durable, easy installation, popular for DIY and professionals.Natural Stone: Rustic, decorative, expensive, time-consuming to install.Brick: Classic look, used for lower-height walls.Timber: Affordable, easy to construct, less durable.Height of WallLow (1-3 feet): Garden beds, small slope stabilization.Medium (4-6 feet): Moderate slopes or terracing.Tiered Walls: Used for very tall walls, reduces soil pressure.Wall Finish and AestheticNatural Stone: Rustic, premium feel.Smooth/Polished Concrete: Modern, sleek design.Textured Concrete Blocks: Mimics stone or brick, high-end look.Wood Appearance: Natural, requires maintenance to prevent rot.Drainage SolutionsWeep Holes: Allows water to escape.Perforated Drain Pipe: Directs water away with a French drain system.Backfill with Gravel: Facilitates drainage, prevents pressure buildup.Geotextile Fabric: Enhances drainage efficiency.Drainage Channels: Directs water away for larger walls.Base/Foundation MaterialCrushed Stone/Gravel: Common foundation, provides drainage.Concrete Footing: Adds stability, used for tall walls.Compacted Soil: Suitable for small, simple walls.Wall Reinforcement OptionGeogrid: Geosynthetic material for extra stability, common in higher walls.Wall Cap OptionsFlat Cap: Smooth, clean edge finish.Bullnose/Rounded Cap: Decorative, softer edge.Stepped Cap: Follows the slope, adds interest.Overhanging Cap: Protects wall, adds depth.Slope or Terracing DesignSingle-tier Wall: Simple for minor elevation changes.Multi-tier Wall: Multiple walls at different levels, ideal for landscaping.Curved Walls: Follows landscape, creative flexibility.Straight Walls: Structured, easier to build.Lighting OptionsIn-ground Paver Lights: Subtle, recessed lighting for walkways.Pathway Lights: Solar or electric lights for paths.String/Hanging Lights: Decorative for outdoor spaces.Spotlights: Highlights trees or plants, adds drama.Budget ConsiderationsMaterial Costs: Natural stone and concrete are most expensive.Labor & Installation: Professional installation needed for complex walls.Maintenance: Timber may rot; stone/concrete need minimal upkeep. Request a Retaining Wall Quote Seattle Retaining Wall Project Options 1. Type of Retaining Wall Segmental Retaining Wall Gravity Wall See also Guide to Planting Trees in SeattleFeatureSegmental Retaining WallGravity WallConstruction MethodBuilt using interlocking concrete blocks that fit together without mortar.Built using large, heavy materials like stone, concrete, or precast blocks, relying on weight for stability.Use CasesFlexible landscaping projects, curved designs, terracing gardens. Ideal for DIY projects.Small landscaping projects, like garden borders or holding back gentle slopes.Size & HeightCan be used for various heights, including taller walls with the help of geogrid reinforcements.Best for lower-height walls or smaller slopes; typically not suitable for tall walls.MaterialsPrecast, interlocking concrete blocks.Large stones, concrete, or precast blocks.FlexibilityHighly flexible, allows for curved designs and varying heights.Less flexible, usually built in straight lines due to large material size and weight. 2. Materials Concrete Blocks: Durable, easy to install, and available in various shapes and sizes. Interlocking design makes it a popular choice for DIY and professional projects. Natural Stone: Provides a rustic and organic look, commonly used for decorative purposes. More expensive and requires more time to install. Brick: Traditional material that offers a clean, classic look. Typically used in lower-height walls, often for garden borders. Timber: Wood retaining walls are affordable and easy to construct. Suitable for lower walls but less durable in the long run (prone to rot). 3. Height of Wall Low (1-3 feet): Common for garden beds, small slope stabilization, or defining landscape features. Usually constructed with materials like brick, timber, or small concrete blocks. Medium (4-6 feet): Suitable for moderate slopes or terracing a yard. Can use larger materials like interlocking blocks or stone. High (7+ feet): For steep slopes or where structural support is needed. Requires engineering and professional installation, especially with materials like poured concrete or sheet piles. Tiered Walls: When building a very tall retaining wall, tiered or stepped walls are often used to reduce soil pressure and break up the visual mass. See also Seattle Lawn Services 4. Wall Finish and Aesthetic Natural Stone Finish: Achieves a rustic, organic look that blends well with nature. Often more expensive, but adds texture and a premium feel to the landscape. Smooth/Polished Concrete: Offers a sleek, modern look, often used in contemporary designs. Ideal for minimalistic landscapes or urban environments. Textured Concrete Blocks: Many concrete blocks come with decorative faces that mimic stone or brick. Provides a high-end look without the cost of natural stone. Wood/Timber Appearance: Provides a warm, natural look. Often used for informal or naturalistic landscapes but requires maintenance to prevent rot. 5. Drainage Solutions Weep Holes: Small holes built into the retaining wall to allow water to escape. Prevents water pressure from building up behind the wall. Perforated Drain Pipe (French Drain): A pipe with small holes is laid behind the wall, wrapped in gravel or a fabric membrane to prevent soil from entering. Directs water away from the wall, protecting it from water damage. Backfill with Gravel: Placing a layer of gravel or crushed stone behind the wall to facilitate drainage. Prevents the buildup of hydrostatic pressure. Geotextile Fabric: A porous fabric placed between the soil and gravel backfill to allow water to pass through while keeping soil particles out. Enhances drainage efficiency and prolongs the life of the wall. Drainage Channels or Swales: Directs surface water away from the wall through small trenches or swales. Essential for larger walls where heavy water runoff is expected. 6. Base/Foundation Material Crushed Stone or Gravel Base: The most common material used to create a stable foundation for the wall. Provides good drainage and prevents settling. Concrete Footing: Used in walls that require extra stability, such as poured concrete or tall retaining walls. Ensures the wall remains stable over time, especially for taller structures. Compacted Soil: Used for simpler, small walls. Requires compaction to prevent settling, but doesn’t provide as much stability as gravel or concrete. See also Top Tips for Clearing Overgrown Yards, Weeds, Leaves, Twigs, and More in Seattle 7. Wall Reinforcement Option Geogrid: A geosynthetic material that is placed between layers of the retaining wall. Provides additional stability and reinforcement by spreading the load over a larger area. Commonly used in higher walls or walls retaining a large amount of soil. 8. Wall Cap Options Flat Cap: A smooth, flat top to the wall that creates a finished, clean edge. Often made of the same material as the wall (e.g., concrete, stone, or brick). Bullnose or Rounded Cap: Provides a rounded or beveled edge, which is softer and more decorative. Common for walls that will be used as seating areas. Stepped Cap: Designed to follow the natural slope of the wall or the surrounding landscape. Adds visual interest and works well with tiered walls. Overhanging Cap: A capstone that extends slightly over the edge of the wall. Protects the wall from water damage and adds depth to the design. 9. Slope or Terracing Design Single-tier Wall: A single, straight retaining wall used for a minor change in elevation. Simplest design, often used in flat areas with a small slope. Multi-tier (Terraced) Wall: A series of smaller retaining walls placed at different levels to create terraces. Reduces soil pressure, allowing for higher elevation changes without building one large wall. Provides space for planting between tiers, making it ideal for landscaping. Curved vs. Straight Walls: Curved walls follow the contours of the landscape, often adding a softer, natural feel. Straight walls provide a clean, structured look and are easier to build. Curved walls are more flexible and allow for more creative design elements. 10. Lighting Options In-ground Paver Lights (LED): Small, recessed lights placed directly in the wall surface. Adds subtle lighting for walkways or patios, enhancing nighttime safety and ambiance. Pathway Lights: Small solar or electric lights that line the path. Commonly used to illuminate walkways or garden paths. String or Hanging Lights: Decorative string lights or hanging bulbs for patios to create a warm, inviting atmosphere. Often used for outdoor entertaining spaces. Spotlights on Plants or Trees: Ground lights that highlight surrounding landscaping, such as trees, shrubs, or water features. Adds a dramatic touch, especially for garden walkways. 11. Budget Considerations Material Costs: Natural stone and poured concrete tend to be the most expensive. Timber and gabion walls offer more affordable options but may require more maintenance. Labor and Installation:Professional installation is typically required for higher, more complex walls (especially for concrete and segmental walls). Maintenance: Timber may need to be replaced over time due to rot. Stone and concrete walls require little maintenance but should be inspected regularly for drainage issues. 12. Custom Projects Water Features Ponds Backyard Pond Lighting Light Posts Outdoor Light Post Fire Features Fire Pits Firepits Outdoor Cooking & Dining Outdoor Kitchens BBQ Grilling Stations Outdoor Bars Seating & Relaxation Patio Enclosures Garden Bench Outdoor Couch Sustainability Compost Bin Landscaping & Decor Entry Monument Front Entry Planter ✉️ Get Started: Next Steps: We’ll review your goals, assess your property, and recommend the best materials and services. Sit back while we take care of the heavy lifting and deliver results you'll love. Request a quote today! Landscaping