What to Know Before Installing a Retaining Wall
- Ryan Taneja
- Dec 26, 2025
- 2 min read
Retaining walls don’t just add structure to your property — they add functionality, safety, and style. Whether you’re preventing erosion, leveling off a steep yard, or creating garden beds, it’s important to understand what goes into a strong, long-lasting wall before the first block is ever placed.
Here’s what you should know before starting a retaining wall project in Arkansas:
1. Know the Purpose of the Wall
Are you holding back soil on a slope? Directing water? Adding a design feature? Understanding the functional goal helps us determine the right material (concrete, block, stone, timber) and structure for your needs.
2. Choose the Right Materials
Some common options:
Segmental retaining wall block (durable, cost-effective, and engineered for structure)
Natural stone (aesthetically elevated, ideal for landscaping)
Poured concrete (strong and modern)
Timber (for light-duty or decorative features)
At Pennington, we help you choose the right match for your soil, slope, and style.
3. Drainage is Not Optional
Improper drainage behind a retaining wall is one of the biggest causes of failure. That’s why we always integrate:
Gravel backfill
Drainage pipes or weep holes
Proper slope grading
If the wall can’t “breathe,” water pressure can break it.
4. Height Matters — So Do Permits
In many cases, retaining walls over 4 feet require a permit and possibly engineering plans. If you're unsure, we’ll help you check with your city or county before work begins. No surprises.
5. Work With Pros Who Know the Lay of the Land
Arkansas terrain can vary — clay soils, slopes, heavy rains — which makes choosing a local team that understands site prep, drainage, and soil compaction critical. That’s where we come in.
Ready to Build It Right?
If you’re considering a retaining wall this year, let’s talk. At Pennington Construction & Land Solutions, we don’t just build walls — we build solutions that last.
📞 501‑BE‑BUILT (501)-232-8458
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