Does anyone have experience with contractors who build retaining walls? I probably need two for my future landscaping. Ive talked to a few landscape companies who say they can do it but it seems like no one really specializes in them. And when they do mention retaining walls I can see the dollar signs adding up.

I don't think I need any piles or things like that driven in the ground. im not in a flood plain. I was thinking railroad ties or something like that as a solid foundation.

Ive dealt with some contractors lately who bite off more than they can chew and while the price was good the end result normally means I have to do it myself.

I would have engineered drawings from a civil firm more than likely but when I go to the Acadiana home builders website it leaves a little bit to be desired for contacts.

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Posted by 310Laville

Member since Mar 2021

4 posts

Posted on 1/4/23 at 9:04 pm to bayoutiger225

I built a 6' tall retaining wall in Baton Rouge. after interviewing a couple of contractors, I decided to do it myself. I wasn't convinced any of them really knew what they were doing and I knew they didn't have any real experience since BR is so flat.

I went with a keystone retaining wall block and followed or exceeded the design and build specs provided. 600 - 90lb blocks was no joke. The first course was the hardest. After that it wasn't too bad. It's all about the geogrid, drainage behind the wall, and compacting in small rises. Moved over 200 yards of material (river silt, brown clay, 3/4' limestone). Fun project that took me around two months to complete and another year to finish everything else - subsurface drainage, landscape, landscape lighting, sod, hardscape, etc.

I would advise against railroad ties. If you are going less than 2'-3' then it would be pretty simple. I have the Keystone PDF somewhere that I used as my instruction book.

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Posted by jennyjones