Retaining Wall Installation
Everything you need to know to plan, design, and build your perfect retaining wall project.
Plan
Proper planning is the foundation of a successful retaining wall project.
Plan for Potential
Having a detailed site plan drawn to scale will help foresee design and construction challenges and provide an accurate reference for estimating your project. This will become your working or approved plans for the project.
Site plan with detailed measurements
Overall site layout plan
Job Site Considerations
Lot Lines
Your city will have a copy of your lot survey on file. The survey will not only identify property lines, but will provide an accurate scaled template of your site to help with planning.
Utilities
Buried utility lines are not only dangerous, they may prevent you from locating your landscape project where you want. Call the local utility companies and have these lines marked.
Permits
Building permits may be required if the retaining wall is above a certain height. Check to see what your local city code requires. An approved engineered wall design or an Allan Block pre-engineered solution may be needed in order to get a building permit. Contact your local AB Dealer for more details.
Neighbors
It's always nice (and smart too) to let your neighbors know about your project before you begin.
Understanding Soils
Soil type and condition significantly impact the design and performance of your retaining wall. Understanding your soil characteristics is essential for a successful project.
Soil Types
Clay
Poor drainage, expands when wet. Requires special drainage considerations.
Sand/Gravel
Excellent drainage, ideal for retaining wall construction.
Loam
Mix of sand, silt, and clay. Good balance of drainage and stability.
Key Considerations
- Have a soil test performed to determine load-bearing capacity
- Consider drainage requirements based on soil type
- Identify any organic material that needs to be removed
- Check for water table levels that may affect construction
Design
Create a design that's both functional and beautiful.
Design Guidelines
Design content coming soon...
Build
Step-by-step instructions for building your retaining wall.
Construction Steps
Build content coming soon...