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>

Top 10 Best Retaining wall installation pros in Alto, NM

Q: Why do retaining walls lean?

• <div><p>Failure to compact the soil during construction is the most common cause of leaning retaining walls. In addition, poor drainage can lead to excessive water pressure behind a retaining wall, pushing against it until it begins to move forward away from the soil it is holding back.</p></div>

Q: Are railroad ties good for retaining walls?

• <div><p>Railroad ties can be good for retaining walls, but it depends on the area. They have a desirable rustic look and are durable. The problem is they&rsquo;re treated with creosote, a preservative the EPA says poses a risk to humans and wildlife. Over time, the preservative seeps out of the wood and into the ground. Many areas have banned the use of creosote-treated wood on residential properties. If your area does allow it, never use railroad ties near an edible garden or drinking water source. Instead, use wood that&rsquo;s treated with an EPA-approved preservative or a wood-alternative composite material.</p></div>

Q: What is the difference between a foundation wall and a retaining wall?

• <div><p>With foundation walls, the slab on grade and force at the top of the wall is resisted by flooring. With retaining walls, the force at the top of the wall is not resisted.</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 Alto, NM

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

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Last update on December 15, 2025

Reviewed in December 2025
I needed a bedroom suite taken apart & moved out of bedroom & hauled away. They came & did a great job, was careful moving not to scratch walls or floors. They came when they said they would be there & also helped me move bed back. Very professional & friendly. Great service. Highly recommend!
Medina Hauling & Disposal
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Reviewed in January 2025
Several home projects were completed to my satisfaction. Projects included deck replacement, lumber replacement, exterior painting, and wall stone replacement. Contractor was professional and always on time, highly recommended.
Miracle Man Handyman LLC.
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Reviewed in August 2023
Provider reached out promptly, provided a quote, was outside of our budget, we met and reworked the plan to get within our budget requirements. Contract was sent, reviewed, revised, agreed upon and work was started. In the first week of work starting, contractor tore out more flooring/ceiling...
All Terrain Construction
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Reviewed in January 2023
Very professional and did a great job! They were very responsive and kept us in the loop for the whole project. Turned out the exact way I wanted. They redid my kitchen, guest bathroom, and master bath. Tiling, paint, cabinets, installed a new vanity. Would recommend them!
M4 Construction and Design, LLC
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Reviewed in November 2022
Daniel and his team were very responsive. They did a great job installing our flooring, and I would highly recommend them!
Rusty Nails Construction LLC
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Reviewed in September 2022
My wife and I were very pleased with the team that came out to install the MILO Insulation at our home. We found them to be very professional and courteous. They worked quickly and quietly to install the MILEX insulation and cleaned up after themselves. Overall it was a fine job. We would...
Milo Insulation of East Texas
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Reviewed in February 2021
Pablo-Mo were installers & were very professional and efficient.
Dreamstyle Remodeling of New Mexico
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Reviewed in April 2020
Great. Prompt and thorough. Great price. Installed new A.C. unit. Kept our house clean through entire project. Would recommend and use again.
Peak Refrigeration, LLC
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Reviewed in September 2018
These guys were great. They had to drive a long distance to get to my house, charged a fair price, and worked hard to get the opener installed. Impressive customer service!
Mesilla Valley Door, LLC
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Retaining Wall Installers questions, answered by experts

Failure to compact the soil during construction is the most common cause of leaning retaining walls. In addition, poor drainage can lead to excessive water pressure behind a retaining wall, pushing against it until it begins to move forward away from the soil it is holding back.

Railroad ties can be good for retaining walls, but it depends on the area. They have a desirable rustic look and are durable. The problem is they’re treated with creosote, a preservative the EPA says poses a risk to humans and wildlife. Over time, the preservative seeps out of the wood and into the ground. Many areas have banned the use of creosote-treated wood on residential properties. If your area does allow it, never use railroad ties near an edible garden or drinking water source. Instead, use wood that’s treated with an EPA-approved preservative or a wood-alternative composite material.

With foundation walls, the slab on grade and force at the top of the wall is resisted by flooring. With retaining walls, the force at the top of the wall is not resisted.

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.

Most railroad tie retaining walls have a life span of 20 to 30 years, though you may need to replace your wall sooner if it’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’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.

The Alto, NM homeowners’ guide to retaining wall installation services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

See all articles

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May 30, 2026May 30, 2026
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Replacing a retaining wall or installing a new one after grading? Here are some retaining wall questions you should be prepared to answer when hiring a pro.