Key Takeaways

  • Railroad tie retaining walls provide a budget-friendly and practical solution for sloped yards.
  • Brick retaining walls offer an attractive and enduring solution for soil erosion control.
  • Concrete block retaining walls are durable and easy to maintain, with a long lifespan and structural integrity.

A retaining wall is a landscape structure used to support and hold back soil, rocks, or other materials. It plays this crucial role by preventing erosion and controlling ground shifting on a slope. Retaining walls are located in sloped areas such as bodies of water, roads, and other major structures. At home, you can use a retaining wall to control erosion in a sloped yard, either in your backyard, garden, or driveway.

Besides providing stability to sloped areas, retaining walls offer a heightened aesthetic appeal to your landscape. However, such garden and backyard makeovers can sometimes break the bank — especially when buying materials and meeting labor costs. Check out these budget-friendly DIY retaining wall ideas and you could save some money.

1 Railroad Tie Retaining Walls Are Rustic

They will add a natural charm to your outdoors

Rail ties used on a retaining wall

Railroad ties provide a practical and cost-effective solution for a landscaping retaining wall. The fact that this wall is constructed using treated wood will enhance its longevity, up to fifteen years. You don't have to worry about immediate replacement.

Railroad ties tend to range from $20 to $30 per square foot, making them a budget-friendly choice for DIY construction and landscaping projects. Using railroad ties also gives you a variety of landscape designs to:

  • Create a raised flower bed
  • Hold back soil
  • Define different levels in your yard

With a railroad tie retaining wall, you get a practical solution to a sloped yard.

Pros

Cons

Bucolic addition to your landscape

Despite chemical treatment, railroad ties will rot over time

Long-lasting compared to wood

Come in different sizes and shapes, making it a challenge to create a uniform retaining wall

Railroad ties are treated with a chemical called creosote, which is a tar-like product that is generated from combustion fumes and can be harmful to human when inhaled.

2 Brick Retaining Walls Are Attractive

Compliment your outdoor environment with varying brick varieties

If you are looking for an enduring and elegant solution for your sloped outdoors, a brick retaining wall is the way to go. Through interlocking bricks, you will not only get an aesthetically pleasing look, but also a functional soil erosion control mechanism.

Bricks have always been an economical option for retaining walls, costing only around $2 per square foot. You may be able to get recycled bricks for DIY projects at a much lower price.

The simplicity of design produces earthy tones and clean lines that are timeless. Besides complementing a variety of outdoor settings, brick retaining walls give you more than you ask, such as robustness, attractiveness, and versatility.

Pros

Cons

Strong and robust material

Limited design capability

No secondary discoloration

May require an alternative draining system to keep your brick retaining wall healthy, which can be expensive

Multiple forms, sizes, and colors from which to choose

3 Concrete Block Retaining Walls Are Durable

You don't have to worry about regular replacements

According to Oregon State University, concrete block retaining walls have an easy installation process, which makes them a go-to slope control strategy for DIY enthusiasts. They are an effective solution for managing sloping terrain while adding an element of curb appeal to your yard.

Concrete retaining walls have a remarkable lifespan of up to 100 years, far surpassing that of timber alternatives. They also have a strong resilience against insects and water damage.

On average, a concrete block retaining wall typically costs $35 to $40 per square foot. At this price range, you could save on installation and professional consultation expenses if you do it yourself.

Besides the major benefits that concrete retaining walls offer, it is essential to point out that they can be susceptible to drainage issues due to the impermeable nature of concrete. You may need an alternative drainage system, such as piping, to cope with this problem.

Pros

Cons

Longer-lasting than natural alternatives

May need professional assistance when constructing large walls

Versatile

Costly to remove

Easy-to-maintain walls

Structural integrity and excellent engineering support

Consider wall capping as a means of protecting your concrete block retaining wall from rainwater that causes erosion. Wall capping is a masonry design approach that provides protective coverage for the top of a wall while enhancing its aesthetic appeal.

4 Wood Retaining Walls Are Affordable

Building a retaining wall while meeting the basic outdoor aesthetics

A wood retaining wall is a natural alternative for most homeowners. Wood's availability is not only cost-effective but also adds a natural aesthetic to outdoor spaces. Wood's rustic and warm appearance seamlessly and naturally blends with your surroundings, making it an excellent choice for yard design, gardens, and landscaping.

With timber available at a range of $13 to $45 per foot based on wood type, it is an appealing alternative for DIY retaining walls. If you're a budget-conscious homeowner, timber is a versatile material for creating outdoor projects.

Pros

Cons

Has a natural appearance that beautifies your outdoors

Wood quickly rots when exposed to soil contact or moisture

Unlike railroad ties, wood is chemical-free; not pressure-treated or soaked in creosote

Even pressure-treated wood may not outlast bricks or concrete blocks

Easy to work with, even with few carpentry skills

Timber retaining walls may require regular maintenance

Periodic checks and maintenance, such as wood replacement and painting, are needed. They help to prevent rot and natural decay, as well as promote the longevity and functionality of the wall.

5 Scrap Tire Retaining Walls Are Sustainable

When design creativity solves environmental challenges

With scrap tire retaining walls, you will get a creative solution to the mounting problem of tire waste. You will not only bring your sloped yard back to life, but also showcase your commitment to environmental care.

Recycled tires are easily and readily available to consumers at a small fee such as $1.80 to $40 per tire in local garages, online stores, and scrapyards. Sometimes, you can even get used tires for DIY projects for free.

Pros

Cons

Cost-effective and readily available, making them an attractive option for budget-friendly projects

May not be as aesthetically appealing as a brick or wood retaining wall

Long-lasting, durable, and maintains structure integrity for many years

May not have the needed load-bearing capacity like concrete blocks

Versatility in DIY projects

Backfill all the spaces between the tire layers with soil to provide a proper drainage system and the necessary structural support.

So, whether you are interested in an eye-catching focal point for your sloped yard or simply looking for ways to enhance your outdoors, hands-on and affordable solutions await you. All you need is a bit of creativity to transform your terrain into an attractive masterpiece that is not only uniquely yours but cost-effective.

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