A retaining wall should solve a problem—not create a new one
In Saint John and across Northwest Indiana, retaining walls are often installed to manage slope, prevent erosion, create usable yard space, and add structure to landscaping. But the details matter: base prep, drainage, reinforcement, and site grading all determine whether your wall stays straight through freeze/thaw cycles—or starts to lean, crack, or bulge. This guide breaks down what experienced retaining wall builders look for, what homeowners should ask, and how to plan a wall that performs as well as it looks.
What a retaining wall really does (and why failures happen)
A retaining wall isn’t just decorative block stacked in a line—it’s a structure designed to resist the sideways pressure of soil. That pressure increases when the soil is saturated, when the retained area slopes upward, or when there’s extra weight nearby (like a driveway, patio, shed, or fence).
Most retaining wall failures come down to one of these issues:
Drainage not handled correctly (water builds up behind the wall and pushes it outward)
Base not excavated/compacted properly (settlement leads to leaning and cracking)
Wrong wall type for the site (a “garden wall” built where an engineered wall is needed)
No reinforcement where required (geogrid and proper backfill are skipped or undersized)
Permits, height rules, and when engineering may be required
Many municipalities across the U.S. use a common trigger point: retaining walls over 4 feet (often measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall) frequently require a permit and/or engineered plans, and walls of any height may require review if they support a surcharge load (like a slope, driveway, or structure). (bendoregon.gov)
Because requirements vary by town and by site conditions, the safest planning approach in Saint John is:
Measure the true wall height (not just what you see above grade)
Identify surcharge loads (driveways, patios, fences, steep back-slopes)
Confirm permitting with your local building department early, so timelines and budgets stay predictable
A quick comparison: “decorative” walls vs. true retaining walls
| Wall Type | Best For | Key Construction Needs | Risk if Built Wrong |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low garden wall (visual edging) | Edging beds, small elevation changes | Solid base, slight batter, basic drainage | Settling, uneven caps |
| Segmental retaining wall (SRW) | Holding back soil on slopes, leveling yards | Engineered base, drainage stone, outlet, possible geogrid | Bulging, leaning, blowouts after heavy rain |
| Engineered wall system | Tall walls, surcharge loads, complex grades | Stamped design, geogrid schedule, strict drainage + compaction | Structural failure, property damage risk |
Note: Exact requirements depend on wall height measurement method and site conditions; always verify locally.
What quality retaining wall builders do differently (step-by-step)
1) Start with the “why” and the grade plan
The best projects begin by defining the goal: stop erosion, create a level lawn, add planting tiers, support a patio, fix drainage, or all of the above. From there, a builder evaluates slope direction, downspout discharge, and where water should exit the property.
2) Excavate deep enough for a real base (not just to “set block”)
A retaining wall needs an excavated trench that allows for base material thickness and proper embedment of the first course. Skipping this is one of the fastest routes to a wavy wall.
3) Build drainage behind the wall, then give it an exit
Retaining walls in our region must account for heavy rain events and freeze/thaw. Builders typically use free-draining aggregate behind the wall and incorporate a drainage outlet strategy so water doesn’t build pressure.
4) Reinforce when the site calls for it
If the wall is tall, supports extra loads, or sits in challenging soils, reinforcement (often geogrid) may be required based on design. This isn’t optional “upselling”—it’s what keeps the wall stable over time.
5) Finish with caps, details, and adjacent improvements
The cleanest outcomes include thoughtful cap overhangs, step transitions, and grading that sends surface water away from the wall. Many homeowners also pair a new wall with a refreshed patio, lighting, or drainage upgrades for a complete solution.
Related services you may want to coordinate:
Warranties and material quality: what “peace of mind” should look like
Homeowners investing in a retaining wall often care about two things: performance and long-term support. If your wall uses manufactured concrete wall units and pavers, product warranties may apply, and some brands offer additional coverage when installed by vetted contractors.
For example, Unilock offers a Transferable Lifetime Guarantee on the structural integrity of eligible residential paver and wall products (registration required). (unilock.com) In addition, Unilock’s Peace of Mind Guarantee provides a two-year workmanship coverage for qualifying residential installations completed by Unilock Authorized Contractors (with specific limitations). (unilock.com)
If you’re comparing retaining wall builders, ask what warranty you receive on installation workmanship and what warranty is tied to the materials. Both matter.
Learn more about Forest Landscaping’s retaining wall services here: Retaining Walls
Quick “Did you know?” retaining wall facts
Did you know? Many jurisdictions use 4 feet as a common threshold where retaining walls may require permits and/or engineered plans—especially when measured from the bottom of footing to the top of the wall. (bendoregon.gov)
Did you know? A wall can be “under 4 feet visible” but still exceed the threshold once you include buried courses and footing depth—another reason pros measure height correctly before design decisions. (rectech.seattle.gov)
Did you know? Warranties can differ: product warranties often cover the unit itself, while workmanship warranties address how the system was installed and performs. (unilock.com)
Local angle: what Saint John, IN homeowners should prioritize
Saint John neighborhoods often include a mix of newer construction and established lots—meaning you may be dealing with settled grades, clay-heavy soils, or runoff patterns that changed after nearby development. Retaining walls here aren’t just about appearance; they frequently tie into drainage and yard usability.
A few practical planning tips for Northwest Indiana:
Match the wall plan to water movement: if water collects at the base of a slope, address drainage before it undermines the wall.
Think in systems: a retaining wall, steps, lighting, and a patio often share the same excavation and grading work—bundling can be more efficient and cohesive.
Plan for snow/ice season use: ensure steps, landings, and walk routes have safe transitions and lighting for winter visibility.
If your wall is part of a full outdoor renovation, explore: Landscaping services and project gallery.
Ready to plan a retaining wall that’s built correctly from the ground up?
Forest Landscaping designs and builds custom retaining walls and outdoor living features for homeowners throughout the Chicago Southland and Northwest Indiana. If you’re in Saint John and want a solution that balances drainage, structure, and curb appeal, schedule a consultation.
Prefer to start with service details? Visit: Retaining Wall Contractors
FAQ: Retaining walls in Saint John, IN
How do I know if I need an engineered retaining wall?
If the wall is tall, if the grade behind it slopes upward, or if there’s a driveway/patio/structure close to the top of the wall, engineering may be required. Many areas also require permits once a wall exceeds 4 feet (often measured from the bottom of footing to the top). (rectech.seattle.gov)
What’s the biggest “must-have” behind a retaining wall?
Drainage. Water pressure is one of the most common reasons walls fail, so proper drainage stone, collection, and a planned outlet path are critical for long-term stability.
Can a retaining wall also improve my yard’s drainage problems?
Yes—if it’s planned as part of a grading/drainage system. In many properties, the best outcome is combining wall construction with drainage alleviation so water is directed away from low spots and foundation-adjacent areas.
How long should a professionally built retaining wall last?
With correct base preparation, compaction, drainage, and appropriate reinforcement, retaining walls are designed to last for many years. Material choice, site water conditions, and maintenance (like keeping outlets clear) affect longevity.
Do block and paver walls come with warranties?
Many products do, and coverage can vary by manufacturer and installation requirements. For example, Unilock offers a Transferable Lifetime Guarantee on eligible residential products, and additional workmanship protection may apply when installed by an Authorized Contractor (with conditions and registration requirements). (unilock.com)
Glossary (helpful retaining wall terms)
Base (or base course)
The compacted foundation layer beneath the wall that supports weight and helps prevent settling.
Backfill
Material placed behind the wall. Quality retaining walls use free-draining aggregate in critical zones to reduce water pressure.
Surcharge load
Extra load placed on the soil behind the wall—like a driveway, patio, structure, or steep back-slope—which can increase pressure and affect permitting/engineering needs. (walnutcreekca.gov)
Geogrid reinforcement
A reinforcement mesh installed in layers behind some retaining walls to improve stability by strengthening the retained soil mass.