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: 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>

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: What is the difference between a foundation wall and a retaining wall?

• <div><p>With foundation walls, the slab on grade and force at the top of the wall is resisted by flooring. With retaining walls, the force at the top of the wall is not resisted.</p></div>

Q: Does a small retaining wall need a foundation?

• <div><p>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, <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/rock-garden-ideas.htm">larger rock garden</a> walls, and the like. </p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Retaining Wall Installation pros in Cable, WI

*The Angi rating for Retaining Wall Installation companies in Cable, WI 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 Cable, WI 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 January 30, 2024

Reviewed in January 2024
Great job keeping our driveway plowed all winter.
Andy's Off-Grid
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Reviewed in February 2023
PACE Residential completed a spray foam insulation (with additional blown in fiberglass) job for my house. The job was complicated because of a previous remodel that retained the old roof while constructing a new roof above the old roof. Evan was able to diagnose easily what needed to be done to...
PACE Residential
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Reviewed in August 2022
Very good. We needed a few filters which added to the price, but were necessary and new capacitor on the older unit. Better a capacitor cost than a compressor cost, so glad they caught it.
Pronto Heating & Air Conditioning
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Reviewed in August 2022
Ryan and his crew went above and beyond at a very fair price. He returned all calls promptly and answered all of my questions. He and his crew were professional and courteous. They cleaned up all of the debris. Couldnâ t be happier with this service. If I ever need more tree work done, I...
Oak Ridge Tree Solutions
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Reviewed in January 2021
The sales person quoted the price, and it was FAR too expensive for my budget. Unfortunately, he would not leave! He offered me financing -- for 10 years?! I only wanted to get a dishwasher installed, not remodel my whole kitchen. I felt like I needed to call the sheriff. I will not be consider...
Hip and Ridge Construction
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Reviewed in May 2020
Ed did an excellent job in painting the great room and kitchen in our 20 foot high A frame.
Karl Home Services
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Reviewed in April 2020
Cory was a huge help at a time of family loss. He happened to be working down the block and we needed to fix a hole in a wall and replace a toilet. We are from out of town and were there to prepare this residence to sell. We explained our situation to him and he immediately came down to see what...
Titanium Plumbing & Remodeling, Inc.
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Reviewed in April 2020
I was more than pleased with the services. Chris and Alisa were great to work with and the crew did a fantastic job.
Five Star Painting of Waukesha
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Reviewed in December 2017
A bit high pressure. Didn;t want to give me time to think. Wanted to close the deal today. They were ready to install tomorrow.
Temperature Control Plumbing, LLC
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Reviewed in October 2016
The installers were very efficient and they did a good job cleaning up. When we had it installed, though, they said that somebody would come back in one year to take a look at it, and they didn't come. We had to call them to have them come back, which they eventually did
Your Home Improvement Company
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Find Retaining wall installation pros in Cable

Andy's Off-Grid

5.0(

)

Retaining Wall - Install

Serving Cable, WI and surrounding areas

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Great job keeping our driveway plowed all winter."

This homeowner wanted a farmhouse style renovation and also wanted a wall taken down in the kitchen to accommodate for a long peninsula.

New paint, flooring, trim, and painted doors.

This formally pink kids bedroom got revamped with new flooring, custom trim, ceiling fan, and paint.

+18

Recommended by75%of homeowners

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Ryan Foley Masonry & Construction LLC

5.0(

)

Retaining Wall - Install

Serving Cable, WI and surrounding areas

In business since 2025

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"My building foundation and floor are beautiful. Ryan did a great job. He was very efficient, knowledgeable and easy to work with."

+73

Response time9 hrs

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downs landscaping

New to Angi

Retaining Wall - Install

Serving Cable, WI and surrounding areas

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Credit card accepted

We are a small family owned landscape company who specializes in pavers, flagstone, retaining walls, shoreline restoration's, creating lake access and many other services. With years of experience in all things outdoors, leave your projects in the hands of a trusted experienced landscape company!

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DEI Trucking & Construction

0.0(

)

Retaining Wall - Install

Serving Cable, WI and surrounding areas

In business since 1999

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

With 22 years of experience, you can trust DEI Trucking & Construction for all of your remodeling and home improvement projects. Call us! We welcome questions, and look forward to hearing from you.

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Retaining Wall Installers questions, answered by experts

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.

Even if you think you know how to build a retaining wall 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.

With foundation walls, the slab on grade and force at the top of the wall is resisted by flooring. With retaining walls, the force at the top of the wall is not resisted.

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.

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 Cable, WI 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

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Aug 3, 2026Aug 3, 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.
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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.
Kyle Schurman
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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.
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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
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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.
Angi
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Aug 19, 2026Aug 19, 2026
Wood Retaining Wall Installation: Everything You Need to Know
Stop soil erosion with a wood retaining wall installation. Learn about timber costs, warning signs, and how to hire a local retaining wall builder.

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Retaining Wall Installation

Brick, Stone or Block Wall Repair

Brick, Stone or Block Wall Installation

Verified Reviews for Retaining Wall Installation pros in Cable, WI

Find Retaining wall installation pros in Cable

The Cable, WI homeowners’ guide to retaining wall installation services

How Much Does a Retaining Wall Cost to Build? [2026 Data]

How Much Does a Concrete Retaining Wall Cost? [2026 Data]

How Much Do Retaining Wall Repairs Cost? [2026 Data]

Who to Hire to Build a Retaining Wall: A Complete Guide

20 Retaining Wall Ideas for Your Yard

Wood Retaining Wall Installation: Everything You Need to Know

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Get matched with top retaining wall installation pros in Cable, WI

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 5 pros

Need a pro for your retaining wall installation project in Cable, WI?

Retaining Wall Installation

Brick, Stone or Block Wall Repair

Brick, Stone or Block Wall Installation

Verified Reviews for Retaining Wall Installation pros in Cable, WI

Find Retaining wall installation pros in Cable

The Cable, WI homeowners’ guide to retaining wall installation services

How Much Does a Retaining Wall Cost to Build? [2026 Data]

How Much Does a Concrete Retaining Wall Cost? [2026 Data]

How Much Do Retaining Wall Repairs Cost? [2026 Data]

Who to Hire to Build a Retaining Wall: A Complete Guide

20 Retaining Wall Ideas for Your Yard

Wood Retaining Wall Installation: Everything You Need to Know

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