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Structure

Retaining wall

Retaining walls are structural when they support soil, slopes, driveways, or elevated areas. Height, surcharge, drainage, soil, and location determine whether engineering or permits are needed.

Definition

A retaining wall is a structure that holds back soil and manages grade changes, slopes, terraces, driveways, patios, and planting areas.

Why it matters

A retaining wall is not just a decorative border. Compare footing, drainage rock, geogrid, waterproofing, engineering, and permit assumptions before accepting a bid.

Also called

seat wallgarden wallstructural wall