Fortunately, there are many different options. The retaining wall’s purpose and setting influence the materials used to build it. In some instances, such as walls higher than four feet or walls around parking lots, you’ll need a licensed engineer, too. To prevent wall failure and any potential damages or injuries that could occur, always have a retaining wall engineered and installed by a licensed contractor. While they may seem simple, retaining walls are intricate structures that have to stand up to the effects of gravity at all times. There is also a critical distinction to make between engineered retaining walls and non-engineered walls. On the other side, the ground is level with the wall’s base. You can learn more about the different types of retaining walls and the basics of how they work in our tips and advice section. The side of a retaining wall facing a hill gets completely covered with soil to the top of the wall. These walls stabilize the steep grades in a landscape by holding the soil in place. Retaining walls often fulfill the purpose of keeping erosion at bay, but many people choose to create terraced yards and planting beds, shaping beautiful landscapes with more usable areas. It can have a strictly functional capacity - to keep soil in place - or a more aesthetic one, shaping and adding visual interest to a yard. Let’s take a look at the basics of retaining walls and how they can make a significant difference in your yard or your next project.Ī retaining wall has a crucial role to play. At Nitterhouse Masonry Products, we have a wide range of supplies available to help you build the ideal retaining wall, whether that’s for your yard or a client’s. They serve various purposes and can add a sophisticated touch to yards and roadsides alike. They simply lock together and stand the test of time.įrom flower-filled terraces to an elegant border around the pool, retaining walls can do wonders for landscaping efforts while providing valuable erosion control. All Allan Block pieces have built-in engineering that allow them to be constructed without any additional mortars or footers. Allan Block is a segmental, mortarless concrete block retaining wall system that can transform any project no matter what the size commercial or residential. Nitterhouse Masonry Products has been proudly producing Allan Block concrete retaining wall block systems for 25 years.

Concrete retaining wall blocks