Guide to Block Retaining Walls

Learn about block retaining wall products and installation

It's difficult to run across even a long-time contractor who knows everything there is to know about the business. Your operation will only be more productive and profitable with increased knowledge. So with that in mind, take a little time to check out some of the great educational materials on building a block retaining wall.

I recommend: Anchor Wall Systems has an excellent site for professionals, offering all kinds of information about retaining wall construction and pricing, including instructions on how to use their products, design assistance and a wall calculator. Allen Block also provides block retaining wall design and construction tips, as well as an Allan Block Contractor Certification Program.

Choose traditional block retaining wall materials for many situations

Traditional concrete block retaining walls have, in essence, been around for thousands of years. Simple and effective, they work perfectly if the weight they must bear goes from the top to the bottom of the wall. Nowadays, you can even find block retaining wall materials that resemble materials like natural stone.

I recommend: Keystone Retaining Wall Systems sells standard block retaining wall products, mostly for smaller retaining walls. Redi-Rock International manufactures commercial retaining walls products, as well as blocks appropriate for residential use, highways, bridges and culverts.

Select segmental block retaining wall materials for ease and special applications

When stress is put on a block retaining wall's sides, it will often collapse. That's why segmental (sometimes called "modular," "mortarless" or "stackable") block retaining walls have gained popularity over the last 20 years; they're strong where traditional block retaining walls are weak. In addition, segmental retaining walls allow for expansion and contraction with the changing weather.

I recommend: Substiwood, Inc. sells a segmental block retaining wall system designed to look like wood. VERSA-LOK® Retaining Wall Systems manufactures 100-percent concrete block retaining wall materials that are segmental. Risi Stone Systems also sells segmental retaining wall blocks appropriate for commercial and residential use. StoneWall Select provides segmental blocks that look like real stone. Air Vol Block, Inc. offers mortarless black retaining wall options.