What is the best material to fill behind a retaining wall?

• <div><p>Sand and gravel are two suitable options for filling behind a retaining wall. If you’re building your own retaining wall, you’ll complete this part of the process—known as backfilling—after you finish laying the blocks. Make sure not to skip it—otherwise, you could wind up with drainage issues, which can cause your retaining wall to collapse.</p></div>

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Q: What is the most cost-effective retaining wall to build?

• <div><p>While vinyl is the least costly material for building a retaining wall, the most cost-effective method is to use wood or concrete blocks for a DIY retaining wall under 2 feet tall. Wood is inexpensive but lasts <b>20 years or more </b>with care. Concrete can cost a little more but is stronger and will last longer with less maintenance.</p></div>

Q: Does a 2-foot retaining wall need drainage?

• <div><p>Each design is different, so we can&rsquo;t say definitively if you&rsquo;ll need a dedicated drainage system in place for a two-foot retaining wall. However, you can likely skip the drainage, as this project is typically served for walls that are 4 feet tall or more. Even with a relatively low wall, consider drainage if you are building on top of clay or poor-draining soil types or if there are buried water sources nearby, like a well used for other <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/beginning-home-gardening-guide.htm">outdoor garden projects</a>.</p></div>

Q: Does a small retaining wall need a foundation?

• <div><p>Small retaining walls still require a foundation of some kind, typically a concrete footing. This helps to ensure the wall is structurally sound and prevents the ground from shifting over time, especially during those winter freeze/thaw cycles. The footing helps spread the weight of the wall and the load it carries over a larger area of the ground, thus assisting with stability. This is true of small retaining walls, <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/rock-garden-ideas.htm">larger rock garden</a> walls, and the like. </p></div>

Q: How long will a railroad tie wall last?

• <div><p>Most railroad tie retaining walls have a life span of <b>20 to 30 years</b>, though you may need to replace your wall sooner if it&rsquo;s repeatedly exposed to heavy rain, runoff, and excess moisture. Railroad ties are typically treated with creosote, which makes them much more durable than untreated wood. Though they last longer, they don&rsquo;t last forever. For the most longevity, make sure your retaining wall has a sturdy base and steel reinforcements. You should also install drainage to direct water away from the wall.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Retaining Wall Installation pros in Clarkton, MO

*The Angi rating for Retaining Wall Installation companies in Clarkton, MO is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Retaining Wall Installation needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Retaining Wall Installation companies in Clarkton, MO is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Retaining Wall Installation needs.

Last update on November 01, 2025

Reviewed in February 2025
She finished the new walls making them ready for paint in our budget and time-frame. Turned out amazing
SEMO Drywall
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Reviewed in May 2024
Installed a back-up sump pump. Great job! Thank you!
Tri-State Water, Power & Air
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Reviewed in March 2024
They installed a beautiful retaining wall. It turned out great.
Bri-Co Construction, LLC
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Reviewed in October 2023
Excellent work performed. Jason does very good work. He installed a large concrete patio and retaining wall for us. It turned out better than we expected. I would recommend him highly.
Jason Kleinheider Construction LLC
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Reviewed in October 2023
Prompt response and competitive prices. Excellent customer service before and after the purchase and install.
America's Fence & Deck, LLC
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Reviewed in April 2023
So happy we went with Accessible America for our installation of a chair lift. Ryan took the guesswork out of what felt like an overwhelming decision and provided quick, hassle-free service. I love that the person I talked to on the phone is the owner of the company and the one who came to our...
Accessible America, LLC
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Reviewed in September 2022
Called Grant Erfert (Owner Rapid Dry of St. Louis) in for a free estimate on mold removal from leak in shower wall. Grant was honest, found no mold. His services remained free, but a recommendation was in order. I will use his services in the future and will recommend him to those close to me...
Rapid Dry
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Reviewed in February 2022
Workmanship was outstanding and the installers were very professional. Everything was done in a timely mater
Midtown Home Improvements, Inc. (St. Louis)*
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Reviewed in September 2019
I was shopping for a new convertible top to be installed on my car and went into Express Upholstery in St. Peters to get pricing. They wrote up a quote for me, I liked the price, we scheduled a date for the installation, and they said I needed to give them a deposit for half of the price which I...
Express Upholstery Services
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Reviewed in January 2017
Rodney and Paul were great to work with and were very professional. The installation went smooth and quick. Highly recommend Aqua Systems of Sullivan.
Aqua Systems of Sullivan
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