Get matched with top retaining wall installation pros in La Grulla, TX

Vinyl retaining walls are often the least expensive type of retaining wall, at $10 to $15 per square foot. This budget-friendly material is lightweight and durable, but it doesn’t have many decorative options. Untreated timber and railroad ties are the next step up, and start at $15 to $25 per square foot, respectively. High-end steel or natural stone tend to be the least wallet-friendly, but they’re extremely durable and come with a high-end look.

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.  

There are contractors specifically trained in the design and construction of retaining walls. Retaining wall contractors are skilled at dealing with the soil on your property and assessing what kind of drainage should be installed. They will recommend the best materials to use for the project and can handle the processing of permits by local authorities.

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.