Can you use cinder blocks for a retaining wall?

• <div><p>Yes, you can use cinder blocks for many purposes, including retaining walls, foundations, garage walls, and fences. Building a <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-it-cost-build-cinder-block-wall.htm">cinder block retaining wall costs</a> between $60 and $200 per linear foot, including materials and professional labor. For a 30-foot-long retaining wall, the cost ranges from $1,800 to $6,000.</p></div>

Top-rated retaining wall installation pros.

Get matched with top retaining wall installation pros in San Rafael, 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: Can a retaining wall be a pool fence?

• <div><p>A <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/what-is-a-retaining-wall.htm">retaining wall</a> can only function as a fence if it&rsquo;s high enough on all sides to prevent someone from accidentally falling into the pool. However, most retaining walls retain dirt, which means their purpose is not related to safety. There would need to be nothing on the other side of the wall for it to be considered a fence, but in that case, it wouldn&rsquo;t retain anything and would cease to be a retaining wall. </p></div>

Q: What happens if you don't backfill a retaining wall?

• <div><p>If you don&rsquo;t backfill a retaining wall&mdash;either at all or adequately enough&mdash;the wall won&rsquo;t drain well, and water will be able to pass through it. Poor drainage will lead to a warped wall or a buildup of hydrostatic pressure, which can eventually collapse your retaining wall. If you have particularly sloped land, consult a structural engineer to ensure your <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/hardscape-features-bring-value-landscape.htm">hardscaping is adding value to your home</a>.</p></div>

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 5 pros

Need a pro for your retaining wall installation project in San Rafael, NM?

Select your specific project to find the pro for you.

Verified Reviews for Retaining Wall Installation pros in San Rafael, NM

*The Angi rating for Retaining Wall Installation companies in San Rafael, 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.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Retaining Wall Installation companies in San Rafael, 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.

Last update on November 21, 2025

Reviewed in November 2025
Cody is helping us determine if we have a water leak in the foundation piping. Were getting moisture under our laminate flooring that is causing it to buckle. Cody was honest in recommending a technical diagnosis from another plumbing company before beginning work. He wanted to make sure a leak...
2CB Technical Services, LLC
Request a quote
Reviewed in November 2024
Brian Berson, Colton Lawrence and Halil Miljkovic were extremely well mannered, never forgot their plastic boots and cleaned up everything afterwards. Very helpful in replacing a bay window which took three windows, a bedroom window and a sliding glass door unit on bottom floor. They were...
Renewal by Andersen of Boise
Request a quote
Reviewed in March 2024
They were so efficient and polite. They wrapped my furniture with care and loaded and unloaded with quick and quality service. They listened and did exactly what I needed them to do! I would recommend them to anyone and I would use them again.
All My Sons Moving & Storage
Request a quote
Reviewed in May 2023
Warden Bros. Installed a couple of Mimi split systems in my home. They were very professional and efficient with a minimal wait time.
JRE Heating & Cooling
Request a quote
Reviewed in March 2022
I hired Mark for several different projects, i.e. trash hauling, landscape cleaning, and downed tree removal. Very responsible, on time and thorough. I recommend him highly. He'll do a good job for you.
Mark's Handyman Hauling
Request a quote
Reviewed in June 2021
I appreciate that they had all the cleaning supplies and equipment to do the job
Germinator USA
Request a quote
Reviewed in September 2020
The installer we very professional and courteous. Cleaned up after completing each window and door. Very helpful in showing us how to operate the windows and doors.
Dreamstyle Remodeling of New Mexico
Request a quote
Reviewed in July 2017
It went well We love the water treatment system We have very hard water and this is awesome. We have 2 Water Heaters and had it installed on both. The service was great . He has came back to check it and he calls often
R & L Ent of GMX Magnetic Hardwater Treatment
Request a quote
Reviewed in March 2017
We recently had a gas fireplace installed. We purchase it from Dreamstyle Remodeling in Albuquerque, NM. The installation was not an easy task but the team sent out managed the order nicely. Jared, Clint, and Paul did an excellent job setting up their work area, installing the fireplace, and...
Dreamstyle Remodeling
Request a quote
Reviewed in May 2015
Bryan the owner, went over every thing he was doing, During the installation. Very professional. very Happy with this company. Would hire them again.
Universal Air, LLC
Request a quote

Find Retaining wall installation pros in San Rafael

Daniel’s Tree Service Landscaping

4.6(

)

Retaining Wall - Install

Serving San Rafael, NM and surrounding areas

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"EXCELLENT!! The showed up on time each day. Very Very hard workers!! Did exactly what I asked them to do Did not leave a mess I will recommend this company to anyone!! They are the best!! I give the MORE than 5 ⭐️ !!!’"

Response time1 day

Response rate98%

Recommended by88%of homeowners

Retaining Wall - Install

Serving San Rafael, NM and surrounding areas

In business since 1995

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Jerome Zambrano can handle all of your home improvement needs at very reasonable rates! Give me a call for a free quote! I have been a licensed contractor for several years here in the Albuquerque metro area. No job is too big or too small! I guarantee all of my work and I am bonded and insured!\n\nWe specialize in Windows, Concrete and Stucco!

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Request Quote

lopez superior

New to Angi

Retaining Wall - Install

Serving San Rafael, NM and surrounding areas

we provide excellent customer satisfaction with out standing results let Lopez superior handle your next project or task

Request Quote

Abq-masonry - Hlavn strnka Facebook

New to Angi

Retaining Wall - Install

Serving San Rafael, NM and surrounding areas

In business since 2015

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

over 6 years of professionals in variety masnry and conrete projects. Guarentee our work planning can varity work as well upon request. spanish and english customers. https://www.facebook.com/ABQMASONRY/

Request Quote

Reyes Concrete Services

New to Angi

Retaining Wall - Install

Serving San Rafael, NM and surrounding areas

In business since 2012

Free estimates

Warranties offered

We at Reyes Concrete Services live and breathe concrete. We love helping homeowners realize their dreams and vision for their property. We have also worked with companies of all sizes for the past 20 years. We are committed to our customers and excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers' interests, and make their concerns the basis of our business.

Request Quote

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.

Yes, you can use cinder blocks for many purposes, including retaining walls, foundations, garage walls, and fences. Building a cinder block retaining wall costs between $60 and $200 per linear foot, including materials and professional labor. For a 30-foot-long retaining wall, the cost ranges from $1,800 to $6,000.

A retaining wall can only function as a fence if it’s high enough on all sides to prevent someone from accidentally falling into the pool. However, most retaining walls retain dirt, which means their purpose is not related to safety. There would need to be nothing on the other side of the wall for it to be considered a fence, but in that case, it wouldn’t retain anything and would cease to be a retaining wall.

If you don’t backfill a retaining wall—either at all or adequately enough—the wall won’t drain well, and water will be able to pass through it. Poor drainage will lead to a warped wall or a buildup of hydrostatic pressure, which can eventually collapse your retaining wall. If you have particularly sloped land, consult a structural engineer to ensure your hardscaping is adding value to your home.

The San Rafael, 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

Haley Nothstein
•
May 30, 2026May 30, 2026
How Much Does a Retaining Wall Cost to Build? [2026 Data]
Kick erosion to the curb with an eye-catching retaining wall. Retaining wall costs vary based on the material, but this guide will help you budget.
Kyle Schurman
•
Jul 9, 2026Jul 9, 2026
How Much Do Retaining Wall Repairs Cost? [2026 Data]
Retaining wall repair cost can vary widely based on the age and condition of the wall being restored. Learn why finding the right pro is important for getting the job done.
Angi
•
May 30, 2026May 30, 2026
How Much Does a Concrete Retaining Wall Cost? [2026 Data]
Find out how much a concrete retaining wall costs. Get average prices, cost factors, and expert tips to budget and save on your installation.
Christopher Murray
•
Jul 9, 2026Jul 9, 2026
Who to Hire to Build a Retaining Wall: A Complete Guide
While it’s possible to DIY build a retaining wall, several pros have advanced knowledge of hardscaping and building. Learn who to hire to build a retaining wall.
Ginny Bartolone
•
Jul 9, 2026Jul 9, 2026
20 Retaining Wall Ideas for Your Yard
There is no one-size-fits-all retaining wall for your yard. In fact, the options are endless. Check out 20 retaining wall ideas to upgrade your hardscape.
Dan Simms
•
May 3, 2026May 3, 2026
6 Retaining Wall Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Professional
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.