21 DIY Garden Retaining Wall Ideas

Retaining walls are structures built to hold soil on different levels and keep vegetation from going over a particular location. Areas with uneven topography need retaining walls to create layers of land for planting. That’s said, retaining walls do not only work on sloppy landscapes. You can use a retaining wall on a flat landscape to raise your planting area or create a sitting space. Lets see some garden retaining wall ideas. Its uses are numerous.

These walls can be made using any material, and thanks to modern designs, there are several ways you can style your retaining wall to bring class to your garden area.

Retaining walls need to be able to withstand a lot of lateral pressure from the soil. These walls arebuilt with this rigidity in mind depending on the height of the wall.

DIY Retaining wall ideas

Do-it-yourself lovers can hop on the retaining wall trend to create fantastic designs in their gardens. Whether you want to create an eye-catching design or you want one that can blend in and enhance the beauty of the plants. Here are some ideas to try in your yard.

1. White Concrete Retaining Wall

1. White Concrete Retaining Wall

White has this element of class when used in homes. Using a white concrete as your retaining wall is a simple yet classy move. It helps your lawn stand out by providing a perfect contrast. This design will look even better if your home is painted white.

2. Wall With Irregular Flagstones

Wall With Irregular Flagstones

The most attractive feature of this design is its sheer size and hue. The combination of irregular stones sets it apart in your garden. This is usually a large project, and you may need some construction experience to accomplish this.

3. Round Rocks

Round Rocks

This rock garden idea is relatively easy to accomplish and can make your garden the talking point among visitors. In this idea, round rocks of different sizes are stacked on each other, making sure they’re balanced on each other to prevent them from falling.

4. Shotcrete rock wall

Shotcrete rock wall

Don’t let the strange name scare you. Shotcrete is simply painted concrete. You can make this retaining wall in your garden by making a small concrete wall close to your fence. Spray paint this wall to your desired color and enjoy its beauty. This design is perfect for planting succulents.

5. Patchwork Stone

Patchwork Stone

These colored stones create a homely feeling in your home. Its slightly round edges and irregular pattern makes it an attractive piece. To make this patchwork design, you need stones of different colors. The stones are kept on each other and styled haphazardly.

6. Simple Timber Retaining Wall

Simple Timber Retaining Wall

You can make use of this simple timber wall idea to block the spreading of centipede grass from reaching certain areas in your lawn. Timber is not a long term retaining wall solution, but using certain timber species will guarantee you close to 20 years use.

7. Sandstone Wall

Sandstone Wall

This sandstone is made with a block pattern design and mimics the luxury designs from older times while also bringing a modern touch to it. This is a straightforward idea to set up in your garden,the stones are expensive, and a large project is bound to take a lot of resources.

8. Concrete Cylinder Wall

Concrete Cylinder Wall

Concrete cylinders can be used as a retaining wall in your garden. Its simple yet classy look makes it an ideal choice for minimalist homes looking to keep the trend while still retaining class. You can line the concrete cylinders along the steep slopes in your yard.

9. Boulder Design

Boulder Design

Boulders are large rocks of different sizes, and they can also serve as retaining walls. Not only are they simple to make, but they also create a casual look in your garden to make the garden itself the center of attraction.

To achieve this,stack boulders of different sizes on each other minding the spaces between each one and ensuring the right boulder size is used. You can add mortar in-between each boulder to increase its lifespan.

10. Pallets Retaining Wall Idea

Pallets Retaining Wall Idea

This is another DIY pallet garden idea that can reduce the pallets lying around industrial zones and also save you money in the process. This is a time consuming yet rewarding project you can accomplish with a little carpentry experience. By up-cycling pallets, you can make a retaining wall for your garden alongside a wooden deck for relaxation.

11. Retaining Wall Using Smooth Concrete

Retaining Wall Using Smooth Concrete

A smooth concrete retaining wall sets up a modern look in your garden and blends perfectly into most garden designs. It is a subtle design that lets the plants be the center of attraction. You can use smooth concrete to increase the aesthetics of your front yard landscape idea.

12. Country-Styled Timber Wall

Country-Styled Timber Wall

Do you have a country home? Or just love country designs? Don’t miss this timber retaining wall with country style in mind. Use old treated wood to make this wall so you can create the rusty and old look this design needs to shine through.

13. Red Brick Retaining Wall

Red Brick Retaining Wall

You cannot go wrong with red bricks. Using red bricks to make your retaining wall will make that corner an attractive section of your home. You can set up this design in your garden without too much stress. Using a white grout in-between the bricks will make it stand out.

14. Curved Wall

Curved Wall

Straight retaining walls are the norm in most gardens, but curved walls can give you a unique and beautiful design. In this design, stones, blocks, or concrete walls are made in a curved patterns. A curved pattern is a great way to form a raised garden bed in your yard.

15. Sloppy Fire Pit Timber Wall

Sloppy Fire Pit Timber Wall

If you have an uneven layer of land around your fire pit, then what better way to enhance your fire pit design than by adding this timber wall to hold the uneven soil layers together. Use a concrete or block foundation for added rigidity.

16. Low Block Retaining Wall

Low Block Retaining Wall

This is a simple DIY design to use in your garden. Low concrete slabs are used to hold the soil together and joined with mortar. It is simple and inexpensive to lay as the slabs are quite cheap. This basic look is still trendy enough to adorn your home.

17. Wooden Wall With Bench Seating

Wooden Wall With Bench Seating

Your rigid wooden retaining wall can also serve as a seating area for you and your family. Smoothly carved wood chops are kept on the wall. Put this close to your garden area so you can sit while gazing at your beautiful garden.

18. Black Block Wall

Black Block Wall

The black block design is a modern idea that can form a different look in your yard. It is perfect for planting large leaved plants like hostas. You can use regular blocks and spray paint it black. Fill the bed with soil and grow your plants.

19. Metal Sheet Retaining Wall

Metal Sheet Retaining Wall

Metal sheets are very versatile and can be used as a retaining wall for your garden. It can create an industrial look and a good contrast in your home. Add small stones to design the bed for your succulents.

20. Raised Planter Beds Using Timber

Raised Planter Beds Using Timber

Raised beds are used to grow lovely fruits and veggies, but they do not look the most pleasing to the eye. That is why this timber raised bed is fantastic; it is aesthetically pleasing and straightforward to replicate in your home. Use lumber to build this rectangular box and fill the raised bed with soil.

21. Light It Up

Light It Up

Your retaining wall might just be light away from true beauty. Add a warm glow to the area by putting bulbs, and watch how it transforms the piece at night and lights your way in the process.

Retaining wall designs have come a long way in helping homes achieve both solidity and aesthetics. They’ve been able to blend into the surroundings for long without drawing much attention to themselves, but the work of a retaining wall cannot be overemphasized, and with these ideas, you can create one hell of a design yourself.

About Jennifer Igra

Growing up in Brooklyn, New York City known for it’s green gardens. Jennifer, a 30 year old gardener and green living fanatic started Igra World to share her gardening journey and increase gardening awareness among masses. Follow Igra World to improve your gardening skills.

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