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Small retaining walls still require a foundation of some kind, typically a concrete footing. This helps to ensure the wall is structurally sound and prevents the ground from shifting over time, especially during those winter freeze/thaw cycles. The footing helps spread the weight of the wall and the load it carries over a larger area of the ground, thus assisting with stability. This is true of small retaining walls, larger rock garden walls, and the like. 

The lifespan of a retaining wall varies based on its material, installation quality, maintenance, and local climate, with an average range of 20 to 100 years. Retaining walls made from durable materials like concrete, stone, and brick generally last a minimum of 50 years. Concrete walls typically last between 50 and 100 years, while brick can last for over a century in ideal conditions. Timber retaining walls can last from 20 to 40 years, depending on the wood quality, and pressure-treated wood walls average around 30 years. It is important to note that a retaining wall can fail prematurely if it was poorly constructed, for example, with inefficient footings or without necessary rebar reinforcements.

Generally speaking, a retaining wall should be between 3 and 4 feet high, depending on variables such as the wall-building material, the purpose of the retaining wall, and more. If you want your retaining wall to be taller than 4 feet, check with your local building ordinance office for the maximum allotment. You may also need a special permit for retaining walls over 4 feet tall.

Rebar is a steel support that goes inside concrete to prevent structural damage over time. Concrete is susceptible to impact, weight, and tension. By inserting rebar into the concrete during the installation, you can help extend its lifespan and avoid hazardous situations where the foundation of your home gives way to tensile forces.