Retaining walls are more than just a pretty face for your landscape. Whether you’re using natural wallstone or modern segmental retaining wall (SRW) systems, a properly built retaining wall is all about function, durability, and safety.
At Sunstone Construction, we’ve seen what happens when retaining walls are built without care or experience—leaning walls, failing drainage, cracking blocks, or worse. So, whether you’re planning to build a small garden wall or a large structural system, here's why proper construction matters—and how to get it right.
Retaining walls serve one big purpose: to resist the natural movement of soil. Without the proper base, drainage, and structure, that soil wins every time. A failing wall can collapse, cause erosion, or damage nearby structures.
Cutting corners might save time or money upfront, but a poorly built wall will need repairs or a full rebuild down the road. A properly installed wall can last for decades with minimal maintenance.
A wall that’s built level, drains well, and settles correctly looks great year after year. One that leans or cracks? Not so much.
These offer a timeless, rustic look—perfect for garden spaces or natural-style landscapes. Each stone is unique, which makes these walls more of an art form than a science.
These modular systems use concrete blocks that interlock, usually with built-in lips or pins. They’re ideal for structural walls, and many systems are engineered for serious strength while still looking sharp.
Whether it’s natural stone or block, the fundamentals are the same. Here’s the simple breakdown:
You need to start with a trench deep enough for a solid base. A good rule of thumb is to bury the first course of block or stone about 10% of the wall’s total height. And go wider than you think—you want room to work and room for base material.
This is where most DIY jobs go wrong. Lay 6–8 inches of compacted crushed stone (not pea gravel!) for the base. Compact in layers if needed—no shortcuts here.
Take your time laying that first row of blocks or stones perfectly level front to back and side to side. Everything above it depends on this step.
As you go, stagger your joints, and backfill behind the wall with clean stone—not dirt. This allows water to drain and reduces pressure.
Install a drain tile (perforated pipe) behind the wall to direct water away from the structure. Water is the silent killer of retaining walls.
Cap stones or blocks give the wall a clean look. For SRW, use concrete adhesive to secure the caps. For natural stone, use gravity and smart placement.
We can't stress this enough—if water can’t get out, the wall’s going to fail. Drain tile, clean backfill, and proper slope behind the wall are non-negotiables.
Small garden walls under 2 feet can be DIY-friendly if you’re patient and detail-oriented. Anything taller? It’s often worth calling in pros like us, especially if there’s a slope, heavy load, or structural concern involved.
At Sunstone Construction, we design and build both natural and engineered walls that are made to last—and look damn good doing it.
Thinking about a retaining wall for your landscape?
We’d love to talk about how we can help bring your vision to life—safely and beautifully.
📞 Call us at 248-396-3354
🌐 Visit us at SunstoneBuild.com
📍 Based in Commerce, MI – proudly building across Southeast Michigan
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We usually respond via text within a few minutes.
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