The Complete Guide to Retaining Walls in Metro-Atlanta: Types & Applications

Living in Metro-Atlanta often means dealing with rolling hills and uneven terrain. While the Georgia landscape is beautiful, those slopes can make it difficult to utilize your backyard effectively. This is where a well-designed retaining wall comes into play.

At Mountain High Landscape & Hardscape Supply, with locations in Marietta and Atlanta, we provide the highest quality materials to contractors and homeowners looking to tame their terrain.

But which wall is right for you? This guide breaks down the most popular types of retaining walls and exactly when you should apply them.

Why Do You Need a Retaining Wall?

Before choosing a material, it is helpful to understand the purpose. In the Georgia climate, retaining walls serve three primary functions:

• Erosion Control: They stop heavy rains from washing away your topsoil.

• Usable Space: They turn a steep slope into a flat, functional yard or patio area.

• Drainage Management: They help redirect water away from your home’s foundation.

Top 4 Types of Retaining Walls & When to Use Them

We stock a vast variety of materials at our supply yards. Here is how to choose the right one for your project.

1. Segmental Retaining Wall (SRW) Blocks

These are manufactured concrete blocks designed to interlock with one another. They are incredibly popular in Marietta and Sandy Springs due to their durability and ease of installation.

• The Look: Uniform, clean, and available in various colors and textures (tumbled, split-face, etc.).

• Best Application: Ideal for DIYers and professional hardscapers alike. They are perfect for curved walls because the tapered shape allows for flexible design without cutting.

• Pro Tip: These systems often do not require mortar, relying instead on a “gravity” system and pins.

2. Natural Stone and Boulders

For a timeless, high-end look, nothing beats natural stone. Whether it is fieldstone, flagstone, or large boulders, these materials blend seamlessly with the natural wooded landscape of Atlanta.

• The Look: Rustic, organic, and elegant.

• Best Application: Use this for garden beds, high-visibility areas in the front yard, or when you want the wall to look like it has been there for 100 years.

• Pro Tip: Boulder walls are excellent for managing large grade changes with a natural aesthetic.

3. Pressure-Treated Timber

Wood walls are a cost-effective solution often seen in older Atlanta neighborhoods. While they don’t last as long as stone or concrete, they offer a warm, natural feel.

• The Look: Traditional and rustic.

• Best Application: Best for budget-conscious projects, short walls (under 4 feet), or areas hidden in the backyard where function is more important than high-end aesthetics.

• Pro Tip: Ensure the timber is rated for “Ground Contact” to withstand Georgia’s humidity and soil moisture.

4. Gabion Walls

A more modern approach, Gabion walls consist of wire cages filled with rocks, concrete, or other inorganic materials.

• The Look: Industrial, modern, and textured.

• Best Application: Excellent for areas with heavy drainage needs, as water flows freely through the rocks. They serve as great feature walls in modern landscape designs.

Critical Factor: Fighting “Georgia Clay” Drainage

Regardless of the wall type you choose, drainage is the most important part of the installation.

The dense red clay in Metro-Atlanta traps water. If water builds up behind your wall (hydrostatic pressure), it will eventually push the wall over.

• The Solution: Always install a perforated drain pipe and backfill with plenty of clean gravel (like #57 stone) behind the wall.

• Get Your Supplies: We stock drainage pipes, gravel, and geogrid at both our Marietta and Atlanta supply yards.

Visit Mountain High Landscape & Hardscape Supply Today

Whether you are a seasoned contractor or a homeowner tackling a weekend project, the success of your retaining wall depends on the quality of your materials.

Stop by one of our two convenient locations to see our displays and talk to our experts:

• Marietta Location: Serving Cobb County, Kennesaw, and Roswell.

• Atlanta Location: Serving the Metro area, Buckhead, and Decatur.

Ready to start your project? Contact us today for a quote on block, stone, and gravel delivery!