Retaining walls do more than hold soil in place — they shape your yard, add usable space, and create beautiful structure throughout your landscape. But because they deal with pressure, water, and weight, retaining walls must be designed and built correctly. When they aren’t, the results can be costly, dangerous, and frustrating.

At Vicente Outdoor Living, we build retaining walls that last — using proper engineering, drainage, and craftsmanship. If you're planning a retaining wall or worried your current one isn’t built right, here are the biggest mistakes to avoid.

1. Not Installing Proper Drainage Behind the Wall

The number one cause of retaining wall failure? Water pressure.

Without drainage, you get:

• bulging walls
• cracking blocks
• shifting or leaning
• complete structural failure

Professional walls include drainage rock, perforated pipe, and a proper outlet.

2. Choosing the Wrong Materials for the Wall Height

Not all retaining wall materials are designed for heavy loads.

Common mistakes include:

• using garden blocks for tall walls
• using thin stones for structural builds
• choosing aesthetics over strength

Material choice must match wall height and soil conditions.

3. Improper Base Preparation

A retaining wall is only as strong as the base it sits on.

DIY base mistakes include:

• not digging deep enough
• skipping compaction
• using the wrong base material
• building on soft or shifting soil

A stable, compacted base is essential for long-term success.

4. Building the Wall Without Accounting for Soil Pressure

Soil pressure increases with height, moisture, and the type of soil.

Failing to consider this leads to:

• leaning walls
• separation between blocks
• long-term instability

Engineering matters — even for “small” walls.

5. Forgetting To Include a Batter (Slight Backward Lean)

Retaining walls need a slight lean into the soil to counteract pressure.

Without batter, walls may:

• tip forward
• bulge outward
• fail prematurely

This small angle makes a big difference.

6. Creating Sharp, Tight Curves Without the Right Blocks

Not all blocks curve well.

Wrong block choices cause:

• gaps
• weak structural points
• uneven pressure distribution

Curved walls require specific block shapes and professional planning.

7. Building a Wall Taller Than Allowed Without Reinforcement

Many homeowners don’t realize that walls over a certain height require engineering.

Often needed for taller walls:

• geogrid reinforcement
• stepped-back design
• stronger block systems
• professional engineering oversight

Ignoring this can result in a dangerous structure.

8. Improper Backfill Material

Using soil as backfill is a common mistake.

Soil backfill:

• retains water
• causes pressure buildup
• creates instability

Walls need crushed stone backfill for proper drainage and support.

9. Not Planning for Slope or Elevation Changes

Walls on slopes require more engineering.

Ignoring slope considerations causes:

• washouts
• erosion
• shifting walls
• safety concerns

Professional grading prevents these issues.

10. Incorrect Wall Alignment or Uneven Courses

Even slight mistakes in leveling can grow into major issues down the line.

Poor alignment causes:

• leaning
• gaps
• uneven weight distribution

Precision makes a noticeable difference.

11. Failing To Integrate the Wall With the Rest of the Landscape

A retaining wall shouldn’t look like it was “stuck on” the yard.

Walls should complement:

• patios
• pathways
• garden beds
• slopes
• outdoor living areas

Great design makes the wall feel like part of the landscape, not an afterthought.

12. Taking the DIY Approach Without Understanding the Engineering

Retaining walls look simple — but structurally, they’re anything but.

DIY walls often fail because of:

• poor base prep
• no drainage
• incorrect block choice
• lack of reinforcement
• improper installation

A failed retaining wall is expensive to rebuild.

‍