Sitting Wall vs Retaining Wall: Which is Right for Your Landscape?

George Jul 01, 2026

When it comes to transforming your outdoor space, two types of walls often come to mind: sitting walls and retaining walls. Both serve distinct purposes and have their unique features. Let's delve into the world of sitting walls vs retaining walls to help you make an informed decision for your landscaping project.

18+ Creative Retaining Wall Block Ideas - Little Makes
18+ Creative Retaining Wall Block Ideas - Little Makes

Sitting walls and retaining walls are not one and the same, despite their shared role in shaping your outdoor environment. Understanding their differences is key to selecting the right wall for your needs. So, let's explore these two types of walls, their purposes, and when to use each.

Sycamore Landscape
Sycamore Landscape

Sitting Walls: Aesthetics and Comfort

Sitting walls, also known as seat walls, are primarily designed for aesthetic appeal and functionality. They provide additional seating in outdoor spaces, making them perfect for patios, gardens, and around pools. Sitting walls are typically built low to the ground, usually no more than 30 inches high, and are not intended to retain or hold back earth.

an outdoor seating area with stone benches and flowers in the foreground, surrounded by greenery
an outdoor seating area with stone benches and flowers in the foreground, surrounded by greenery

Sitting walls are often constructed using materials that complement the surrounding architecture, such as brick, stone, or concrete. They can be built in various shapes and sizes, allowing for creativity in your landscape design. Additionally, sitting walls can be used to create separate spaces within your garden, such as defining a border around a flower bed or creating a cozy nook for relaxation.

Materials for Sitting Walls

a stone bench sitting in the middle of a garden next to trees and flowers on a hillside
a stone bench sitting in the middle of a garden next to trees and flowers on a hillside

When choosing materials for your sitting wall, consider the overall aesthetic of your outdoor space. Some popular materials include:

  • Brick: Known for its classic, timeless look, brick is a durable and low-maintenance option.
  • Stone: Available in various colors and textures, stone offers a natural, rustic appearance.
  • Concrete: Versatile and affordable, concrete can be stained or stamped to mimic the look of other materials.

Installing Sitting Walls

a man is working on an outside wall
a man is working on an outside wall

Installing a sitting wall is generally a straightforward process, especially if you're working with a low wall height. Here are the basic steps:

  1. Mark out the wall's footprint and ensure it's level.
  2. Excavate the area to a depth of about 6 inches.
  3. Lay a foundation of gravel and sand, then compact it.
  4. Install a base course of blocks or stones, ensuring they're level and aligned.
  5. Build up the wall using the chosen material, staggering joints for stability.
  6. Apply a layer of mortar or grout between courses, if desired.
  7. Allow the wall to cure, then backfill behind it with gravel or soil.

Retaining Walls: Function and Stability

20 Inexpensive Retaining Wall Ideas: Low-Cost Landscaping Solutions - Your House and Garden
20 Inexpensive Retaining Wall Ideas: Low-Cost Landscaping Solutions - Your House and Garden

Retaining walls, on the other hand, serve a functional purpose: to hold back or retain earth, preventing soil erosion and creating level spaces in sloped areas. They are typically taller and more robust than sitting walls, often requiring additional structural support and engineering considerations.

Retaining walls can be built using various materials, such as concrete blocks, segmental retaining wall (SRW) units, or natural stone. They are often used to create terraced gardens, level areas for patios or driveways, or to stabilize slopes. Additionally, retaining walls can be designed to incorporate seating, planters, or other functional elements.

a stone retaining wall in the middle of a yard with grass and trees around it
a stone retaining wall in the middle of a yard with grass and trees around it
a retaining wall with the words how to build a retaining wall on a slope above it
a retaining wall with the words how to build a retaining wall on a slope above it
Retaining Walls Sunbury
Retaining Walls Sunbury
an outdoor garden with landscaping and lighting
an outdoor garden with landscaping and lighting
an outdoor patio with stone steps and seating area in front of the house, surrounded by lush green grass
an outdoor patio with stone steps and seating area in front of the house, surrounded by lush green grass
Retaining Walls and Gardens Borders — 9 Trees Landscape Construction
Retaining Walls and Gardens Borders — 9 Trees Landscape Construction
a cat sitting on top of a wooden bench next to a stone wall and trees
a cat sitting on top of a wooden bench next to a stone wall and trees
a stone wall in the middle of a yard
a stone wall in the middle of a yard
an outdoor patio with stone steps and seating area
an outdoor patio with stone steps and seating area
50 Driveway Landscaping Ideas
50 Driveway Landscaping Ideas
a stone wall with steps leading up to a tree in the middle of a grassy area
a stone wall with steps leading up to a tree in the middle of a grassy area
a stone retaining wall around a pool area
a stone retaining wall around a pool area
Courtyard Planter-Seat Wall with Built-In Bench & Flowering Herbs
Courtyard Planter-Seat Wall with Built-In Bench & Flowering Herbs
a diagram showing how retaining walls are used to protect the water from falling into the ground
a diagram showing how retaining walls are used to protect the water from falling into the ground
Retaining Wall Idea & Option Inspirations - Soft & Soulful
Retaining Wall Idea & Option Inspirations - Soft & Soulful
Retaining Walls - Landscape
Retaining Walls - Landscape
a concrete block retaining wall in the middle of a construction area with dirt and rocks surrounding it
a concrete block retaining wall in the middle of a construction area with dirt and rocks surrounding it
a wooden bench sitting on top of a lush green hillside next to a garden filled with succulents
a wooden bench sitting on top of a lush green hillside next to a garden filled with succulents

Materials for Retaining Walls

When selecting materials for your retaining wall, consider both aesthetics and functionality. Some popular materials include:

  • Concrete blocks: Durable and affordable, concrete blocks can be stained or textured to match your desired look.
  • Segmental retaining wall (SRW) units: Designed with built-in interlocking systems, SRWs are easy to install and offer a clean, modern appearance.
  • Natural stone: Available in various colors and textures, natural stone provides a natural, rustic look and excellent durability.

Installing Retaining Walls

Installing a retaining wall requires careful planning and consideration of factors such as wall height, soil type, and drainage. Here are the basic steps:

  1. Determine the wall's height and obtain any necessary permits.
  2. Excavate the area, ensuring a level base and proper drainage.
  3. Install a foundation, such as a concrete footing or geogrid reinforcement.
  4. Lay the first course of blocks or units, ensuring it's level and aligned.
  5. Build up the wall, staggering joints for stability and following the manufacturer's guidelines for installation.
  6. Backfill behind the wall in lifts, compacting the soil as you go.
  7. Install drainage systems, such as weep holes or French drains, to prevent water buildup behind the wall.

In the world of sitting walls vs retaining walls, each serves a unique purpose in shaping your outdoor space. By understanding the differences between these two types of walls and selecting the right one for your needs, you can create a functional and beautiful landscape that enhances your home's curb appeal and adds value to your property.