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.

Table of Contents

    Soil Material

    Checkout this post for additional details.

    soil backfill for segmental retaining wall blocks

    Block Materials

    Segmental retaining wall pins and 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

    Drainage Materials

    Checkout this post for additional details.

    Geogrid

    geogrid for segmental retaining wall

    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 HeightSRW SeriesMy Supply ShedSynteenVersa-lok
    4 ft or per designUniversalMSS Universal*SF20+VG3+
    6 ft or per design3 SeriesMSS Grade 3*SF20+VG3+
    per design5 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

    fence with sonotube or sleeve-it

    Checkout this post for additional details.

    Tools

    Tools required to build a segmental retaining wall

    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.