Choose concrete retaining walls for solid foundational support

Poured concrete retaining walls are often used for areas that have steep slopes or unstable soil and are by far the strongest. There are four types of concrete retaining walls: gravity, semi-gravity, cantilever and counterfort. Many companies also now offer decorative looks for concrete retaining walls.

I recommend: Capitol Pavers & Retaining Walls carries an extensive line of retaining walls for both residential and commercial use. At Lock + Load Retaining Walls, the retaining wall systems have an attractive rugged quarried stone appearance. The Neel Company’s T-WALL retaining wall systems are used for public works projects. Find more reputable manufacturers and vendors of concrete retaining walls at Business.com.

Block retaining walls and brick retaining walls are industry standards

Block retaining walls have been proven to stand the test of time and need little or no maintenance. Contractors use conventional concrete blocks for their strength and to give permanence to landscaped areas. Brick retaining walls are strong and long lasting but require foundational support. For a little more money, architectural block retaining walls can add distinctive looks to outdoor environments.

I recommend: Anchor Wall Systems designs and licenses block retaining wall systems for everything from backyard gardens to major commercial structures.  Keystone Retaining Wall Systems provides structural block retaining walls. Allan Block Retaining Wall Corp. offers stackable and versatile retaining wall systems that can be used for small garden wall projects up to large engineered 50-foot commercial walls.

Wood retaining walls offer an effective low-cost alternative

While not as strong as their concrete or masonry counterparts, wood retaining walls lend a warm, rustic appeal. For optimum durability, the best materials for wood retaining walls are redwood and pressure-treated fir.

I recommend: For pressure-treated wood and lumber, consider companies such as McGee Lumber Company and Culpeper. A list of pressure-treated wood suppliers and other wood and lumber vendors can also be found at Business.com.

Locate the best contractors for retaining wall projects

For major retaining wall systems, a contractor is a necessity. For smaller landscaping projects, a contractor may still prove beneficial. In most states, retaining walls more than three feet high must be designed and approved by qualified engineers.

I recommend: Concrete contractors can be found through the ConcreteNetwork.com, which offers listings of different types of concrete contractors as well as tips on hiring contractors and checking licensing requirements. Consulting Engineers Corp. (CEC) is a structural engineering firm that designs several types of retaining wall systems. The engineering department at Keystone Retaining Wall Systems can help with preliminary designs and estimates.

Consider methods for constructing retaining walls that are environmentally friendly

Recycled materials can be used to create retaining walls. Segmental retaining wall systems have also gained favor over poured-in-place concrete walls or treated-timber walls because they are more environmentally sound.

I recommend: Allied Concrete and GeoStone are leading providers of segmental retaining walls. THE WALL is a provider of retaining walls made from recycled concrete products.