Garden Retaining Walls

Garden retaining walls are an important structural element in many sloping or split-level gardens.

They can be used to:

• Hold back soil

• Create usable terraces

• Manage level changes

• Support raised planting

• Define outdoor living areas

• Improve circulation

• Create stronger landscape structure.

At Kirman Design, we design and construct retaining walls as part of garden and landscaping projects throughout North West England, including Lancashire, Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside and the Ribble Valley.

The strongest retaining walls are not treated as separate engineering objects.

They are designed around:

levels + structure + drainage + materials + steps + planting + the wider landscape.

What Is a Garden Retaining Wall?

A retaining wall is a structure designed to resist soil or other material at a different level on one side of the wall.

In gardens, retaining walls may be used to:

• Create terraces

• Support slopes

• Hold back raised planting

• Create level lawns

• Support patios

• Define changes in height.

The wall therefore performs both a structural and a visual role.

Retaining Walls Are More Than Garden Walls

Not every garden wall is a retaining wall.

A conventional wall may simply:

• Divide spaces

• Form a boundary

• Create enclosure.

A retaining wall also has to manage the pressure created by material behind it.

That makes:

• Ground conditions

• Wall height

• Construction

• Drainage

especially important.

Garden Walls Versus Retaining Walls

For broader decorative and dividing wall ideas, see Garden Wall Ideas.

This page focuses specifically on retaining structures used to manage garden levels.

Why Build a Retaining Wall?

Retaining walls can solve practical problems in gardens where natural levels make the space difficult to use.

They may help create:

• Flat patios

• Level lawns

• Accessible routes

• Planting terraces

• Better use of a slope.

They can also become an important design feature.

Retaining Walls in Sloping Gardens

Sloping plots are one of the most common reasons retaining structures are needed.

Our Sloping Gardens page explores the wider design issues.

A retaining wall may allow part of a slope to become:

• Dining terrace

• Lawn

• Seating area

• Planting bed.

Landscaping a Steep Garden

For more significant slopes, see Landscaping a Steep Garden.

Steeper gardens may require a combination of:

• Retaining walls

• Steps

• Drainage

• Terracing

• Planting.

Retaining Walls and Garden Terracing

Retaining walls are often fundamental to terraced garden design.

Our Garden Terracing page explores how multiple usable levels can be created.

The wall should be considered alongside:

• Terrace dimensions

• Steps

• Drainage

• Planting.

Do Not Overuse Retaining Walls

A slope does not automatically need to be divided into a series of walls.

Too many retaining structures can make a garden feel:

• Hard

• Expensive

• Fragmented

• Over-engineered.

Where possible, combine walls with:

• Planted banks

• Softer slopes

• Natural landform.

Create Level Space Where It Matters

The objective should usually be to create flat areas where they provide genuine value.

For example:

• Main terrace

• Lawn

• Outdoor dining

• Accessible route.

The rest of the garden may be allowed to retain more natural slopes.

Retaining Wall Height

The height of the wall influences:

• Structural requirements

• Visual impact

• Cost

• Drainage.

A low retaining wall can appear almost like a raised planter.

A tall wall may become one of the most visually dominant features in the garden.

Break Down Large Level Changes

Where appropriate, a large change in height may sometimes be divided between:

• More than one retaining element

• Planting

• Steps

• Slopes.

This can produce a softer landscape than one very tall wall.

Retaining Wall Design

The appearance of the wall should relate to:

• House

• Garden style

• Paving

• Steps

• Other landscape materials.

The wall should look as though it belongs to the garden rather than simply holding the garden up.

Retaining Walls and Architecture

Close to the house, retaining walls may align with:

• Building lines

• Door positions

• Terrace geometry

• Window views.

This can create a stronger connection between architecture and landscape.

Material Choices for Garden Retaining Walls

Depending on the construction and design, retaining walls may use:

• Masonry

• Concrete

• Brick

• Natural stone

• Other appropriate structural systems.

The final visible finish should complement the property.

Brick Retaining Walls

Brick can work particularly well around:

• Period properties

• Traditional homes

• Gardens where existing brickwork is already prominent.

The brick should ideally relate to the building rather than introduce an unrelated colour or texture.

Natural Stone Retaining Walls

Natural stone can suit:

• Country gardens

• Rural properties

• Period homes.

Our Garden Design for Country Gardens page explores how materials can connect the garden with its wider setting.

Contemporary Retaining Walls

Contemporary gardens may use cleaner finishes and stronger geometry.

Our Contemporary Garden Design page explores this wider style.

Retaining walls may be used to reinforce:

• Terraces

• Steps

• Architectural planting.

Modern Retaining Walls

For stronger architectural layouts, see Modern Garden Design.

The wall may align precisely with:

• Paving

• Building geometry

• Planting beds.

Retaining Walls Around Period Properties

Older homes often require a more sensitive material response.

Our Garden Design for Period Properties page explores this relationship.

Retaining Walls Around Barn Conversions

Barn conversions may combine:

• Natural stone

• Contemporary detailing

• Modern outdoor living.

Our Garden Design for Barn Conversions page explores this balance.

Retaining Walls Around Contemporary Houses

For modern properties, see Garden Design for Contemporary Houses.

Retaining Walls Around Modern Homes

Our Garden Design for Modern Homes page explores how structural garden elements can respond to modern architecture.

Retaining Walls and Raised Planters

A retaining wall can sometimes also function as a raised planter edge.

Our Raised Planter Construction page explores the difference between:

• Decorative raised beds

• Structural retaining elements.

Retaining Walls as Seating

Where dimensions allow, a retaining wall can sometimes be designed to provide:

• Casual seating

• Built-in bench support

• Terrace edge seating.

This can make the structure perform more than one function.

Bespoke Retaining Wall Features

Retaining walls may be combined with:

• Seating

• Planters

• Lighting

• Steps

• Water features.

Our Bespoke Garden Features page explores custom landscape details.

Retaining Walls and Garden Steps

Steps are often integrated directly into retaining walls.

Our Garden Steps page explores the wider design and construction of level changes.

Steps Should Be Designed at the Same Time

A retaining wall should not be designed first and the route between levels decided later.

The:

• Wall

• Steps

• Landing

• Circulation

should be resolved together.

Wide Steps Between Retaining Walls

Broad steps can create a much stronger connection between terraces.

They may feel more generous and architectural than a narrow stair squeezed into one corner.

Offset Steps

An offset stair can sometimes provide:

• Better circulation

• More planting

• Stronger views.

The route should respond to how the garden is actually used.

Retaining Walls and Accessible Gardens

Walls and level changes can have a major impact on accessibility.

Our Accessible Garden Design page explores the wider principles.

If step-free movement is required, the level strategy may also need:

• Ramps

• Gentler slopes

• Alternative routes.

Accessible Garden Slopes and Ramps

For more detail, see Accessible Garden Slopes and Ramps.

The retaining wall design should support rather than obstruct the accessible route.

Wheelchair Accessible Gardens

Our Wheelchair Accessible Garden Design page explores:

• Gradients

• Turning spaces

• Paths

• Seating.

Level Access From the House

Where retaining work is close to the property, see Level Access from House to Garden.

The first terrace level can significantly affect how easily the garden connects to the house.

Retaining Wall Drainage

Drainage is one of the most important considerations in retaining wall construction.

Water collecting behind a wall can increase pressure and affect long-term performance.

The drainage strategy should therefore be considered from the beginning.

Garden Drainage Installation

Our Garden Drainage Installation page explores the professional installation of garden drainage systems.

Retaining wall drainage may need to coordinate with:

• Land drainage

• Surface drainage

• Overall site levels.

Garden Drainage

For the broader problem-solving guide, see Garden Drainage.

Do Not Treat Drainage as an Afterthought

Once the wall has been constructed and backfilled, correcting poor drainage can be highly disruptive.

Drainage provision should be incorporated into the wall design and wider groundwork strategy.

Surface Water Above Retaining Walls

Water travelling across an upper terrace can also affect the wall.

The design should consider where water will flow before it reaches the structure.

This may involve:

• Surface falls

• Channels

• Drainage zones.

Drainage Below a Retaining Wall

The lower terrace should also be considered.

Water should not simply discharge into an area where it creates:

• Puddling

• Saturated planting

• Slippery paving.

Retaining Walls on Clay Soil

Clay can make retaining wall and drainage design more challenging.

Our Clay Soil Gardens page explores the wider impact of heavy ground.

Clay can:

• Retain water

• Move seasonally

• Make excavation difficult.

Ground conditions should be understood before construction.

Retaining Walls and Garden Groundworks

Retaining wall construction usually begins with substantial ground preparation.

Our Garden Groundworks page explores:

• Excavation

• Preparation

• Levels

• Drainage.

Garden Excavation and Preparation

Where significant soil removal is required, see Garden Excavation and Preparation.

Retaining walls often require:

• Excavation

• Foundations

• Backfill

• Disposal or reuse of soil.

Garden Levelling

Our Garden Levelling page explores the creation of flatter garden areas.

Retaining should be coordinated with the desired finished levels rather than constructed first and levels adapted afterwards.

Cut and Fill

On some sites, excavation from one area may help create another level.

A balanced cut-and-fill strategy can sometimes reduce the amount of soil transported off site.

Its suitability depends on:

• Soil

• Levels

• Structural requirements

• Space.

Retaining Wall Foundations

A permanent retaining wall needs a foundation appropriate to:

• Wall height

• Ground conditions

• Construction method

• Loads.

The structure beneath the visible wall is just as important as the finish above ground.

Structural Considerations

Larger or more complex retaining structures may require additional structural input.

The requirements depend on:

• Height

• Loads

• Ground conditions

• Nearby structures.

The structural design should be resolved before construction rather than improvised on site.

Retaining Walls Near Buildings

Walls close to:

• Houses

• Extensions

• Outbuildings

need especially careful planning.

Levels, foundations and drainage should be considered together.

Retaining Walls and House Extensions

A new extension can alter garden levels substantially.

Our Garden Levels After an Extension page explores this issue specifically.

Retaining may be required to reconcile:

• New finished floor level

• Existing garden level.

Garden Design After a House Extension

For the broader landscape response, see Garden Design After House Extension.

Garden Design for New Extensions

If an extension is still being planned, see Garden Design for New Extensions.

Early coordination can reduce awkward level problems later.

Retaining Walls Around Patios

A patio on a sloping site may require retaining along one or more edges.

The wall should be designed around:

• Terrace dimensions

• Seating

• Views

• Steps

• Planting.

Patio Drainage

Retaining walls should not trap water on a terrace.

For paving close to the property, see Drainage Around Patios and Extensions.

Retaining Walls and Outdoor Living

Level changes can be used to define outdoor rooms.

Our Outdoor Living Garden Design page explores how:

• Dining

• Seating

• Planting

• Structures

can work together.

Retaining Walls Around Outdoor Kitchens

An outdoor kitchen may sit against or above a retaining wall on a sloping site.

Our Garden Design Around an Outdoor Kitchen page explores the wider space planning.

The retaining structure should be coordinated with:

• Kitchen layout

• Services

• Paving

• Drainage.

Retaining Walls Around Fire-Pit Areas

A lower terrace retained into a slope can create an intimate fire-pit space.

Our Garden Design Around a Fire Pit page explores how:

• Fire

• Seating

• Walls

• Planting

can create enclosure.

Retaining Walls Around Hot Tubs

Hot tubs on sloping gardens may require significant level preparation.

Our Garden Design Around a Hot Tub page explores:

• Base preparation

• Privacy

• Access

• Drainage.

Swimming Pools and Retaining Walls

Pool gardens on sloping sites may require substantial retaining work.

Our Garden Design Around a Swimming Pool page explores how pool terraces can form part of the wider landscape.

Planting Around Retaining Walls

Planting is essential to soften retaining structures.

Our Planting Design page explores how:

• Trees

• Shrubs

• Perennials

• Grasses

can work around hard landscaping.

Plant Above Retaining Walls

Planting above a wall can soften the top edge and reduce its visual dominance.

Possible effects include:

• Cascading foliage

• Grasses

• Shrubs

• Seasonal colour.

Plant Below Retaining Walls

Planting at the base can also soften:

• Wall junctions

• Corners

• Long elevations.

This can help the structure sit more naturally within the garden.

Break Up Long Walls

A long uninterrupted retaining wall can dominate the landscape.

Its visual impact may be reduced with:

• Planting

• Steps

• Changes in height

• Material transitions used carefully.

Avoid Too Many Material Changes

Trying to disguise a wall with several different finishes can make it busier.

A restrained material palette usually produces a more coherent result.

Trees Near Retaining Walls

Tree position should account for:

• Mature roots

• Canopy size

• Structural relationships.

Trees should not simply be added into small spaces next to the wall without considering long-term growth.

Retaining Walls and Naturalistic Gardens

Hard structures can be softened substantially in more naturalistic landscapes.

Our Naturalistic Gardens page explores planting-led design.

Retaining Walls in Small Gardens

Small sloping gardens may need retaining to create usable space.

Our Small Garden Design page explores compact layouts.

In a small garden, the wall can quickly dominate the entire view, so material choice and planting are especially important.

Retaining Walls in Medium Gardens

For medium-sized gardens, see Medium Garden Design.

One strategically positioned retaining wall may create a much more useful layout than several smaller structures.

Retaining Walls in Large Gardens

Large landscapes may contain more substantial level changes.

Our Large Garden Design page explores the importance of:

• Scale

• Hierarchy

• Landscape structure.

Retaining Walls in Half-Acre Gardens

For substantial plots, see Garden Design for Half an Acre.

Larger sites do not necessarily need every slope retained.

Natural landform can often be preserved away from the main garden areas.

Retaining Walls in Acre Gardens

Our Garden Design for an Acre page explores landscape-scale planning.

Retaining should usually be concentrated where level ground creates genuine value.

Retaining Walls in Very Large Gardens

For estate-scale landscapes, see Very Large Garden Design.

On very large sites, the strongest solution may combine:

• Formal retaining close to the house

• Natural slopes further away.

Retaining Walls in Long Narrow Gardens

Long narrow plots can become visually fragmented by repeated cross-garden walls.

Our Long Narrow Garden Design page explores the importance of proportion.

Retaining Walls in Wide Gardens

For broad plots, see Wide Garden Design.

Long horizontal retaining walls should be softened so they do not make the garden appear even wider and shallower.

Retaining Walls on Corner Plots

Corner sites may have different road and boundary levels on several sides.

Our Corner Plot Garden Design page explores the wider implications of:

• Levels

• Boundaries

• Privacy

• Access.

Family Gardens and Retaining Walls

Retaining can create clear level areas for:

• Lawn

• Play

• Dining.

Our Family Garden Design page explores the broader family layout.

Dog-Friendly Terraced Gardens

Dogs may use steps and terraces differently from people.

Our Dog-Friendly Garden Design page explores:

• Routes

• Surfaces

• Planting.

Retaining Wall Lighting

Lighting can help define walls and level changes after dark.

Our Garden Lighting Ideas page explores the wider strategy.

Possible approaches include:

• Wall wash

• Step lighting

• Planting illumination.

Avoid Lighting the Entire Wall

A long brightly illuminated wall can dominate the night-time garden.

It is usually better to highlight:

• Selected sections

• Planting

• Adjacent steps.

Integrated Lighting

Where lighting is built into the wall, it should be planned during construction.

This allows:

• Cabling

• Fittings

• Access

to be integrated cleanly.

Retaining Walls and Water Features

A retaining wall may sometimes form part of an architectural water feature.

Our Garden Water Feature Ideas page explores:

• Water walls

• Rills

• Pools.

The structural and waterproofing requirements need to be considered from the beginning.

Retaining Wall Construction in North West England

Retaining wall construction in North West England needs to respond to local site conditions.

These may include:

• High rainfall

• Clay soil

• Wet ground

• Frost

• Sloping sites.

Drainage and foundation design are therefore particularly important.

Garden Retaining Walls in Lancashire

Lancashire properties often combine:

• Sloping ground

• High rainfall

• Heavy soil.

Retaining walls may form part of a wider strategy involving:

• Drainage

• Terracing

• Planting.

Garden Retaining Walls in Cheshire

Cheshire gardens may range from:

• Contemporary suburban properties

• Large country plots.

Wall materials should respond to the architecture and wider landscape.

Garden Retaining Walls in Greater Manchester

Greater Manchester gardens can contain significant level differences between:

• House

• Road

• Neighbouring plots.

Retaining walls can help create more usable garden space where designed carefully.

Garden Retaining Walls in Merseyside

Merseyside gardens may vary from:

• Established suburban sites

• Exposed coastal properties.

Material durability and drainage should respond to the specific location.

Garden Retaining Walls in the Ribble Valley

Ribble Valley gardens often sit on naturally sloping terrain.

The strongest approach may use:

retaining and formal terraces near the property

followed by:

softer slopes and planting further away.

This can create usable garden space without removing the character of the wider landscape.

How Much Does a Garden Retaining Wall Cost?

There is no useful universal figure.

The cost depends on:

• Wall length

• Height

• Ground conditions

• Excavation

• Foundation

• Structural system

• Drainage

• Finish

• Access.

A low retaining edge is very different from a substantial structural wall supporting a major change in ground level.

Landscaping Costs

For the broader garden construction budget, see How Much Does Landscaping Cost?.

Garden Drainage Costs

Retaining wall projects may include significant drainage work.

See How Much Does Garden Drainage Cost?.

Garden Transformation Costs

Where retaining walls form part of a complete redesign, see Garden Transformation Cost.

Access Can Affect Retaining Wall Cost

Construction may require:

• Excavators

• Concrete

• Blocks

• Aggregate

• Stone

• Spoil removal.

Restricted access can significantly increase:

• Labour

• Programme

• Cost.

Spoil Removal

Retaining wall excavation can generate a substantial volume of soil.

Before construction, consider whether the material can be:

• Reused

• Regraded

• Removed.

This should be part of the initial groundwork plan.

Do Garden Retaining Walls Need Planning Permission?

Depending on the location, property and nature of the proposed works, changes to levels or structures may raise planning or other regulatory considerations.

Our Do I Need Planning Permission to Landscape My Garden? page provides a broader introduction.

Project-specific requirements should be checked before substantial construction begins.

Design Retaining Walls Before Construction Starts

Retaining walls influence:

• Finished levels

• Steps

• Paving

• Drainage

• Planting

• Services.

They should therefore be resolved during the design stage.

Changing the wall position or height during construction can affect much of the surrounding landscape.

Garden Design and Build

For projects requiring professional design and construction, see Garden Design & Build.

Complete Garden Design and Build

For substantial whole-garden schemes, see Complete Garden Design and Build.

Landscape Construction

Retaining walls sit firmly within the landscape construction process.

Our Landscape Construction page explores the coordination of:

• Groundworks

• Drainage

• Walls

• Paving

• Planting.

Hard Landscaping

For the wider structural landscape, see Hard Landscaping.

Retaining walls should work with:

• Paving

• Steps

• Other walls

• Edging.

Soft Landscaping

Planting is what helps structural walls settle into the garden.

Our Soft Landscaping page explores:

• Trees

• Shrubs

• Lawns

• Planting.

Garden Project Management

Larger retaining wall schemes may require coordination between:

• Garden designer

• Landscaper

• Structural specialist

• Drainage work

• Material suppliers.

Our Garden Project Management page explores how complex landscape construction can be coordinated.

Frequently Asked Questions About Garden Retaining Walls

What is a garden retaining wall?

A retaining wall is a structure used to hold back soil or other material where there is a difference in ground level.

Why would I need a retaining wall?

A retaining wall may be required to create level patios, lawns, terraces, routes or planting areas on a sloping site.

Is a retaining wall different from a normal garden wall?

Yes. A retaining wall has to resist the pressure of retained ground, so structural design, foundations and drainage are especially important.

Do retaining walls need foundations?

Yes, permanent retaining structures need foundations appropriate to their height, construction and ground conditions.

Do retaining walls need drainage?

Drainage is often a key consideration because water pressure behind the wall can affect its long-term performance.

Can a retaining wall also be a raised planter?

Yes. Some lower retaining structures can also form raised planting areas.

Can a retaining wall include seating?

Yes. If designed appropriately, the top or front of a wall can sometimes incorporate seating.

Can retaining walls include lighting?

Yes. Lighting can be integrated when planned during construction.

What materials can garden retaining walls use?

Possible materials include masonry, brick, natural stone, concrete and other appropriate structural systems.

Can retaining walls be used in contemporary gardens?

Yes. Clean geometry and carefully selected materials can make them an important architectural feature.

Can retaining walls work in country gardens?

Yes. Natural stone and generous planting can help them sit comfortably in a rural setting.

How do you soften a retaining wall?

Use planting above and below the wall, vary the relationship with steps and avoid unnecessarily long uninterrupted elevations.

Can I avoid building a retaining wall?

Sometimes. A planted bank or gentler slope may be possible where enough space is available.

How many retaining walls should a sloping garden have?

There is no fixed number. Fewer, better-proportioned walls often create a calmer landscape than many small terraces.

Can retaining walls help make a garden accessible?

Yes. They can create level areas, but the overall route strategy must also consider ramps, gradients and steps.

Can a retaining wall be built next to a patio?

Yes. The terrace, wall and drainage should be designed together.

Can retaining walls be used around swimming pools?

Potentially. Sloping pool gardens may require significant retaining work as part of the wider landscape design.

How much does a retaining wall cost?

Costs depend heavily on height, length, structural requirements, ground conditions, excavation, drainage, finish and access.

Do I need a structural engineer for a retaining wall?

Some larger or more complex retaining structures may require structural input depending on site conditions and loads.

Should a retaining wall be designed before landscaping starts?

Yes. Retaining walls determine finished levels and influence drainage, steps, paving and planting, so they should be resolved early.

Can Kirman Design design and construct garden retaining walls?

For suitable projects, retaining wall construction can form part of a complete Garden Design & Build or landscape construction project.

A Retaining Wall Should Hold the Garden Up — Without Looking Like It Does

A successful retaining wall needs to perform structurally.

But that does not mean it should dominate the landscape.

The:

foundation needs to be appropriate.

The:

drainage needs to work.

The:

levels need to make sense.

The:

steps need to connect naturally.

The:

materials need to suit the property.

And:

the planting needs to soften the structure.

That is the difference between:

building a wall to stop soil moving

and:

designing a retaining wall as part of the garden.

At Kirman Design, we approach garden retaining wall construction by combining:

structure + levels + drainage + materials + steps + planting + landscape construction.

If you are planning retaining walls in Lancashire, Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside, the Ribble Valley or elsewhere across North West England, resolving the structure, drainage and finished garden levels together from the outset will usually create a stronger, safer and more visually coherent landscape.