If you’ve ever searched online for “retention wall” versus “retaining wall,” you’re not alone. The two terms get mixed up all the time, but they don’t always mean the same thing. Understanding the difference is an important consideration for any landscaping project, especially when it comes to choosing the right retaining wall structure. Let’s break it down so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.
Understanding the Terms
What Is a Retaining Wall?
A retaining wall is essentially a strong, built-to-last wall structure that keeps soil pressure in check and holds retained soil in place—especially on steep slopes or uneven yards. Instead of losing ground to erosion, a retaining wall system lets you stabilize the slope and even turn it into usable space.
Homeowners add retaining walls for a few main reasons:
- To stop soil erosion and protect their property
- To provide important structural support for the ground around their home
- To create flat, functional areas for landscaping projects like patios, gardens, or even fire pits
Retaining walls can be built from many different materials—from concrete blocks and natural stone to newer, more sustainable options made from recycled materials. No matter the wall face or wall type, one important factor never changes: every retaining wall needs proper drainage behind the wall to prevent water buildup and maintain stability. And because stability starts with the foundation, it also helps to know how deep retaining wall posts should be buried for a secure installation.
What Do People Mean by “Retention Wall”?
Here’s where things get a little confusing. The phrase “retention wall” gets used a lot by homeowners, but it’s not an actual construction or engineering term. Most of the time, when someone says “retention wall,” they’re really asking about a retaining wall.
In fact, in geotechnical engineering, “retention” usually refers to holding water—think ponds, basins, or tanks. Walls, on the other hand, are designed to retain soil.
So, if you’re planning a landscape design project or researching different wall types, it helps to know that the right term is actually retaining wall. That way, you’ll find the right information and be on the same page with your contractor from the get-go.
How Retaining Walls Work
A retaining wall structure is designed to do more than just look good in your yard. These walls use their own weight, reinforced mass, or even anchoring systems to resist soil pressure and hydrostatic pressure behind the wall. By holding back retained soil on steep slopes, retaining walls create usable space and add structural support to your landscape design.
Proper wall design is critical. Site conditions like soil type (soft soil versus compact soil), bearing capacity, and water infiltration all play a role in whether a wall remains stable. Without proper drainage and careful wall construction, excessive pressure can build up behind the wall.
When that happens, the risks include soil erosion, cracks, leaning, or even total retaining wall failure — all of which can lead to costly repairs. A well-designed retaining wall system, on the other hand, provides long-lasting stability and ensures your landscaping project is both safe and functional.
Types of Retaining Walls
Not all retaining walls are built the same way. Depending on your project, site conditions, and even the look you’re going for, there are several wall types to choose from. Here’s a quick breakdown of the most common options you’ll hear about in landscaping and wall construction.
Gravity Walls & Simple Gravity Walls
These walls keep things simple — they hold back soil using their own weight. Built with natural stone, stone walls, or concrete block, gravity walls (and the even simpler gravity wall style) are often used for smaller landscaping projects where the wall doesn’t need to be very tall.
Cantilever Retaining Walls
Cantilever walls are made of reinforced concrete and work a little like a lever. The base slab transfers earth pressure down into the ground, giving the wall enough strength to support taller slopes or heavier loads of retained soil.
Reinforced Retaining Walls
When a project calls for extra strength, reinforced retaining walls come into play. These use tie backs, mechanically stabilized earth (MSE), or geogrids to provide a reinforced mass behind the wall face. This design helps resist excessive pressure and water infiltration, keeping the structure stable even in tough conditions.
Segmental Retaining Walls
If you’ve seen neat, modular block walls in residential yards, you’ve probably seen segmental retaining walls. Made from precast concrete blocks, they’re cost effective, versatile, and popular in landscape design. With proper drainage and grading, they can withstand heavy rainfall while still looking clean and modern.
Sheet Pile Walls & Diaphragm Walls
For projects with limited space or areas near water flowing, sheet pile walls or diaphragm walls may be the answer. These systems are more common in geotechnical engineering, marine construction, or bridge abutments where the soil pressure and hydrostatic pressure are intense.
Other Wall Types
There are plenty of other creative retaining wall structures too. Gabion walls (wire cages filled with stone), crib walls, and even recycled materials can all be used depending on the design. Beyond structural support, some of these wall types double as aesthetic features — for example, gabions and natural stone can be worked into fire pits or outdoor seating areas to bring both function and style to your yard.
Choosing the Right Wall for Your Landscaping Project
While “retention wall” gets tossed around in conversation, the correct term you’ll want to use is retaining wall. The key is selecting the right wall type and wall design for your site conditions, soil, and overall landscape design goals.
With proper design, drainage, and installation, retaining walls offer a practical solution that saves space, prevents erosion, and adds long-lasting structural support to your yard.
If you’re planning a landscaping project, JPK Landscaping can help with professional retaining wall installation. Our team designs and builds walls that deliver maximum value and stability — so your outdoor space looks great and performs well for years to come.
