Removing retaining wall

Jessica Marie
by Jessica Marie
hi everyone! We have a retaining wall & bench in our backyard that I really want to remove. The problem is that I have no idea where to start. I also don’t know if I need to be worried about water drainage after the removal, or what other things I should be mindful of. I definitely want to do this myself if at all possible so any information is appreciated. Thanks!
  6 answers
  • Beth W Beth W on May 15, 2018

    I would not remove it unless you are up for replacing it. The easiest thing would be to clean well with tsp or power washer. Then paint. Last year we used hammered copper finish paint in a can by rustoleum. It hid a multitude of sins and went on with inexpensive brushes.

    • Jessica Marie Jessica Marie on May 16, 2018

      I'm not worried about the appearance so much as the condition of the structure. The wall is coming away from the support in that corner in the picture (where it meets the bench) and the support post that's in there looks like it's pretty well chewed up. Would a landscaping company be able to evaluate its stability and/or condition?

  • Shore grandmom Shore grandmom on May 15, 2018

    I wouldn't remove it either. It's there for a reason. You'll have a big mess with water and mud. You would have to regrade the whole yard to compensate for the slope. And you'd probably still have a water problem that could run towards your home. Use it as a focal point and decorate it. Or plant shrubs in front of it and use it as a way to separate the yard into a play area for children and adults. I would put a swing set and other kids things on the top part and a nice fire pit and seating area with maybe a water feature on the lower part. Set up a cornhole game or horseshoes. There are so many options. Just embrace the wall and you'll have plenty of ideas.

    • See 1 previous
    • Shore grandmom Shore grandmom on May 16, 2018

      My concern would be that the water ran down to and into your home or you'd have swampy areas. Since your next door neighbor had his regraded, ask him if he has a water problem. Make sure that his was the same as yours as far as height at the back of the yard. If you regrade, you'll have to bring in quite a bit of top soil and it will be muddy until the grass takes.

      Or you can replace the wall with a wall of garden blocks glued together with PL Premium. You'll never have a problem with it rotting out and falling a part.

  • Mary Mary on May 16, 2018

    the retaining wall is there for a reason - keeps back the dirt or yard from shifting downward. Replace the wood with stone or landscapers blocks

  • Mogie Mogie on May 16, 2018

    We have had a sloping yard and now a retaining wall. Would never take the retaining wall out. Not only does it provide more level land but it gives protection against sliding and mud. Just replace it in the summer time but don't take it out unless you have someone who knows what they are doing look at first. Please let a professional look at this first.

  • Joy30150932 Joy30150932 on May 16, 2018

    You will need a wall of some kind due to the elevation between the two sections. Decide on what you want to do before pulling down the wall. Brick or stone can be expensive but would be more permanent.

  • Beth W Beth W on May 16, 2018

    That sounds like a good idea!