Frequently Asked Questions
What is a retaining wall?
A retaining wall allows you to create a near vertical face on what would normally be a slope. A retaining wall is designed to “retain” or hold back the soil behind it and resist the horizontal loads from the soil pushing against it.
Do I need a retaining wall?
A retaining wall is a great way to flatten out a slope, adding more usable space to your yard or property! In addition, a retaining wall can be an aesthetic focal point in your backyard oasis.
How much does a retaining wall cost?
Retaining wall materials cost between $15-$25 per a square foot of wall face. This will vary greatly by the size of the wall, the location, the soils on your property, and the type of retaining wall.
What type of materials do I use?
There are several different types of retaining walls. The material that you use depends on the type of retaining wall that you intend to build. Some examples include segmental blocks, concrete cantilever, wood, pile and lagging, or stacked stones. DIY Retaining Wall® can help you decide which wall type is best for you.
Will you help me build it?
While we do not build retaining walls ourselves, we will give you all the tools and resources necessary for you to build the retaining wall yourself or hire a contractor to build it for you.
Do I need a contractor?
If you are a handy person, you can tackle a small retaining wall project yourself. We will provide you all the knowledge necessary to tackle the project on your own.
If you are not a handy person, or you have a large retaining wall project, we definitely recommend hiring a contractor. We can still provide a material estimate and drawings to present to contractors so you can get “apples-to-apples” construction quotes.
Do I need a permit?
Generally, a build permit is needed when the total wall height exceeds 4-ft. But every municipality is different. Check out the requirements by state.
Will you help me fix issues with an existing retaining wall?
Yes, we can evaluate existing retaining walls and provide repair recommendations. It is best to fill out a contact form so we can best assess your needs.
Will a retaining wall fix my drainage issue?
While a retaining wall itself will not solve a drainage issue, it can be a part of a drainage solution. Regrading the property to avoid low spots will greatly reduce standing water. This can be accomplished by using retaining walls.
What states do you work in?
We provide engineered designs in Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Ohio, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia, and Wisconsin.
We also provide general consulting, regardless of your location.
What information do you need to create a retaining wall design?
When you contact DIY Retaining Wall®, we will ask for your goals with a retaining wall, what aesthetic look you desire, and whether you plan to build the wall yourself. From there, we will request pictures, measurements with a sketch, a site survey, loading conditions, and a soil sample.
How much are your services?
Check out our Services tab for all our current pricing information.
What payment methods do you take?
We take ACH transfer, credit/debit card, PayPal, and Bitcoin.
