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: When does a slope need a retaining wall?

• <div><p>To maintain the integrity of your landscape, a retaining wall must be installed if the slope of the angle exceeds 35 degrees. The lean of the wall must be 1 inch per 12 inches in height to disperse the weight of the soil uniformly and guarantee the correct drainage of the soil.</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: 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: What is the cheapest way to build a retaining wall?

• <div><p>Poured concrete is likely the cheapest way to build a retaining wall, as this material costs anywhere from $6 to $8 per square foot. The next best budget-friendly option is to use landscaping timbers. These timbers are great for DIY projects, as they don&rsquo;t require tools to successfully build a retaining wall. Landscape timber costs around $10 to $14 per square foot. Depending on your <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/garden-styles-your-backyard.htm">chosen garden style</a>, you can also go with natural stones or concrete blocks. Natural stones can be expensive if you buy them, but they&rsquo;re a lot less costly if you can source them from your property. </p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Retaining Wall Installation pros in Bangor, NY

*The Angi rating for Retaining Wall Installation companies in Bangor, NY 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 October 08, 2025

Reviewed in October 2018
He Took a 50% deposit and has not shown up to do the Work. He does not return phone calls and the address listed in the phone book does not exist.
Seiler Masonry & Excavation
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Reviewed in September 2020
Great workmanship in the retaining wall Mike and Steve built for me. Very professional and took extra care to not rip up the lawn nearby the work area. Also was proactive to spread the extra crushed stone material in the driveway which needed some attention. Will definitely hire again as my list...
Berthel Construction LLC
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Reviewed in October 2008
Service was very good. Workers were very skilled in taking the old wall out as it was in a difficult place for the machinery to get to. Owner was on the job everyday and workers were pleasant and professional. New looks great!
LAKE CONSTRUCTION
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Reviewed in September 2012
Overall the experience was terrible. I met with them at my place in late April of 2011, and we discussed the job (at that time 1 retaining wall and the bracing and shoring along the foundation). At first they were very professional and I received an estimate for the work within a week. The the...
PHOENIX ENTERPRISES
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Reviewed in September 2014
Matt came out a couple of times before we decided to go with his company to do measurements and discuss what the process would involve. We found him very friendly, professional and seemed to really be concerned about what we wanted as a finished product. We were provided a quote that was...
Matt's Landscaping & Stone
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Reviewed in October 2020
The first time we have paid for a professional home project and been completely satisfied! You can tell Dave does things the right way, doesn't cut corners and has a passion for what his company is producing. There was communication throughout the entire contract and very responsible clean up...
The Lawn Care Co.
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Reviewed in September 2011
Overall, it went great! They did a magnificent job! Everyone compliments us on it. They were quick and effecient. They came back and double checked on everything following the job.
Bubba's Landscape
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Reviewed in March 2013
I do have somebody that does my stonework. Dupuis Landscape Supply Co. Last year he did the work for me. He charged me $2000.00 but it was a long wall, about twenty feet and it was high about four feet high. He was very good. I had problem because where the wall is it's next to my garage...
Dupuis Landscape Supply Co
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Reviewed in December 2015
Great! I never used Q's before this, but I had met Alex through a mutual friend. When I called him, Alex took the time to talk over different options for my landscape and drainage issues, then made it happen. The new drainage works great, the yard has a much better slope to it, and the grass...
Q's Lawn & Landscape
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Reviewed in April 2009
He is very personable. He gives you a quote and stands behind the quote. If have any issue at all he stands behind you and corrects.He has been working for us for over 3 years.
JOSH Landscape Co.
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AB Landscaping

AB Landscaping

Austin's Home Improvement

Austin's Home Improvement

Almost Perfect Excavating

Almost Perfect Excavating

SGCPRODUCT Synthetic Grass & Composite

SGCPRODUCT Synthetic Grass & Composite

Tyrell Professional Services

Tyrell Professional Services

I&B Construction

I&B Construction

North Country landscaping and snow removal

North Country landscaping and snow removal

Courson Excavation and Property Management, LLC

Courson Excavation and Property Management, LLC

Emerald Lawn Service Plus

Emerald Lawn Service Plus

Landmark Tree and Landscaping Service

Landmark Tree and Landscaping Service

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