If you’ve got a sloped yard, a washing-out garden bed, or a patio that needs a little backup, a retaining wall might be the perfect solution. But once the idea settles in, another question pops up right behind it: Can I install my own retaining wall?
The honest answer? Yes, you can — but there’s a lot riding on doing it right. And if you’re dealing with heavy loads, serious slopes, or anything taller than a garden border, a DIY job can go sideways fast.
At Du-West Services, we’ve seen walls built with care and walls built on a prayer. If you’re thinking about DIY, here’s what you need to know before stacking the first block.
What Does a Retaining Wall Actually Do?
It holds back soil. Sounds simple, but it’s doing a lot more than just sitting there. A retaining wall pushes against gravity, water pressure, and shifting earth. If it’s not built right, it will lean, crack, bulge — or even collapse.
We’ve rebuilt plenty of DIY walls that looked fine for a year or two but started moving the minute the first hard rain hit.
What Goes Into Building a Retaining Wall?
You can find block kits at your local hardware store with a guide and a pallet of concrete units. But here’s the full list of what you’ll need — tools, time, and muscle included:
1. Planning and Layout
This means checking your slope, measuring your wall length and height, marking your layout, and figuring out how much material you’ll need.
2. Excavation
You’ll dig a trench several inches below grade. The taller the wall, the deeper the trench. This base sets the tone for the entire structure.
3. Base Material
We use crushed gravel — compacted in layers — as a stable base. Sand won’t cut it. Neither will soil.
4. Leveling the First Row
Every block after this depends on how level the first one is. It’s tedious, but it makes or breaks the wall.
5. Stacking and Backfilling
You’ll place each row of blocks, staggering joints, and backfill with gravel behind each row. Some walls need geo-grid reinforcement woven into the soil.
6. Drainage
Water is the biggest threat to retaining walls. You’ll need to install perforated pipe (a French drain) behind the wall and make sure water flows away from the structure.
7. Capping and Finishing
The top row should be glued or locked in place. Then you clean up and pray it all holds
So… Should You Do It Yourself?
If your wall is under 3 feet tall, isn’t holding back a driveway or structure, and you’re confident with a shovel and level, it might be worth a shot. But if your wall is any taller or you’re dealing with clay soil, water runoff, or hillside pressure — call us.
It’s not about skill. It’s about risk. Retaining walls handle real pressure, and if they fail, they can take walkways, fences, landscaping — even foundations — with them.
When you want the best, call Du-West. We’ve been through it. We know what works and what won’t.
When to Call for Professional Help
There’s no shame in calling us. In fact, a lot of our customers tried DIY first — then called when they hit one of these:
- The wall needs a permit or engineering approval
- There’s a noticeable slope or erosion problem
- Water is collecting behind the wall or draining badly
- The wall is over 3 feet tall
- You’re working near a home, pool, driveway, or structure
- You started digging and hit utility lines or roots
- The soil keeps shifting or feels too soft to support the base
We show up, look at the site, and tell you straight — no pressure. If we think you can handle it, we’ll tell you. If not, we’ll explain exactly what we’d do.
What We Do (Start to Finish)
If we take the job, here’s how we do it:
Step 1: Site Visit and Measurement
We measure everything, check the slope, soil type, water runoff, and access points.
Step 2: Planning and Engineering
If the wall needs it, we handle design, permits, and engineering. We don’t cut corners. You get a plan that works and holds.
Step 3: Excavation and Base Work
We dig to the right depth, compact the base, and install the first row laser-level. That base is everything.
Step 4: Stacking and Reinforcing
We use quality block systems, add geo-grid where needed, and backfill with clean rock for drainage.
Step 5: Drainage Installation
We install drainage behind the wall so water doesn’t build up and push it over.
Step 6: Finishing and Clean-Up
Once everything is in place and holding firm, we cap the wall, grade the surrounding area, and haul off leftover material. We leave your property looking better than when we found it — and your wall built to last.
FAQ
Can I DIY build a retaining wall without a permit?
That depends on the height and location. Many areas require permits for walls over 3 or 4 feet tall. We check the rules before starting.
What’s the best material for a retaining wall?
Concrete blocks are common for small to medium walls. For bigger jobs, we sometimes use poured concrete or large stone. It depends on the soil, load, and layout.
How long will the wall last?
A well-built wall can last 20–50 years or more. A rushed or underbuilt wall? Maybe 2–5 years before it starts to move.
Do I need drainage behind a retaining wall?
Yes. Water pressure behind the wall is the number one reason walls fail. Good drainage is non-negotiable.
Can you fix an existing wall that’s leaning?
Sometimes. We can stabilize or rebuild parts of a wall if the damage isn’t too far gone. If the base has failed, a full rebuild may be needed.
Let’s Build It Right — the First Time
A retaining wall should hold up for decades. It should stop erosion, support your yard, and look good doing it. But that only happens when the prep is done right.
If you’re thinking about DIY, make sure the job matches your skills, tools, and time. And if it starts to feel bigger than expected — don’t let pride get in the way. When you want the best, call Du-West. We’ll take it from there, and you’ll never have to worry about that wall again.
