In the last twenty years, a new kind of retaining wall has been gaining popularity with homeowners, particularly the Do-It-Yourself folks. Up until now, if you wanted to build a retaining wall you were limited to the labor intensive materials of brick, stone or rock. Timbers, particularly railroad ties were easier to install but tend to only last about fifteen years before the rot requires replacement. But with the development of concrete retaining wall technology, a quicker easier method has arrived for building retaining walls.

Although a brick retaining wall is probably the one most pleasing to the eye, it is also one that involves a lot of work, especially in regards to preparation. None the less, when it comes to the end result, I think you will agree that it is worth the effort. There is just something so solid and comforting about the look ar a brick retaining wall, that it adds a whole new dimension to the area where you decide to add it.

There are two very important elements you need to be aware of it you are planning to build your own retaining wall for the first time. Let’s take a look at them one at a time: