# Retaining and garden walls

> Block, stone and timber walls that hold back soil. Ask with your Sheet attached: homeowners who’ve done it and verified pros answer, and anyone can read it.

## Before you ask

The wall’s length and height, the block, and what’s above it.

- **Attach your Sheet** so people see your sizes and the math.
- **Your town is enough.** Never your address; check photos for house numbers and plates.
- **Is it safe?** A safety question here goes to pros verified in masonry, unless you pick another trade. Only they can call it safe or unsafe.

## Build a garden or retaining wall

16′ wall, 2′ tall: 58 blocks in 5 courses, the caps, 39 bags of base gravel and 64 bags of drain stone.

What people get wrong:

- **A first course that isn’t level.** Every error on course one repeats up the wall.
- **Backfilling with the dirt you dug out.** Without drainage stone, water pressure pushes the wall over within a few winters.
- **Skipping compaction.** Loose base settles and the wall leans.

[The worked example, every line's math and the code notes](https://studsheet.com/sheets/retaining) · [Your own sizes in the app](https://app.studsheet.com/p/retaining)

## More in Outdoor

- [Decks](https://studsheet.com/forum/decks): Building and fixing decks: footings, framing, boards and ledgers
- [Fences](https://studsheet.com/forum/fences): Wood, vinyl and metal fences and gates
- [Concrete slabs and footings](https://studsheet.com/forum/concrete): Pouring slabs, footings and pads
- [Patios and pavers](https://studsheet.com/forum/patios-and-pavers): Paver patios, walkways and the base under them
- [Sheds](https://studsheet.com/forum/sheds): Building sheds and small outbuildings
- [Raised beds and gardens](https://studsheet.com/forum/raised-beds): Raised beds, planters and garden builds
- [Yard drainage and grading](https://app.studsheet.com/community?tab=talk&room=yard-drainage): Standing water, grading and drains around the house
- [Landscaping](https://app.studsheet.com/community?tab=talk&room=landscaping): Lawns, beds, edging and planting
- [Pergolas and patio covers](https://app.studsheet.com/community?tab=talk&room=pergolas-and-covers): Pergolas, awnings and covered porches
- [Driveways and walkways](https://app.studsheet.com/community?tab=talk&room=driveways): Asphalt, concrete and gravel driveways
- [Brick, block and stone](https://app.studsheet.com/community?tab=talk&room=masonry): Brick walls, pointing, veneer and stone
- [Pools and hot tubs](https://app.studsheet.com/community?tab=talk&room=pools-and-hot-tubs): Pads, decks, fences and wiring for pools and spas
- [Outdoor lighting](https://app.studsheet.com/community?tab=talk&room=outdoor-lighting): Low-voltage, path and security lights
- [Every group](https://studsheet.com/forum#every-group)

## How the community works

- **Open to read** from anywhere, no account needed.
- **Sign in with your email** to ask, answer and vote. No password.
- **The best answers rise:** votes, “worked for me” and a solved mark. Verified pros carry a badge.

Questions? Write to [support@studsheet.com](mailto:support@studsheet.com).