Retaining Walls: Function Meets Form

Retaining walls are one of the most practical and visually striking elements you can add to an outdoor space. They serve both structural and aesthetic purposes, helping to manage sloped landscapes, prevent soil erosion, and create defined garden areas. Whether you need a sturdy boundary for a terraced garden or a decorative feature that enhances your outdoor space, the right retaining wall can seamlessly blend function with form.

In this guide, we’ll explore what retaining walls are, their benefits, and the best materials to use for a stylish and long-lasting structure.

What is a Retaining Wall?

A retaining wall is a solid structure designed to hold back soil and create level areas on sloped land. Unlike standard garden walls, which primarily serve as boundaries, retaining walls must be built to withstand pressure from the earth behind them.

Retaining walls are commonly used for:

• Preventing Soil Erosion: If you have a garden on a slope, a retaining wall helps keep soil in place, preventing runoff during heavy rain.
• Creating More Usable Space: By terracing sloped areas, retaining walls allow for flat, functional spaces ideal for seating areas, patios, or planting beds.
• Defining Garden Zones: They add structure and depth, breaking up a garden into distinct sections that enhance its visual appeal.
• Enhancing Aesthetics: Retaining walls don’t just have to be functional—they can be a stunning design feature in their own right.

Materials for Retaining Walls

Choosing the right material for your retaining wall is key to ensuring durability and achieving the look you want. Here are some of the best options:

Purbeck Stone Walling

A timeless and natural choice, Purbeck stone offers a range of styles to suit different projects:

• Random Purbeck Walling: An organic, traditional look with varying stone sizes, perfect for rustic gardens.
• Split-Faced Purbeck Walling: A more structured appearance, offering a neat yet natural finish.
• Purbeck Gabion Stone: Used in metal cages to create a modern, industrial-style retaining wall that is both functional and striking.

Purbeck stone is not only durable but also weathers beautifully, blending into its surroundings over time.

Brick and Setts

For a more structured, classic retaining wall, bricks and setts are excellent choices.

• Bricks: Available in a range of colours and finishes, bricks provide a neat and traditional look.
• Stone Setts: Small, cut stones (such as limestone or granite setts) can be stacked to create a strong and attractive wall.

Brick and stone setts work particularly well in formal gardens or spaces where symmetry is key.

Sleepers

Timber sleepers provide a natural and cost-effective way to build a retaining wall.

• New Oak Sleepers: These have a fresh, clean-cut appearance and age beautifully over time.
• Reclaimed Sleepers: Ideal for a rustic aesthetic, they add character and blend seamlessly into a garden’s natural elements.

Sleepers are particularly popular for raised beds and informal garden spaces, offering a softer alternative to stone.

Boulders and Dry Stone Walling

For a more organic and rugged look, natural boulders or dry stone walls can be used.

• Purbeck Boulders: Large, irregular stones create a naturalistic retaining wall that looks like it’s always been part of the landscape.
• Dry Stone Walling: Built without mortar, dry stone walls rely on expert stacking for stability, offering a traditional and environmentally friendly option.

These materials are perfect for countryside gardens or areas where you want a seamless transition between landscaping and the natural environment.

Design Ideas for Retaining Walls

Beyond their functional purpose, retaining walls can be a key design element in your garden. Here are some creative ways to use them:

• Tiered Gardens: Create multiple levels with stepped retaining walls, making space for flower beds, pathways, or seating areas.
• Built-in Seating: A retaining wall can double as a sturdy bench, particularly when made with smooth coping stones.
• Water Features: Incorporate a small waterfall or pond into your retaining wall for a calming focal point.
• Contrasting Materials: Combine stone with timber or metal for a contemporary look that stands out.

Retaining walls don’t just provide structure—they can transform the overall design of your outdoor space.

Maintaining a Retaining Wall

To ensure your retaining wall stands the test of time, proper maintenance is essential:

• Check for Drainage: Retaining walls need good drainage to prevent water buildup, which can cause damage over time. Installing weep holes or using permeable materials helps manage water flow.
• Inspect for Movement: Occasionally check that the wall isn’t shifting, especially after heavy rain or frost.
• Keep it Clean: A gentle wash or brush-down helps remove dirt, moss, and algae, keeping your wall looking fresh.

Choosing high-quality materials and proper construction techniques from the start will minimise maintenance in the long run.

Final Thoughts

Retaining walls are a perfect example of function meeting form. Whether you’re looking to manage sloped terrain, create visual interest, or add character to your garden, the right retaining wall can do it all.

With materials ranging from Purbeck stone and bricks to sleepers and boulders, there’s a style to suit every outdoor space. If you’re considering a retaining wall and need advice on the best materials for your project, feel free to get in touch with us at Miles Stone—we’re always happy to help.