What Are Some Types of Retaining Walls for My Yard?

Stone or Masonry

• Natural stone and preformed, decorative concrete blocks are among the simplest materials for constructing a retaining wall. Low walls of stacked fieldstone look rustic and require no mortar or specialized support, but are incapable of withstanding heavy pressure from the earth behind them. Preformed concrete blocks come in many different styles and often lock into place with tabs or metal bars, making them sturdier. Brick-and-mortar walls require advanced masonry skills to install, and they need a sturdy foundation to resist cracking over time.

Poured Concrete

• Structural concrete, poured on site and reinforced with rebar, is the material of choice when stronger retaining walls are needed. Walls more than waist-high undergo massive forces from the weight of soil and water behind them. A concrete wall set on a solid footing and backfilled with gravel for drainage has the best chance of resisting these forces over the long haul. While concrete is not particularly attractive on its own, the wall can be faced in brick or stone for aesthetic purposes if desired.

Timbers

• Sturdy wooden beams piled horizontally make an effective retaining wall for heights up to about 3 feet. Railroad ties used to be a popular choice, but have fallen out of favor due to their creosote content. Treated 6-by-6-inch timbers work well when the soil behind them is well-drained. Secure each new layer to the layer below it with metal spikes toenailed in from the back, and extend deadmen -- timbers attached perpendicularly behind the main wall -- every 6 feet to reinforce the structure.

Used Tires

• If cost and environmental impact are major concerns, consider a retaining wall made out of recycled tires. Stack rows of waste tires on top of each other to the necessary height. Anchor them by driving metal posts through the center holes and into the ground below. Attach adjacent tires together with wire or cable and fill the spaces inside and between the tires with compacted earth or gravel.