WHAT IS A RETAINING WALL

A retaining wall is a robust structure that holds back soil or rock from a building, structure, or area to prevent erosion or collapse. It serves as a stabilizing force against the lateral pressure of an elevated area of soil. The wall itself is designed to resist the pressures and distribute them, allowing for changes in elevation that would not naturally occur due to gravity.

Retaining walls are often essential for terraced yards, hillside farming, or roadway overpasses. They can be constructed from various materials, including concrete blocks, poured concrete, treated timbers, rocks, or boulders. Properly designed and installed, a retaining wall can transform a sloping landscape into a series of level terraces, creating more usable space and adding a sculptural quality to the outdoor environment.