Retaining Wall

A retaining wall is a constructed structure designed to hold back soil — managing grade changes, preventing erosion, and creating level usable areas in sloped landscapes.

When You Need a Retaining Wall

Common situations requiring a retaining wall:

• A slope that prevents useful outdoor space
• An existing slope that's eroding
• A grade change between two levels of a designed landscape
• A hillside adjacent to a structure that needs stabilization
• A terraced garden design requiring defined levels

Retaining Wall Materials

Segmental Retaining Wall Block (EP Henry, Allan Block, Versa-Lok) Manufactured concrete blocks with interlocking systems. ICPI/NCMA-engineered installation standards. Most common choice for residential applications.

Natural Stone (Chester County Fieldstone, Bluestone) For naturalistic or period-appropriate aesthetics. Dry-laid or mortared. Higher labor cost than block, but superior aesthetic in certain contexts.

Boulders For organic grade transitions in garden or naturalistic settings.

Why Retaining Walls Fail

The most common cause of retaining wall failure is inadequate drainage. Chester County's clay soils hold water; when that water builds hydrostatic pressure behind a wall, it eventually pushes the wall outward. The solution is proper drainage design — aggregate backfill and perforated drain tile behind every wall. Learn more about retaining wall design.

NCMA Standards

The National Concrete Masonry Association (NCMA) publishes engineering standards for segmental retaining walls. JHL's retaining wall designs follow NCMA methodology.

Related terms: Hardscape | ICPI Certified

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