Cinder Block Retaining Wall Construction, Ideas, Design

Cinder block retaining walls are a great way to add structure and beauty to your landscape. Whether you are looking to build a cinder block retaining wall for a garden, a raised flower bed, or to prevent erosion, there are a few things that you need to know before you get started.

In this article, we’ll discuss everything that you need to know about cinder block retaining walls, including how to build them, how to build them on a slope, and some cinder block retaining wall ideas.

What is a Cinder Block Retaining Wall?

A cinder block retaining wall is a type of retaining wall that is made out of cinder blocks. Cinder blocks are a type of concrete block that is made out of cinders, which are a byproduct of coal combustion.

Cinder blocks are a popular choice for retaining walls because they are strong, durable, and relatively inexpensive. They are also easy to work with, which makes them a good choice for DIY projects.

Cinder Block Retaining Wall Cost

The cost of a cinder block retaining wall will vary depending on the size of the wall, the type of cinder blocks that you use, and whether you hire a professional to install it.

On average, you can expect to pay between $10 and $20 per square foot for a cinder block retaining wall. If you hire a professional to install it, you can expect to pay an additional $5 to $10 per square foot.

How To Build a Cinder Block Retaining Wall

Building a cinder block retaining wall is a relatively simple process that can be completed in a weekend. Here are the steps that you need to follow:

1. Designate where you are going to build your cinder block retaining wall.
2. Prepare the site by excavating the area and creating a trench with 4-6 inches of gravel evenly compacted and smooth.
3. Lay your first layer of cinder block and check with your level that the wall is straight once the cinder blocks are laid.
4. Fill the cores of your cinder blocks with crushed gravel and lay your second layer (make sure that you’re using your level after laying each cinder block layer to ensure that you don’t end up with a crooked retaining wall).
5. Once you’ve reached your desired height for your retaining wall, cap the wall using your capstones.
6. Make sure that you backfill with gravel and use your level one last time to ensure that everything is even.

Designate where you are going to build your cinder block retaining wall.

Prepare the site by excavating the area and creating a trench with 4-6 inches of gravel evenly compacted and smooth.

Lay your first layer of cinder block and check with your level that the wall is straight once the cinder blocks are laid.

Fill the cores of your cinder blocks with crushed gravel and lay your second layer (make sure that you’re using your level after laying each cinder block layer to ensure that you don’t end up with a crooked retaining wall).

Once you’ve reached your desired height for your retaining wall, cap the wall using your capstones.

Make sure that you backfill with gravel and use your level one last time to ensure that everything is even.

How To Build a Cinder Block Retaining Wall On a Slope

If you’ve been wondering how to build a retaining wall on a slope with cinder blocks, the process is slightly different and more complicated than building a retaining wall on a flat surface.

retaining wall

If you are new to the world of building retaining walls, we recommend that you enlist the help of a qualified retaining wall installation company.

How To Build a Small Retaining Wall With Cinder Blocks

Building a small retaining wall with cinder blocks is essentially the same as building a medium or large retaining wall.

You get to determine the dimensions of your retaining wall and so have full control over how tall and wide your wall is.

3 Cinder Block Retaining Wall Ideas

When it comes to cinder block retaining wall designs, here are three creative ideas for you.

• Retaining wall cinder blocks with plants cascading over the edge.
• Cinder block retaining wall with flowers planted in the top cinder blocks.
• Alternating shapes and colors throughout your cinder block retaining wall.

Retaining wall cinder blocks with plants cascading over the edge.

Cinder block retaining wall with flowers planted in the top cinder blocks.

Alternating shapes and colors throughout your cinder block retaining wall.

Contact a Retaining Wall Installation Service Today

If you are ready to have a cinder block retaining wall installed in your landscape, get in touch with New Life Rockeries today.

New Life Rockeries

Our retaining wall installation professionals have been helping Washington State homeowners get beautifully, practically designed retaining walls installed in their landscapes for more than three decades and we’d love to use our skills to add beauty to your landscape.

Get in touch with our team of retaining wall installation specialists today to learn more about our installation capabilities, availability, or to request a custom quote for your cinder block retaining wall installation.

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