If you have a sloped backyard, you are faced with a bit of a challenge. The fact of the matter is that a sloped or uneven backyard isn’t the best for spending time in, because finding a suitable seating area or a place to play a game in is nearly impossible.
However, if you design a retaining wall the right way, you can transform that sloped backyard into both a functional and beautiful space.
Retaining walls for sloped backyards are important for a number of reasons, mainly for creating level areas for seating and gardening, and for preventing soil erosion. It also helps add a bit of visual appeal to your otherwise drab backyard. Right now, we want to take a look at retaining wall ideas that are going to take your sloped backyard to the next level.
1. Natural Stone Wall
If you’re looking to create a look that mixes elegance and timelessness, then creating a natural stone wall is something we strongly recommend. What’s really cool is that there are plenty of different types of natural stone that come in all sorts of shapes and colors.
This means that you can choose the shapes, sizes and colors that suit you and your backyard best.
Of course, this is a great way to create a really rustic backyard, not to mention the fact that natural stone walls seamlessly blend in with the surrounding landscape. It’s all about creating a good-looking retaining wall that is also extremely durable and to hold back soil on slope. Natural stone is also super sustainable!
2. Timber Retaining Wall
If you’re looking to build a retaining wall that is versatile, cost effective, and still elegant, then creating one out of timber is recommended.
You can use many different types of timber, including old railroad ties and upcycled wood, treated wood, and even old building materials that you may have lying around the house. What’s cool about timber walls is that you can build them in a straight line or with curves to follow the natural contours of your backyard.
Furthermore, you can also paint and stained wood any way you see fit, therefore creating an elegant backyard. What’s also ideal about timber retaining walls is that they are perfect for creating terraced areas and garden beds.
3. Gabion Wall
If you would like your sloped backyard to have a very industrial and modern look, something completely contemporary that most other people don’t have, then going for a gabion wall is something you could consider.
Gabion walls are characterized by wire cages that are then filled with small stones or other materials.
They certainly look extremely unique and work well with modern decor. The fact that Gabion walls can be filled with a variety of materials is also ideal because it means that you can create unique textures and patterns in your backyard.
Depending on the materials you use, gabion walls can also be extremely durable, long lasting, and able to prevent soil erosion.
4. Concrete Blocks
If your number one goal is to create a retaining wall that is strong, long lasting, and can handle a variety of weather conditions, then using concrete blocks is recommended.
This is perhaps the most durable option you have at your disposal as far as creating sloped backyard retaining walls is concerned. What you might like about concrete blocks is that they come in a wide variety of colors, sizes, and shapes, which allows you to highly customize the look of your retaining wall.
What’s also ideal about concrete blocks is that they’re super easy to work with. You can easily stack them on top of each other to create a retaining wall, and for the ultimate endurability, use mortar to securely attach them to each other. With concrete blocks, you can also create a little seating area.
5. Brick Retaining Wall
If you happen to have a brick house, and you’d like your retaining wall to match your house, then making a brick retaining wall is something you could do.
Brick retaining walls are also very traditional and classic in terms of their appearance, something that most people appreciate. On a side note, what’s also really cool about brick retaining walls is that they are perfect for climbing plants, such as ivy and other vines.
Furthermore, bricks come in many different colors, therefore allowing you to customize the look of your backyard. Let’s not forget that bricks are also extremely durable, especially if you build the wall the right way.
6. Terraced Retaining Walls
Another idea at your disposal is to create terraced retaining walls, which are characterized by multiple levels. You can use many different materials, such as concrete, timber, stone, and more, to create a series of smaller walls.
These smaller walls allow you to create varying levels, making this a great option if you want to create garden beds, seating areas, and more. It’s all about creating a lot of flat areas for seating and planting, along with adding a good deal of visual interest to the equation.
7. Living Retaining Wall
Perhaps one of the coolest options of all is a living retaining wall. A living retaining wall is characterized by the incorporation of plants into a wall itself. You can use a stone wall with pockets in it, you can use gabion walls, or even use modular blocks that have built in planting spaces.
By incorporating plants into your walls, it creates a natural aesthetic and beautiful backyard that everyone will want to visit. It creates a bit of a break from the hustle and bustle of the world around you and provides you with a green and clean area that you can enjoy in peace. It’s also a great way to help prevent soil erosion.
8. Dry Stone Wall
Finally, we have the dry stone wall. Now, unlike stacked stone or traditional stone walls, here you don’t use any mortar or other adhesion methods. Rather, instead of using mortar, you use carefully selected stones that fit together tightly, like a glove on a hand.
This is a very traditional building method that is great for DIY purposes. It creates a stable and strong wall that also allows for a bit of natural drainage. These dry stone walls also create a really rustic charm, not to mention that they allow you to easily follow the contours of your backyard.
Final Thoughts on Retaining Walls for Sloped Backyards
The bottom line is that by creating a retaining wall in your sloped backyard, you can create both a functional and stunning landscape. There are plenty of different materials at your disposal, so consider your own preferences carefully before making a choice. Remember, retaining walls aren’t just good for aesthetic appeal, but they help prevent soil erosion as well, plus they help you create flat areas for seating and gardening.
Jamie is the founder of The Backyard Pros. When he was 15 years old he started working at a garden centre helping people buy plants, gardening products, and lawn care products. He has real estate experience and he is a home owner. Jamie loves backyard projects, refinishing furniture, and enjoys sharing his knowledge online.