Your Best-Bet Retaining Wall Materials

Pre-Cast Concrete Stone

One of the best materials to choose when building your own retaining wall is pre-cast concrete stone. This is a great option because no mortar is needed for the building process. The pieces simply interlock like a jigsaw puzzle. Once all the pieces are put together, a solid wall is formed. It also creates an attractive appearance that resists pressure. You can easily find these stones in a tapered form that is ideal for building curved walls. One drawback of this material is that it is only suitable for building walls up to three feet in height.

If you don’t want to tackle the project yourself you can hire a contractor to do the retaining wall installation for you. If you decide to go this rout, there are many other materials you can choose from. Whatever material you choose to use for your retaining wall make sure that it is strong and stable. You don’t want to have your wall crumbling down on you.

Concrete Masonry Block

Probably the most common material that is used for retaining walls is concrete masonry block. These blocks are solid and stable. They also require little to no maintenance once the wall is installed. This material is still the ideal one to use if you live in an area that is prone to heavy precipitation. The blocks also can be simple and economical or elaborate and expensive. There is essentially something for everyone when using conventional cement blocks.

Segmented Concrete Blocks

Segmented concrete blocks are one of the most ideal materials for retaining walls. The individual blocks are light for the installer. They also do not need mortar as they use their own weight for support. These blocks come in a variety of colors, sizes and shapes to choose from.

Keystone Blocks

Keystone blocks are another great choice for retaining wall materials. These blocks are also lightweight and are specifically designed for use in retaining walls. The keys in the blocks interlock in order to create strength and stability.

Manufactured Block

One of the more unconventional retaining wall materials you can use is manufactured block or a glass/concrete façade. This material comes in a wide variety of colors and styles. You can even find pieces that resemble wood or stone.

Whether you want to go traditional or contemporary, functional or aesthetic, it should not be difficult to find a material to build a retaining wall. To see some finished products visit the retaining wall photo gallery from EnhanceScape.