Once you decide that you are going to build a segmental retaining wall and you have your approved design, you may be wondering where to start looking for materials. Here is a list of the typical materials needed to complete a segmental retaining wall project. Always reference your approved design for the specific material requirements.
Soil Material
Checkout this post for additional details.
- base material
- drainage stone/wall rock
- reinforced fill – check your approved design for the specific requirements
Block Materials
The block type must match your approved design.
- blocks – you will have many local suppliers, but a good national brand to start with is SiteOne.
- pins – typically purchased with the block
- capstones – typically purchased with the block
- adhesive*
- block tongs*
Drainage Materials
Checkout this post for additional details.
- perforated drain pipe*
- pipe caps*
- pipe t-connector*
- pipe coupler*
- filter fabric*
- Wall Drain Pro* or rodent shield*
Geogrid
Geogrid is pivotal to ensuring the stability of your retaining wall. The geogrid length, spacing, manufacturer, and type will be well detailed in your engineering design. There are over a dozen different geogrid systems on the market. Below is a table of typically acceptable equivalent geogrids you will commonly see. Always get approval from your engineer prior to deviating from the approved wall design.
| Maximum Wall Height | SRW Series | My Supply Shed | Synteen | Versa-lok |
| 4 ft or per design | Universal | MSS Universal* | SF20+ | VG3+ |
| 6 ft or per design | 3 Series | MSS Grade 3* | SF20+ | VG3+ |
| per design | 5 Series+ | MSE Grade 5* | SF35+ | VG3+ |
+These are unidirectional geogrids, meaning it is imparative they are placed in the machine or roll direction perpendicular to the wall block.
Fences
Checkout this post for additional details.
- sonotubes* or Sleeve-it system* depending on fence placement
Tools
- Hand Tamper*
- Plate Compactor*
- Shovel*
- Gloves*
- Wheel Barrow
- 4-ft Level*
- Torpedo Level*
- Line Level*, String, and Stakes for laying out wall
- Deadblow*
- Broom
- Caulk Gun*
- Chisel*, Concrete Saw, Diamond Tip Angle Grinder, or Guillotine Block Splitter*
- Garden Hose
- PPE (Safety glasses, gloves, dust mask, knee pads, and ear protection)
- Screed Pipes – 2 (1-2-in PVC, conduit or whatever you have on hand)
- Scrub Brush
- Skid Steer
- Spray Paint (as needed)
- Tape Measure
- Trench Digging Spade
- Tarps* – for covering excavated fill to prevent washouts from rainfall
If you need a more comprehensive guide to building your retaining wall, checkout our course or our book*. As a reminder, refer to your approved design for specific materials that may be required for your design.
*Amazon Affiliate – If you use these links and make a purchase, I may be compensated.