Common Retaining Wall Mistakes Homeowners Should Avoid
Common Retaining Wall Mistakes Homeowners Should Avoid
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A Great Wall Starts With the Details You Don’t See
Retaining walls might seem simple — stack some blocks and hold back dirt, right? Unfortunately, many homeowners (and even some landscapers) skip critical steps that cause walls to fail within a few years. Here are the most common mistakes we see and how to avoid them.
Skipping the Drainage Layer
Skipping the Drainage Layer
Mistake: Backfilling with dirt or skipping gravel and perforated pipe
Why it matters: Water pressure is the number one cause of leaning and collapse
Our fix: We always use compacted gravel and install a French drain behind the wall
Building on Topsoil or Loose Fill
Building on Topsoil or Loose Fill
Mistake: Stacking blocks on soft, unprepared ground
Why it matters: The wall will sink, tilt, or crack unevenly
Our fix: We dig to frost depth and build on compacted Class 6 road base
Underestimating Wall Height and Soil Pressure
Underestimating Wall Height and Soil Pressure
Mistake: Using garden wall blocks or timbers for walls over 3 feet
Why it matters: Taller walls need structural-grade materials and reinforcement
Our fix: We use geogrid, engineering if needed, and block or boulder systems designed for the load
Using Mortar or Concrete in the Wrong Place
Using Mortar or Concrete in the Wrong Place
Mistake: Trying to “glue” or cement a wall together to add strength
Why it matters: Movement and water pressure will still cause failure, and repairs become harder
Our fix: Build flexibility into the wall with drainage, geogrid, and proper base preparation — not rigid material
No Edge Control or Cap Restraint
No Edge Control or Cap Restraint
Mistake: Leaving capstones or the top row unsecured
Why it matters: Caps shift, fall off, and allow water intrusion
Our fix: Use adhesive where needed and mechanical restraints if required
Ignoring the Slope Above and Below
Ignoring the Slope Above and Below
Mistake: Installing a wall without regrading or controlling water above
Why it matters: Surface runoff builds pressure and causes erosion
Our fix: We evaluate slope drainage and often add swales, redirect runoff, or use plant buffers
Signs You Might Have a Wall Problem
Signs You Might Have a Wall Problem
Leaning or bowing
Bulging in the middle
Gaps or tipping caps
Soil pushing through gaps
Water seeping out of joints
Related Services:
Related Services:
Want It Built Right the First Time?
Want It Built Right the First Time?
We’ve rebuilt countless failed DIY walls. Let’s get it done right — so you only do it once.
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