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>

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Q: Can I build a retaining wall myself?

• <div><p>Even if you think you know <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-to-build-a-retaining-wall.htm">how to build a retaining wall</a> theoretically, doing the actual work is a completely different story. There are lots of nuances in building retaining walls, and the slightest oversight can compromise their integrity. Therefore, we recommend you hire a pro to build, repair, or replace retaining walls.</p></div>

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: How long does a retaining wall last?

• <div><p>The lifespan of a retaining wall varies based on its particular material, whether it was properly installed, how well it&rsquo;s maintained, and your local climate. Concrete, stone, and brick retaining walls last the longest, with concrete lasting between 50 and 100 years on average. Brick tends to last the longest, with a minimum of one century, under the right conditions. </p><p>Timber retaining walls can start to deteriorate at 20 years, depending on the wood quality, but in the best case, they can last 40 years. Pressure-treated wood retaining walls last 30 years on average.</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>

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Verified Reviews for Retaining Wall Installation pros in Arkville, NY

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Last update on November 29, 2025

Reviewed in November 2025
Tom and Anderson did an outstanding job installing my windows and answering my questions. I would recommend them to anyone needing to replace/ install new windows.
Renewal by Andersen of Eastern NY
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Reviewed in November 2025
Quality work! Frank came out for three jobs.. Two electrical jobs and one outdoor project. 1) installed new lights in my basement and moved the switches to a more logical location. 2) removed an old lamp post outside and shut off the electrical lines that ran to it. When my wife and I decide...
Dig Dug Electric LLC
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Reviewed in June 2025
Capital Chimneys and Masonry Repairs contacted me the same day i requested a quote, and were able to visit to provide a quote within day or so. They then visited, and completed the chinking on an outside wall, repaired a wall in the basement, and were able to install a gutter to ensure the water...
Capital Chimneys and Masonry Repairs
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Reviewed in April 2024
Fantastic install of home generator and kitchen outlet replacement.
A Squared Electric Inc
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Reviewed in January 2024
They seemed to get everything wrong. There were holes in the out- side wall and boards that didn't reach etc. Boards weren't sanded , one board still had the staple and tag on it from the lumber store. Do not expect much.
Ed & Son Construction
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Reviewed in September 2023
Tony ws punctional, professional, and thoughtful. Provided extra efforts to be sure the final product looked perfect. layout of the flooring was perfect. He insured all the flooring was close to the walls, and covered perfectly by mouldings. He provided hand cut stair nosing as well and all...
Mowrey's Upstate Wood Floors
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Reviewed in July 2023
Antonio and his crew are wonderful to work with. They redid our driveway retaining walls with a beautiful stacked natural fieldstone. Communication of the scope and budget was very clear and there were no surprises. The workmanship is top notch. I highly recommend Bolani Masonry.
Bolani Masonry
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Reviewed in January 2023
Dave replaced our water heater which was connected to our oil fired boiler, with a new electric hot water tank. We had no problems. Very professional installation.
Dave's Plumbing
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Reviewed in October 2020
Ryan came right out to install the electric fence . Gave best price to do it. Was fast and knowledgeable. Good with my dogs . Would highly recommend this local business. Overall great experience.
VentWorx
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Reviewed in September 2015
Contractor was very personable at the start. Knew what I wanted and gave me a price with the promise that it would be perfect and done in 5 days. Walls, ceiling and floor demolished. Moved a pipe to inside a wall and dropped the ceiling to even it up with old tub enclosure. He did replace 3...
Clare Home Improvement LLC
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