Garden Wall vs Retaining Wall: What’s the Difference?
As someone who has spent years designing and building gardens and retaining walls, I’ve often seen homeowners mix the two. While they may seem like similar structures at first glance, each serves a distinct purpose. Using the wrong wall type could lead to structural problems, unnecessary costs, and even safety hazards.
That’s why it’s important to understand these differences before starting any landscaping project.
A well-planned wall enhances the look of your yard and serves practical purposes like improving safety, drainage, or usable space. This guide will explain the differences between garden walls and retaining walls, helping you make the right choice for your outdoor space.
What is a Garden Wall?
A garden wall is a decorative structure designed to define outdoor spaces, separate areas, or add visual appeal. Think of it as the “finishing touch” in your garden. These walls don’t hold back soil or stabilize slopes—they’re purely aesthetic and functional in simpler ways. I’ve used garden walls in many landscaping projects to frame flower beds, create peaceful garden corners, or add charm along walkways.
Common Materials for Garden Walls
Garden walls are typically built with brick, stone, concrete blocks, or timber. Bricks provide a neat and polished appearance, while stones offer a natural, rustic feel. Timber gives a softer, more organic look and works well in casual or modern gardens. Many clients like experimenting with materials—I’ve built walls with reclaimed bricks or decorative stones to give their gardens a unique character.
Height and Structure
Garden walls are usually low—around 1 to 3 feet high—because they serve as decorative elements rather than structural supports. They often have a simple structure without complex foundations or reinforcement. Homeowners sometimes take on garden wall projects themselves since the construction is relatively straightforward.
Primary Uses
- Framing flower beds: Garden walls help contain soil and add structure to flower beds.
- Dividing outdoor spaces: They create subtle boundaries between lawns, patios, and paths.
- Adding charm: A small garden wall can become the focal point of your outdoor area, drawing the eye toward a well-designed landscape feature.
Pros
- Affordable: Garden walls are cheaper to build than retaining walls.
- DIY-friendly: Homeowners can often build them without professional help.
- Aesthetic value: They enhance the look of gardens by adding charm and structure.
Cons
- Limited function: Garden walls aren’t designed to hold back soil.
- No structural support: They won’t prevent erosion or manage water runoff.
Garden Wall Maintenance
- Cleaning: To keep your garden wall looking fresh, regularly remove dirt, moss, or stains with a hose or pressure washer on a low setting. Mild soap and water can help with stubborn stains, especially on brick or stone walls.
- Repairs: Over time, some stones or bricks may loosen due to weather exposure or minor impacts. It’s a good idea to inspect the wall every few months and re-secure any loose elements with mortar or adhesive before they worsen.
- Weather Protection: If your wall is made from timber, consider applying a sealant to prevent rot and weather damage. This small step can significantly extend the lifespan of your garden wall.
Garden Wall Costs
Garden walls are generally more affordable due to their simpler construction and lack of engineering requirements. The cost will vary based on the materials you choose—brick, stone, or timber—as well as the size and design of the wall. A small DIY garden wall can be built with minimal expense, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious homeowners.
Approximate Cost:
- Materials: $30–$70 per square meter
- Installation: DIY options are common, but hiring a professional might cost $100–$300, depending on size and complexity.
What is a Retaining Wall?
A retaining wall serves a very different purpose. It stabilizes soil and prevents erosion, especially on properties with sloped or uneven terrain. I’ve worked on many projects where the landscape was unusable due to steep gradients, and a retaining wall transformed the space by creating flat, functional areas. Retaining walls is critical for homeowners dealing with sloping yards, heavy rainfall, or soil erosion issues.
Common Materials for Retaining Walls
Because retaining walls need to bear significant pressure, they require strong, durable materials. Concrete, stone, interlocking blocks, and treated timber are all popular choices. I often recommend interlocking blocks for DIYers—they’re easy to assemble and provide excellent stability. For larger or more complex walls, concrete or stone offers the strength required to withstand heavy loads.
Height and Structure
Retaining walls are typically taller than garden walls, often exceeding 4 feet. Building these walls requires careful planning, solid foundations, and proper drainage systems to prevent water buildup behind them. I’ve seen too many walls fail because water wasn’t properly managed—without drainage, the wall can crack, shift, or collapse.
Primary Uses
- Preventing erosion: Retaining walls hold back soil on sloped properties.
- Creating usable space: They transform uneven terrain into flat areas for gardens, patios, or play spaces.
- Managing drainage: Proper drainage behind retaining walls prevents water from pooling and causing damage.Key Differences Between Garden Walls and Retaining Walls
Purpose
- Garden Wall: Built primarily for decorative or boundary-setting purposes.
- Retaining Wall: Provides structural support by holding back soil and preventing erosion.
Design and Construction
- Garden Wall: Simple construction that prioritizes appearance over function.
- Retaining Wall: Requires engineering expertise to ensure stability under pressure.
Materials Used
Both types of walls can be made of brick, stone, or timber, but retaining walls require sturdier materials, such as reinforced concrete, to handle soil loads.
Permits
- Garden Wall: Rarely needs permits unless it exceeds local height limits.
- Retaining Wall: Often requires permits and inspections due to safety concerns.
Pros and Cons of Retaining Walls
Pros
- Essential for slopes: Retaining walls stabilize soil on uneven properties.
- Creates usable space: They convert sloped areas into flat, functional zones.
- Improves drainage: Helps prevent flooding by directing water flow.
Cons
- Expensive: Requires more materials and labour, increasing the cost.
- Needs expertise: Often requires professional installation and permits.
Retaining Wall Maintenance
- Annual Inspections: Inspect your retaining wall at least once a year to spot any cracks, shifting, or bulging. Early detection of small issues can prevent costly repairs in the future. For taller walls, let’s schedule a professional inspection.
- Drainage Maintenance: A well-built retaining wall has drainage systems like weep holes or gravel backfills. Check these systems regularly to ensure they remain unobstructed and water isn’t accumulating behind the wall, which could compromise its stability.
- Weed and Plant Growth: Plants and weeds should not grow between the stones or blocks, as their roots can weaken the structure. Applying weed control fabric during installation can help with long-term maintenance.
Retaining Wall Costs
Retaining walls are more expensive because they require durable materials and careful engineering to support soil and water pressure. Factors like height, slope angle, and drainage systems can increase costs. Hiring a professional is often necessary, especially for walls exceeding 4 feet, to ensure proper installation and long-term stability.
Approximate Cost:
- Materials: $50–$150 per square meter for concrete, stone, or interlocking blocks
- Installation: Professional labour can range from $200–$500 per meter, with additional fees for permits and drainage systems if needed.
DIY vs. Professional Installation
Garden Wall: DIY-Friendly Project
Garden walls are often simple enough to be tackled as a DIY project, particularly if you use easy-to-handle materials like stone, bricks, or timber. Basic tools such as a level, mortar, and a trowel are typically all you need. I’ve seen homeowners successfully build their garden walls in a weekend, adding charm to their yards without needing professional help.
When to Hire a Pro: If your wall involves complex patterns or heavy materials or if it needs to complement a larger landscaping project, hiring a professional can ensure it looks polished and lasts longer.
Retaining Wall: Professional Help Recommended
Retaining walls—especially those over 3 to 4 feet tall—is not just about stacking materials. They need to be carefully engineered to withstand soil pressure and include drainage solutions to prevent water buildup. Mistakes during installation can lead to dangerous failures, so hiring a professional is strongly recommended.
When DIY Might Work: If the wall is small (under 2 feet) and the terrain is relatively flat, you might be able to manage it yourself using interlocking blocks. However, always ensure you understand the basic principles of stability and drainage.
When Should You Choose a Garden Wall?
Decorative Purposes
If you want to add charm and aesthetic appeal to your outdoor space, a garden wall is the perfect choice. It’s ideal for framing flower beds, It’srounding Surrounding herb gardens, or creating an attractive backdrop for plants and sculptures. I’ve often used garden walls to give a polished look to patios and pathways, creating a sense of structure without overpowering the natural elements.
Garden walls also allow you to showcase creativity through materials, patterns, or colours. Reclaimed bricks, decorative stones, or sleek concrete blocks can help you achieve a unique design that aligns with the look of your home.
Dividing Outdoor Spaces
Garden walls are excellent for subtly separating areas within your yard. They define boundaries between lawns, patios, or seating areas, creating clear sections while maintaining an open feel. For instance, in one project, I built a low wall around a fire pit area to subtly mark it off from the lawn, giving it a cosy, contained feel.
These walls work well along walkways, too—acting as a visual guide or border to lead people through the garden. You can also use them to edge driveways or paths, adding both function and visual interest.
Minimal Effort with Maximum Impact
Building a garden wall is often a low-maintenance way to enhance your landscape. Since these walls don’t have to bear heavy loads, they aren’t relatively easy to design and install. I’ve seen many homeowners build theI’vewn garden walls using simple materials like bricks or timber, adding charm to their outdoor areas without hiring professionals.
Unlike retaining walls, garden walls require minimal upkeep beyond occasional cleaning or small repairs. This makes them a convenient option for homeowners looking for simple ways to beautify their gardens.
When Erosion or Structural Support Isn’t a Concern
A garden wall is a choice if your property is flat and doesn’t require soil stabilization. If there are no drainage issues or slopes on your land, you can safely opt for a garden wall without worrying about structural risks. In one of my projects, the client’s yard was flat, and they wanted to create a decorative edge around flower beds. A garden wall did the job perfectly—there was no need for the engineering involved with a retaining wall.
When Should You Choose a Retaining Wall?
Stabilizing Slopes and Preventing Erosion
A retaining wall is essential if your property sits on sloped terrain that needs stabilization. Without proper support, gravity will slowly cause soil to shift downhill, leading to erosion. I’ve seen several cases where a welI’veaced retaining wall prevented yards from washing away during heavy rains. Retaining walls hold back the soil, ensuring your landscape stays intact over the years.
If your slope is particularly steep or the soil is loose, choosing the right material and design becomes crucial. In one project, we used interlocking concrete blocks to secure a backyard prone to erosion, successfully protecting the landscape while also improving its appearance.
Creating Terraced Garden Beds or Usable Spaces
Retaining walls are the perfect solution if you want to turn a sloped area into a flat, functional space. By building a series of terraced walls, you can create multiple levels ideal for garden beds, seating areas, or play zones. This technique not only stabilizes the slope but also makes the space more usable.
I’ve worked on several projects where property owners wanted to transform steep hills into terraced vegetable gardens. Retaining walls allowed them to make the most of the slope, creating separate planting levels that were easy to access and maintain. These walls also added visual interest, making the garden more dynamic.
Managing Water Runoff and Drainage Issues
If your property experiences water runoff after heavy rain, a retaining wall can help control it. Properly built retaining walls include drainage systems to direct water away from your home and other vulnerable areas. Without drainage, excess water could collect behind the wall, causing structural failure or flooding in your yard.
In one project, we installed a retaining wall with a French drain system to address water runoff on a sloping property. Not only did it prevent erosion, but it also protected the homeowner’s patio from flooding durhomeowner’s Managing water flow this way can save you from costly repairs in the future.
When Structural Support is Necessary
Retaining walls aren’t just decorative—they serve a crucial structural purpose. If your landscape has steep slopes or uneven ground, these walls provide the support needed to hold everything in place. Building a retaining wall is especially important for properties with significant elevation changes where loose soil might slide.
Professional engineering is often required for larger retaining walls, especially if they exceed 4 feet. I’ve worked on projects we included steel reinforcements and geogrid layers to ensure long-term stability. Choosing a retaining wall gives you peace of mind, knowing the structure will stand the test of time.
| Feature | Garden Wall | Retaining Wall |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Decorative or boundary marker | Holds back soil, prevents erosion |
| Height | Typically under 1 meter | Can be much taller, depending on the slope |
| Materials | Brick, stone veneer, timber | Concrete blocks, reinforced stone, timber |
| Drainage | Not required | Requires drainage system to prevent water buildup |
| Cost | Lower, often DIY-friendly | Higher due to labor, materials, and permits |
| Foundation | Simple base or mortar | Requires solid, reinforced foundation |
| Permits | Usually not needed | May require permits if over 1 meter tall |
| Best Use | Adding visual appeal or structure to gardens | Stabilizing slopes and controlling soil movement |
| Lifespan | 10 to 20 years | 30 to 50 years or more with proper maintenance |
| Installation | Can be DIY if you have basic skills | Often requires professional installation |
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but retaining wall blocks are heavier and more expensive than needed for a garden wall. If aesthetics and budget aren’t concerns, they’ll work fine.
Yes, they can increase property value by improving usability and preventing erosion, especially on sloped lots.
A small retaining wall can be completed in a weekend, but larger or engineered walls, depending on their size and complexity, may take several days to weeks.
Garden walls can last 50+ years with proper care, and retaining walls may last 50–100 years if built with quality materials and maintained well.
Conclusion
When deciding between a garden wall and a retaining wall, it’s essential to consider your property’s needs. If your goal is to improve your property’s or garden’s appearance or create green gardens, a garden wall will do the trick. However, if you’re dealing with slopes, erosion, or drainage issues, a retaining wall is the way to go. Understanding these differences ensures you invest in the right solution for your landscape. Consulting with a professional can also help ensure your wall is both beautiful and functional.
