How to Design a Rock Retaining Wall

A rock retaining wall can be both ornamental and functional. It can serve as focal point on your property while separating landscaping areas or holding back a sloping mound of earth. The wall's function and location often dictate its design and the best choices for construction materials. Good design, proper placement of materials and the right type of stone for the job are key considerations when designing a rock retaining wall.

• 1

  Determine the size of wall you need by walking the area where you want to build the wall, paying particular attention to the slope of the ground. If you have a site map of your property that shows grades and topographical features, use it to make your calculations. If your wall must be higher than 4 feet, consider hiring a contractor to build it.

• 2

  Draw a plan for your rock retaining wall, taking into consideration factors that affect its structural strength. Will the wall be more cosmetic in function, following a natural curve or gentle slope, or will it be holding back an earth berm? Your design must take special precautions against the possibility of collapse if the wall will hold back a substantial amount of earth or border a high-traffic area.

• 3

  Visit a home improvement or landscaping supply store to choose construction materials for your retaining wall. Dry-stacked stone and prefabricated blocks known as segmented walls are the most common materials used. Large stones may require heavy equipment to move them into place. Using larger stones to construct your wall does not necessarily mean it will be stronger or resist buckling.

• 4

  Consider battering the wall -- tilting it at an angle into the slope to add structural resistance. Many manufacturers of segmented walls already build this feature into the blocks so that they have a slight backward tilt as they are laid upward.

• 5

  Factor drainage into the design of your rock retaining wall. Consider incorporating drainage channels, culverts or other features into the wall's design. Heavy runoff along a slope or hillside can severely weaken a poorly designed wall, advancing soil erosion and eventually even undercutting the wall's base. A well-constructed wall should help control runoff, rather than worsen drainage woes.

• 6

  Consult a professional if you are unsure about the design of your wall or the materials you should use to build it. A rock retaining wall can be a do-it-yourself project, but if it is not correctly constructed, it can turn into a costly mess in the long run.