Retaining Wall Layouts

Choosing between curved and straight retaining walls? Discover the benefits, challenges, and design tips to ensure your wall is both strong and stunning!

Retaining Wall Layout:

Curves Vs. Straight Walls

Block Setback (Degree)

Curved vs. Straight retaining walls

Curved retaining walls are stronger than straight walls.

Now that’s not to say straight walls are weak, just if you need extra strength consider incorporating a curve!

Installing caps on straight retaining walls is easy as no cuts are made until you get to the ends. In most cases a straight retaining wall only needs 2 cuts to made; 1 cut at each end of the retaining wall.

Installing caps on a curved retaining wall is more time consuming as caps are cut to curve them with the wall.

On a gentle curve every other cap may get both sides cuts, but on a sharper curve both sides of every cap may need to get cut.

Curved retaining walls do take longer to complete because of the caps, but they are stronger, and look so good they become a focal point in the landscape. Consider adding curves whenever you can because they look that good!

A PRO TIP using a stationary brick saw will result in perfect cuts that are straight, even, and plumb. Freehand cutting is quicker, but true craftsmanship is done with the proper equipment.

Block setback (degree)

Block setback refers to how much the retaining wall leans back into the soil in which its retaining. Imagine pushing a vehicle.

You get maximum pushing power when you lean forward, use your body weight and push. This is the exact same thing with retaining walls. If they are straight up and down (plumb) they will retain a lesser amount than if they really lean into the hillside.

Allan Block retaining walls come in 0, 6, and 12 degrees. 0 degree is virtually straight up and down, while 12 degrees really leans back (about 1.5” per row). 6 Degree is the most common as it provides great retaining capabilities, and doesn’t setback to much (about 1”/row).

The higher the wall is, the more this setback can become a problem in terms of space. For a 10’ high retaining wall it starts out 12” deep at the base, but as it steps back it will use an additional 13.5”. In some applications the space may not accommodate this.

Have a trained, certified, and experienced retaining wall installer on your side for the Structure Retaining Wall Design will ensure you get the maximum results out of your retaining wall project.