When landscaping a yard, especially one with dramatic changes in elevation or a sloping terrain, retaining walls are often a necessity. Retaining walls can be used to support an eroding hillside or create usable outdoor living space on a steep slope. A structurally sound wall will be able to hold back dirt and water for years to come. But in order to perform as intended, proper engineering and wall construction are crucial.

Beyond its structural function, a retaining wall can also serve as a key decorative element in your landscape. It can be built from a variety of materials and designed to suit any style of home. Your wall can be straight or curved, textured or smooth, and colored or earth-toned. Low retaining walls can also be used as planting beds and to add interest to an otherwise flat yard. Before having a retaining wall installed, you will want to weigh all these options carefully, considering the intended purpose for your wall and the look you're after.

Get these tipsIn this section, you'll find tips from landscaping professionals and retaining wall installers on:

• The four key elements in proper retain wall design: a suitable base, properly compacted backfill, efficient drainage, and the proper height.
• Why it's essential to use a waterproofing membrane on the back of a retaining wall to prevent efflorescence and mildew.
• The average price ranges for the most popular retaining wall materials including stone, poured concrete, concrete block and wood.
• The two chief factors that can increase the labor costs for retaining wall installation.
• Using segmental concrete block systems to build mortarless retaining walls.
• The most common stone types for building retaining walls and the characteristics of each.
• The design options for poured concrete retaining walls, including a choice of integral colors and stains.
• How to create board-formed concrete retaining walls that have the look and texture of real wood.
• Using brick retaining walls for traditional elegance or to match brick accents on an existing house or garden path.
• The various options for wood retaining walls, including landscaping timbers, salvaged railroad ties, redwood, pressure-treated lumber, and cypress.
• Comparing the pros and cons of the various retaining wall types in terms of performance, cost, appearance, labor for installation, drainage requirements and more.
• How to properly anchor and reinforce retaining walls to improve strength and prevent shifting.
• How to ensure proper drainage of water from behind a retaining wall using the proper backfill, perforated piping and weep holes.
• Retaining wall design ideas, including built-in lighting, integrated bench seating, wall caps and more.
• How to use a series of shorter retaining walls to create a terraced effect.

Because there are so many factors you must consider when installing retaining walls, it's wise to consult with a landscaping professional or retaining wall engineer to discuss design ideas and look at examples.