Types of Retaining Wall
                     Types of Retaining Wall
Retaining walls are a common element in both commercial and residential landscaping in 
California. Not only do they give you the chance to add some beautiful stonework to your 
property, but they can prevent soil erosion and control rainwater flow, both of which can 
save your yard and home foundation from erosion and damage. Here we discuss four 
basic types of retaining walls in landscaping, and note the differences between them to 
understand which one may be best for your landscaping project.
Properly Engineered Site 
Retaining Walls
We refer to walls in the yard as site walls. When properly constructed with reinforced 
concrete, large footings or piers, and drainage behind them to eliminate potential water 
pressure, these new walls will stand the test of time.
Foundation Retaining Walls
When the soil adjacent to a building is higher on one side or the other, the foundations 
will function as retaining walls and must be properly designed. If they are over 3’ in 
height they need to be engineered. The footings are generally much wider than those of 
a standard foundation. When the ground on one side or the other is level, the footing 
(base) of the new wall can be place under the adjacent surface, in this case under the 
driveway which was then patched over
Retaining Wall with Piers
As an alternative to new walls with wide footings, and a requirement in hillside 
scenarios that are sloped on both sides, holes are drilled in which I beams are set in 
concrete. For tall walls these holes are often 10’-15’ deep.
Wood Lagging is Installed with I-
Beam Walls
Pressure-Treated Wall Boards are installed between the beams- usually 4” thick. 
Pressure treated lumber is resistant to termites, dry rot and moisture over time. Because 
the drop off is over 30” on the downhill side of the new wall, a 42” minimum height 
guardrail system is required above. These railings need to be installed to resist 
substantial horizonal forces for safety purposes.
Retaining Wall Drainage
This patio wall is being built with a drainpipe and a drainage mat on the back side. This 
mat, called Miradrain directs water to enter it and trickle to the bottom where the pipe is 
located, acting like a miniature drainage system. This allows us to form the wall on one- 
side only and avoids the need for extensive gravel backfill behind the wall for drainage.
Failing Old Cinder Block Wall
Cinder block walls are often not reinforced, and cinder block is a weak material and is 
very porous. Often lacking proper footing and drainage, failure occurs, especially with 
taller walls as they age.
Stucco Finished New Walls
More commonly, we will install a texture coat of stucco on the new concrete, often to 
match the house stucco. This finish is relatively inexpensive and a major upgrade over 
rough concrete.
Retaining Walls Can Create New 
Space
By leveling spaces behind or in front of homes and installing new retaining walls level 
areas can be created where the spaces were previously unusable. These can be 
expensive projects, but for homes with little or no flat areas for recreating or sunbathing 
this can make a huge difference.
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