The Different Types of Retaining Walls
Retaining walls do more than hold back soil — they shape your landscape, control erosion, and add structure and beauty to your outdoor space. Whether you’re dealing with a sloped yard, managing drainage, or looking to boost curb appeal, the right retaining wall can make all the difference. Here’s a breakdown of the different types of retaining walls, how they work, and when to use each one.
Why Retaining Walls Matter in Landscaping
Retaining walls serve a few key purposes. First, they prevent soil erosion on uneven ground. Second, they help manage water runoff and improve drainage. Third, they create usable space in sloped yards. And finally, they add visual interest and structure to the landscape. Choosing the right type depends on your land, soil conditions, budget, and style preferences.
Gravity Retaining Walls
Gravity walls rely on their own weight to hold back soil. They’re usually made from heavy materials like concrete, stone, or large blocks. Because of their thickness and mass, they don’t require reinforcement — just a solid base.
Best for: Short walls (under 4 feet), decorative garden terraces, or areas with limited space for reinforcement.
Materials: Concrete blocks, poured concrete, natural stone.
Pros: Simple design, no reinforcement needed, visually flexible.
Cons: Limited height unless built wide; not ideal for poor soil without drainage help.
Cantilever Retaining Walls
Cantilever walls are reinforced concrete walls with a base slab that extends under the soil. The weight of the backfill helps stabilize the wall, and steel reinforcement keeps it strong.
Best for: Medium to tall walls, especially when space behind the wall is limited.
Materials: Reinforced concrete.
Pros: Strong and efficient for taller structures; uses less material than a gravity wall for the same height.
Cons: Requires professional engineering and installation; not as DIY-friendly.
Anchored Retaining Walls
Anchored walls use cables or rods driven deep into the soil behind the wall to hold it in place. These anchors are usually combined with other types of walls, like gravity or sheet pile designs.
Best for: Situations where high loads are expected or space is tight.
Materials: Reinforced concrete, steel cables, geogrid.
Pros: Can support very tall or narrow walls; useful in tricky terrains.
Cons: More complex to build; higher installation costs.
Sheet Piling Retaining Walls
Sheet piling walls are made of thin, vertical steel, vinyl, or wood sheets driven deep into the ground. They’re often used in soft soils or near water.
Best for: Tight spaces, wet environments, temporary structures.
Materials: Steel, vinyl, wood.
Pros: Minimal footprint, effective in soft or saturated soils.
Cons: Not visually appealing; limited height without extra support.
Segmental Retaining Walls (Modular Block)
These are interlocking concrete blocks stacked without mortar. They’re popular in residential landscaping because they’re easy to install and offer a clean, modern look.
Best for: Terraced yards, garden borders, raised planters.
Materials: Manufactured concrete blocks.
Pros: DIY-friendly, flexible designs, easy to repair or extend.
Cons: Not suitable for very tall walls unless engineered and reinforced.
Natural Stone or Dry Stack Walls
Built using fieldstone or flat rocks, dry stack walls rely on careful placement and gravity. They’re often used for garden walls or decorative features.
Best for: Low retaining walls, rustic landscapes, garden edging.
Materials: Natural stone.
Pros: Timeless appearance, no mortar required, blends with natural surroundings.
Cons: Labor-intensive, limited strength, not suitable for tall walls.
