As a commercial property owner, curb appeal and functionality are essential. Your landscape should look great and serve a practical purpose. Commercial retaining walls often achieve this, and this guide covers everything you need to know about these landscaping elements. From erosion control to visual focal points, retaining walls transform outdoor spaces.
Choosing the right retaining wall can feel overwhelming with various types, materials, and designs. My blog post simplifies the process by discussing the benefits and types of commercial retaining walls.
Benefits of Commercial Retaining Walls
Commercial retaining walls provide numerous benefits, from structural support to aesthetics. These versatile structures can dramatically improve your property.
They can transform sloped areas into functional spaces, create accessible pathways, and improve site drainage. Retaining walls are a valuable investment for any commercial property.

Erosion Control and Soil Stability
Retaining walls safeguard your property by acting as a barrier against the elements. They stabilize the soil and manage water flow to minimize damage.
Erosion can wash away topsoil, damage structures, and ruin landscapes. A robust retaining wall system prevents these destructive forces, ensuring the longevity of your land. Retaining wall products designed to stop erosion also help to keep soil and landscaping where they belong.
Creating Usable Space
Slopes and uneven terrain present challenges for commercial properties. Retaining wall systems offer effective solutions, making once unusable spaces safe.
They can create terraces for gardens or seating areas. This maximizes space and enhances accessibility for staff and customers. This includes providing plantable wall options to enhance your outdoor living space.
Enhanced Aesthetics and Property Value
Commercial retaining walls enhance a property’s visual appeal. Various materials and designs can complement your existing landscape while providing a solid structure.
Natural stone or interlocking concrete blocks create an attractive finish. This improves the overall look and can increase property value. Beautiful landscaping attracts new business.
Types of Commercial Retaining Walls
Let’s explore the different types of commercial retaining walls. Each type serves a specific purpose, so understanding their differences is crucial. Choosing the right one ensures it meets your needs and budget. Whether it’s a freestanding wall, block design, or even exploring different retaining wall offers and variety projects, making the best choice requires understanding the types.

Gravity Walls
Gravity walls depend on their mass to hold back soil. This limits their height. Common materials include concrete, stone, or brick.
These walls are often used in smaller commercial landscapes for gravity retaining wall projects. Gravity walls are simple and effective for shorter wall projects.
Cantilever Walls
Cantilever walls have a T-shaped design, with a stem and footing. This allows for taller structures than gravity walls.
While sometimes used in specialized areas, they can also be incorporated into yards with aesthetic elements like concrete or wood slats. This offers versatile design options for retaining wall systems.
Sheet Piling Walls
Sheet piling walls are built with interlocking sheets of steel, vinyl, or wood. They are anchored into the ground and provide a strong defense against heavy loads.
These are frequently used in urban areas, sometimes near roadways. They are useful for various transportation applications and commercial wall applications.
Soldier Pile Walls
Soldier pile walls consist of steel beams driven into the ground and connected by panels. This structure handles severe ground conditions and lateral forces.
There might be specific requirements for these walls depending on the project location. This type of reinforced wall ensures a strong foundation and allows for taller walls in commercial retaining wall projects.
Choosing the Right Commercial Retaining Walls
Choosing a retaining wall goes beyond aesthetics. Several factors influence the decision, including building codes, permits, and soil conditions.
Consider the expected height, material cost, project budget, expected lifespan, and weather conditions. Also, consider the labor required for installation. The ease of installation is another factor.
A commercial retaining wall is a long-term investment for ensuring safe land practices. Consider aesthetics, cost, codes, and other key factors for an informed decision. All these are factors in choosing between block wall, plantable wall, or a straight retaining wall using wall units with geosynthetic reinforcement or segmental retaining wall construction. Project budgets often include factoring material cost per square foot as well.
FAQs about commercial retaining walls
What is the cheapest type of retaining wall?
Treated timber is generally the cheapest. However, it’s not ideal for all commercial projects due to its shorter lifespan. This would impact which wall offers the best value in the long-term.
What are 7 common mistakes made when installing retaining wall blocks?
Common errors include:
- Poor base preparation.
- Inadequate drainage.
- Insufficient backfill compaction.
- Incorrect batter or slope.
- Using unsuitable materials.
- Overlooking reinforcement.
- Ignoring building codes.
What are the 4 types of retaining walls?
The four common types are gravity, cantilever, sheet piling, and soldier pile walls. Each serves distinct structural purposes for a variety of projects.
How much does it cost to build a 50-foot retaining wall?
Costs vary greatly depending on material, design, labor, and site conditions. Expect to pay $3,000 or more for a 50-foot wall.
Maximize Your Property with Expert Commercial Retaining Wall Solutions
Commercial retaining walls offer many benefits, from enhancing aesthetics and increasing usable space to preventing erosion. By choosing the right design and working with professional contractors like Garland Landscape based in Gig Harbor, you can significantly improve your commercial property. In addition to Gig Harbor, we also help homeowners and businesses in Port Orchard, Tacoma, Firecrest and University City in Washington. Contact us today for your free estimate!

As the owner of Garland Landscape, Chris brings over 19 years of experience in landscaping and hardscaping to every project.