You can build retaining walls with a variety of different materials. One of the cheaper options is decorative concrete block. These retaining wall blocks are available in many colors and from many companies, so not only can you shop around for the most inexpensive deals, you can also choose to create a solid colored wall or create a mosaic effect with different colors. You can also opt for plain concrete, but it is less attractive and can crack easily.

Brick

Brick landscaping is a more expensive choice since it is usually mortared around a concrete base, but it is attractive, durable and ideal if you create a seat wall. It is also clay and therefore a natural material which many prefer.

Dry Laid Stone

This is a wall made up of different sized, natural stones, and for many it is the most appealing due to the natural, rustic style it creates. You can get fieldstones in about 3 sizes and piece them together, and you can also incorporate boulders to make it sturdier.

Mortared Stone

This again is a more expensive option but it creates a beautiful effect. Natural stone is mortared to a concrete wall, so you have the effect of a natural stone wall with the durability of the concrete base.

How to Install the Wall

Once you have chosen the material you are satisfied with, it is time to create your wall. To avoid any problems, follow these steps carefully.

1. Measure the area of the wall to know how many blocks, bricks or stones to buy. Your wall should not be more than 4 feet or it becomes overbearing as a retaining wall. Also calculate space at the bottom if you are planning on planting flowers at the base.

2. Use spray paint to mark the area where the wall will be to avoid complications or confusions later.

3. Dig a trench along the spray painted area, about 8-12 inches deep. It will need to be deep enough to virtually cover the first layer of stone, and wide enough for a row of stones plus room on each side to add some smaller rocks to make it more secure.

4. Add crushed rock to the space around the stone in the ground. Level it out and ensure the stone is firm and secure.

5. Continue this process with all the stones in the trench, making sure to add crushed rock to each and then level them out until the trench is full.

6. To add layers to your wall, start stacking blocks on top. Recessing the blocks, or placing one block on the groove of the two lower ones instead of straight on top, is a better solution since it is very attractive and more secure.

7. Use landscaping fabric to prevent the stones from getting dirty in the rain. Place it between the dirt and the stones, with clean crushed rocks in between.

8. Use a circular saw to cut the end blocks to fit properly.

If you follow everything properly and prepare for the look you want, you will have your landscaping retaining walls up in no time.