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Want a retaining wall that’s sure to impress? Use our calculator to find out how many wall blocks you’ll need for the project.
This calculator is to be used as an estimating tool only.
Retaining walls instantly enhance any landscape design. There are a variety of materials you can use to build a retaining wall, including patio stones, wood and poured concrete. Retaining wall cost varies by material. Poured concrete is typically the most expensive, followed by wood timber and then stones and pavers.
Planning a Retaining Wall
Before building a retaining wall, plan it out. Avoid placing the retaining wall where downspouts are pointed to keep standing water from forming inside the wall. If the retaining wall is being built against a home, keep soil and mulch below the siding. The layout of your wall is based on preference. To freeform the layout, use a rope or hose to outline the desired shape. After, use a shovel or spray paint to mark the outline.
To estimate how many blocks you’ll need per row, divide the total length of the wall by the length of the block. To figure out how many rows you’ll need, divide the ideal wall height by the height of the block. Make sure to account for the first row being half-buried. To simplify the process, use our Paver Calculator to find out how many blocks you’ll need.
Retaining Wall Block Options
At Lowe’s, we have several retaining wall block options to choose from. We have concrete pavers specifically meant to build retaining walls, small garden beds and planters as well as driveway pavers that can be used as wall block. They come in a variety of colors including gray, red and brown. They’re also available in different face types including straight, rounded, beveled and more. Some wall block is built with an interlocking back lip that makes it easy to align and install them while others are simply held by gravity.
How to Build a Retaining Wall Block
Before building, check local building codes and your homeowner’s association regulations to see if there are any restrictions to requirements. You may need a permit depending on the size of the job and where you live. In addition to retaining wall block, you’ll need several tools and materials including gravel, landscape fabric, a shovel and circular saw. To get a comprehensive list of tools and materials needed, check out our guide on How to Build a Retaining Wall. There, you’ll also find step-by-step instructions to safely and effectively build a retaining wall that’ll last for years to come.