Concrete retaining walls do it right and never have to do it again

Poured concrete and concrete-block, or concrete masonry unit, walls are the most complicated, expensive, and the least attractive of all retaining walls. If they're built properly, they're probably the strongest. Concrete is the proper term - cement is what is in the mixed with the sand and rock to make it into concrete.

You can dress up this type of retaining wall by using exposed aggregate or by adding a color that goes well with your home. Some parts of the country refer to the decorative facing on a concrete retaining wall as veneers.

These heavy walls always should be designed by a professional who will test the soil conditions and draw plans for the project. Because they demand extensive excavation for the footing and material to build the forms, the pour is also best left to professionals.

CMU walls require a footing engineered similarly to poured-concrete walls, and their strength depends on the right mortar mix and reinforcement. If you need retaining walls near a house under construction, consider having them poured at the same time as the foundation.

Although the process is slow and the materials expensive, the wall's structural integrity won't be threatened by mistakes.

There are a variety of veneer materials to choose from. Natural stone is popular, but thin stone veneer is more expensive than most wall stone. Cultured, or artificial, stone is less expensive and has the advantage of uniform thickness. Of course, in the right landscape, brick veneer and stucco are also good choices.