How to Build a Brick Retaining Wall: Landscaping Tips & Step-by-Step Guide
15.08.2020 ... Today we're talking retaining walls! And I don't mean high tech, expensive retaining walls that are holding up a wall of mud....
Building a brick retaining wall landscaping project is one of the most rewarding improvements a homeowner can undertake. It transforms a sloped, unusable section of yard into a level garden bed, adds significant visual appeal with hardscape, and prevents soil erosion. Unlike modular systems, building with individual bricks requires careful planning and a commitment to doing the job right. The goal is to create a structure that looks like it has always been part of the landscape, solid and permanent.
Planning Your Retaining Wall
Before touching a single brick, you must assess the scope of your project. Retaining walls function by resisting the lateral pressure of soil, so height is a critical factor. For walls over three feet tall, consulting a structural engineer or a landscape professional is highly recommended to ensure stability. You also need to plan for the necessary permits, call the utility locating service, and select a location that accounts for proper drainage and sunlight for the plants you intend to feature.
Calculating Materials and Design
Accuracy is essential to avoid wasting time and money on extra trips to the supplier. Measure the total linear length and the desired height of the wall to determine the number of bricks required. A general rule of thumb is to purchase 10% more than your calculated amount to account for cuts and breakage. Consider the style of the brick as well; a running bond layout offers a clean, linear look, while a circular or curved wall adds a distinct, architectural statement to the landscaping.
Preparing the Foundation
The base of a retaining wall is arguably the most important component, as it ensures the structure never shifts or sinks. Excavate the area where the wall will sit to a depth of at least six inches. This space will be filled with a layer of compactable gravel, which creates a stable and level surface. It is crucial to remove any topsoil or organic matter, as these materials compress over time, leading to an uneven base that can cause the wall to lean or crack.
Drainage and Gravel Base
Water is the enemy of any masonry structure. Without a way to escape, pressure builds up behind the wall, leading to cracks or a complete blowout. To prevent this, install a perforated drain pipe behind the wall. Lay a bed of gravel, place the pipe, and cover it with more gravel to allow water to flow freely away from the wall. Additionally, if your wall will retain soil that does not drain well, adding a layer of filter fabric between the soil and the gravel can prevent clogging and extend the life of your wall.
Laying the Brick
With the foundation prepared, you can begin the meticulous process of laying the brick. Start at the lowest corner or end point and place the first course, ensuring each brick is level and flush with its neighbors. Use a rubber mallet to gently tap the bricks into perfect alignment. This first course sets the trajectory for the entire wall, so taking the time to get it straight and level is non-negotiable. Staggering the vertical joints in the subsequent courses, a technique known as bonding, is vital for interlocking the structure and preventing it from breaking apart.
Caps and Backfilling
Once the full height of the wall is reached, the final step is to install the cap course. These specialized bricks or caps sit flush on top of the wall, providing a finished look and a solid surface that sheds water. After the caps are set, carefully backfill the space behind the wall with gravel or sandy soil. As you fill, lightly compact the material in layers to eliminate air pockets. This relieves the lateral pressure on the bricks and ensures the wall remains firmly grounded against the force of the retained soil.
<strong>How to Build a Retaining Wall - Step by Step - YouTube</strong><p>15.08.2020 ... Today we're talking retaining walls! And I don't mean high tech, expensive retaining walls that are holding up a wall of mud.</p>
<strong>How To Build A DIY Retaining Wall | Complete Step-By-Step Guide</strong><p>10.03.2025 ... on smaller walls I will use the back lip style blocks, but on larger ... How To Find Grade | Drainage And Landscaping. Everyday Home ...</p>
<strong>How to Build a Block Retaining Wall - Instructables</strong><p>Now lay your landscape fabric on top of your block and place your second row of blocks on top so they hold the fabric down. Make sure you stagger the blocks.</p>
<strong>Looking to build a brick retaining wall : r/landscaping - Reddit</strong><p>08.10.2020 ... I was originally planning on building this wall one "wythe" thick, with the bricks oriented and stacked up as stretchers. I'm wondering if I ...</p>
<strong>How to Build a Retaining Wall: Everything You Need to Know - Rinox</strong><p>08.10.2025 ... Before starting your retaining wall installation, think about the purpose of your wall. Are you building it mainly for decoration, or does it ...</p>
<strong>How to Build a Retaining Brick Wall - Lawsons</strong><p>29.08.2019 ... How to Build a Retaining Brick Wall · Step 1 - Dig Trench · Step 2 - Install Footing · Step 3 - Lay First Row of Brick · Step 4 - Continue Laying ...</p>
<strong>How to Build a Block Retaining Wall - Lowe's</strong><p>Give your outdoor space a makeover by adding a retaining wall to your landscape. We'll show you how to build one with concrete wall blocks.</p>
<strong>Building A Garden Wall in Brick - YouTube</strong><p>26.11.2023 ... double thinkness 215mm retaining wall & steps . Just plain and simple laying bricks ... Brickright building & landscaping•13K views · 30:10.</p>
<strong>How to Build a Garden Retaining Wall: Step-by-Step DIY Guide</strong><p>04.06.2025 ... If you're a DIY homeowner ready to level up your landscape, building a retaining wall is one of the most rewarding—and structurally ...</p>
<strong>How to Build a Retaining Wall // Brickworks DIY Landscaping Guide</strong><p>Leading Landscape Designer Matt Leacy, provides a step by step DIY guide on how to build a retaining wall. Learn more: https://brickworksbuildingproducts.co…</p>
<strong>Building a Retaining Wall: Step-by-Step Guide - TikTok</strong><p>04.07.2025 ... #remodel #hardscape #landscaping #pavers #retainingwall. This is an AI-generated summary of the content, and is not intended to provide factual ...</p>
<strong>How to build a low retaining wall? - Bunnings Workshop community</strong><p>02.06.2024 ... As to your final question, I suggest building away from the existing brick wall by at least 100mm. ... You can run the retaining wall right up to ...</p>
<strong>How to build retaining walls with bricks? - BuildMart Australia</strong><p>27.06.2023 ... Apply mortar between each brick and scrape off any excess with a trowel. Continue building the wall by adding subsequent rows, staggering the ...</p>
<strong>Retaining wall ideas for your sloping garden</strong><p>27.06.2023 ... A quick and cost-effective method of construction for your retaining wall, concrete ... building companies that specialise in landscape gardening ...</p>
<strong>Build a Block Retaining Wall Like a Pro | Mitre 10 Easy As DIY</strong><p>13.01.2020 ... A keystone block retaining wall can be a great landscaping feature in your place. They're a good way to flatten off an area in your yard, ...</p>
<strong>How to Build a Long-Lasting Concrete Block Retaining Wall</strong><p>Its durability makes them ideal for structural and landscaping applications. Which is better, concrete blocks or cement? Concrete blocks are prefabricated ...</p>
<strong>How hard is it to build a retaining wall? What do I need to be aware of?</strong><p>22.05.2024 ... Use concrete building blocks ON THEIR SIDE TO BUILD retainjng wall ... r/landscaping - I want to put in a short retaining wall at street level.</p>
<strong>61 Retaining Wall Ideas That Will Elevate Your Landscaping</strong><p>18.04.2025 ... Building retaining walls isn't necessarily the easiest DIY project, but if you're eager to make one yourself, consider crafting a small ...</p>
<strong>Build a Long-Lasting Block Retaining Wall - Family Handyman</strong><p>02.02.2025 ... Make the trench wide, deep and level · Compact the trench · Lay a crushed stone base · Get the first course of landscape retaining wall blocks ...</p>
<strong>What is the easiest way to create a 3-foot tall retaining wall?</strong><p>10.10.2024 ... If you have never done this type of construction, then hire a professional landscape architect to draw up a plan that will work and not fall ...</p>
