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04/17/2025

Building a Retaining Wall on a Curve

The benefits of retaining walls in homes and other properties cannot be overstated. They prevent soil erosion, provide support to slopes, and maximize usable space on a property. A curved retaining wall offers a more natural and flowing aesthetic. However, building a retaining wall on a curve comes with unique engineering and construction challenges unlike those encountered with straight retaining walls. If you’re looking to build a retaining wall on a curve, you’ve come to the right place.

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In this guide, Garrett Precast—a reputable precast concrete company—outlines the steps builders follow to successfully construct a durable curved retaining wall.

How to Build a Retaining Wall on a Curve

Plan the Curve

The first step is sketching out the desired shape for the retaining wall. Use a garden hose or a long rope to lay out the curve on the ground. Once you’re happy with the arc, trace it with spray paint or chalk. This outline gives you a clear visual and helps you stay on track during the build.

Dig and Prepare the Trench

For a wall under 3 feet, dig a trench about 6 inches deep and 12 inches wide. The bottom of the trench must be level—even when working with curves. Mistakes at this stage will be exaggerated as the wall goes up, so take your time.

Build a Solid Base

Fill the trench with a few inches of gravel, then compact it tightly using a hand tamper or plate compactor. This base layer supports the wall and helps with drainage. Add a thin layer of sand on top and level it out. This helps position the first row of blocks accurately.

Lay the First Row

Start dry-fitting your base layer of blocks. Around curves, you may need to leave slight gaps or cut blocks to maintain the shape. Use a masonry saw to cut blocks as needed—especially for tighter curves. Once everything fits, set the first row using a level and rubber mallet.

Build Up with Staggered Rows

Stack the blocks and stagger the joints like brickwork. If using interlocking blocks, they’ll naturally stay in place. If using natural stone or smooth blocks, consider applying construction adhesive between layers for added security.

Add Drainage Behind the Wall

Backfill behind the retaining wall with gravel as you build. This helps relieve pressure from moisture. For walls higher than two feet, it’s a good idea to lay a perforated drainage pipe at the base. Good drainage prevents hydrostatic pressure, which can cause the wall to collapse.

Finish with Capstones

Top off your wall with capstones for a finished look. On curves, you may need to trim the edges of the caps at angles so they follow the arc. Secure each one with adhesive to prevent shifting.

The Bottom Line

Building curved retaining walls takes more effort than straight ones, but the result is visually striking and structurally sound. It’s also important to recognize that the structural integrity of a retaining wall is only as good as the quality of the materials and construction techniques employed. That’s why we advise you to source your products from a reputable precast company.

Get In Touch With Garrett Precast For Quality Precast Concrete Products

Garrett Precast is your go-to source for high-quality retaining walls in Greenville, SC built with durability in mind. We leverage cutting-edge technology, top-quality materials, and stringent manufacturing processes to produce the highest quality retaining walls. You can rest assured that our products are engineered to withstand the test of time. Reach out today to learn more about our products and place your order.

“Testimonials”

What Our Clients Say!

Richard Grove

Very friendly and quick delivery. The person who helped me to schedule the retaining wall delivery was very kind and professional. He was able to schedule a delivery for the date we needed. Their delivery guy delivered the retaining walls on time and left no mess behind after placing them by our house. Their pricing is reasonable too. Thanks for everything Garrett Precast.

(Greer, SC )

Chris Holmes

So there are numerous pre-cast companies out there. I have tried a few over the years before knowing Garrett Precast. So let me save you a lot of time, frustration, and confusion. Garrett Precast and their staff are professional, reasonably priced, and deliver excellent products. Used them multiple times for our retaining wall project needs. I strongly recommend them if you need quality retaining walls. You will not be disappointed.

(Travelers Rest, SC )

Clayton Brown

Everyone was very cordial and respectful. We recently completed a large retaining wall at our house and the job turned out terrific. Garrett Precast was able to get what we needed and deliver the products on time when our landscaper needed to install the retaining walls. They were very responsive and professional and their pricing was fair. We couldn’t be more pleased with how the retaining wall turned out.

(Greenwood, SC )

Roger Thomson

Garrett Precast team is very professional, punctual, and very knowledgeable on septic tank concrete and retaining walls. We purchased a concrete septic tank for our new home and the products we needed for the retaining walls made by our landscaper. We were very pleased quality of both the septic tank and the retaining walls. Will not hesitate to use them again. Hard to find professionals of this caliber.

(Greenville, SC )