Question
I have a quick question for you.  I am building a new home and need to build a retaining wall (2-3 feet tall) along the side of my house (see attached pic).  No one will ever really see the wall, so I'll like it cheap, but would like it to last 20 years.  Let me know if you have any ideas.

Thanks,

Robert Bernard

Answer
Hi Robert,

If not for those inconvenient retaining walls, life would be so much simpler. I have not seen the photo as All Experts does not allow attachments through their system (at least that I am aware of). Please feel free to send it directly to my personal e-mail address if you would like ([email protected]).

There are a few factors that determining the type and construction of a retaining wall: 1) the length of the area, 2) the available width of the area you have to work with, 3) the type of soil, 4) the possible run of potential from the highest elevation to the lowest elevation in that area, 5) the types of trees that are in close proximity to the wall, and 6) the availability of alternative construction materials.

It would appear that #6 is what you should focus on for now.

The fact that the wall will not be seem would allow you to use concrete construction debry such as old sidewalk that you find where the city you live in may be repairing or removing sidewalk. This sort of concrete debris works great because it is heavy and uniform in width allowing it to be easily stacked.

If you could find the time to do a little research, contact local or state road construction offices and find out if they have any sidewalk repair or reconstruction projects going. You might also check with local demolition companies, construction companies, etc. Many times you can find large pieces of concrete that are manageable with a dolly (600 Pound capacity with fat tires like what you can purchase inexpensively at Lowe's or Home Depot). A dolly is an excellent investment for your back's future, and seems to always come in handy around new homes whether for landscaping or moving boxes and furniture around until everything is just the way you want it.

I have built more hidden retaining walls than I could put a number to over the years using expended sidewalk. In many cases, I have not had to use concrete mud to secure them, but this is fully dependent on the width of the area you have to work with and how much retention is needed. If you are fortunate enough, you can find debris that is in large sections, and then with the use of a few friends and your dolly, you can set these pieces on end approximately 1.5 foot in the ground to start with, slightly tilted back towards the incline (15-20 degree pitch), then backfill to 50% of the surface of those you have set, then inserting another layer directly behind them so that they are overlapped about 1.5 foot. Repeat this process until you have reached the height that you want. I suggest that you build it about 6 inches higher than you need so that it will provide ample protection to run off and you will be able to mulch effectively if you plan to plant shrubs along the wall.

All this said, again, without seeing a picture of the site, and having a better understanding of #1 - #5 (listed above), I can not give you a truly professional opinion on your need. I do hope that what I have provided you will be of help though.

Yours for a greener garden,

David Ward