DIY Retaining Walls
An addition of a Retaining Wall to your garden design is one of the simplest ways to create more usable space and with the wide variety of retaining wall options available on the market you will be sure to find a style to meet your design and DIY ability.
With proper planning, a small to medium sized retaining wall can be a weekend project. The most simple method of retaining is using a masonry link wall block such as the Adbri Versawall Block. This type of block requires no specific engineering, concrete, mortar or glue. That being said, if you’re planning a large wall (long or high), take your time and DON’T attempt it in just one weekend!
Order your gear in advance! For a weekend project, we recommend having everything delivered on the Thursday (or 2 delivery days before you require the gear). This allows for a little wiggle room incase something doesn’t go to plan. There’s always the Friday to get it sorted. There’s nothing worse than looking for something first thing Saturday morning and realising it hasn’t been delivered or you neglected to add it to the order!
We would suggest a retaining wall between 5-8 square metres on solid level ground could be thrown up over a weekend. Invite your mates around, and tell them to bring beer.
Other weekend retaining wall projects may include timber sleepers. Once again, this is a fantastic DIY friendly option and a small to medium sized wall can easily be knocked up over a weekend with the right tools, know-how and planning.
SHOPPING LIST
- Wall Selection (10% extra for wastage)
- Base Material (Road Base)
- Drainage Material (20mm)
- Ag-Pipe (100mm Socked Ag)
TOOLS
- String Line
- Spirit Level
- Rubber Mallet
- Cutting Equipment
- Bolster & Hammer
- Wheelbarrow, shovel & rake
- Carton of your favourite beer!
DIY RETAINING
How to Build a Retaining Wall with Adbri Masonry
If you’re planning on tackling a retaining project yourself this weekend, check out this fantastic DIY Video presented by Adbri Masonry for a step-by-step walkthrough of the process from start to finish. Following these simple steps you’ll be able to achieve a professional quality finish that you’ll be proud of!
You can also download our printable DIY Guide PDF’s above to keep on hand incase you get stuck, or refer to our video series below.
DIY RETAINING
Featured Retaining Products

Adbri Versawall
A large split face textured block that results in a natural rock appearance. Versawall® blocks by Adbri Masonry feature a large split face texture that results in a natural rock appearance. They stack together easily making them perfect for all DIY segmental retaining walls, garden edging and planter boxes.

Austral Heron Wall
A structurally sound block perfect for DIY and commercial applications alike. Depending on what suits your overall desire, one thing is certain Heron Retaining Wall Blocks have the colour and finish for all landscaping projects.

CCA Pine Sleepers
A landscaping staple, sleepers offer a cost effective and efficient walling system. CCA treated sleepers are a landscaping staple and offer one of the most cost-effective and efficient walling systems. With a narrow footprint, sleepers also offer a space-efficient option.
DIY RETAINING
DIY Retaining Video Series
Link Block Retaining Walls
Preparation
Construction
Drainage
Corners
Sleeper Retaining Walls
Preparation
Sleeper Construction
Finishing
DIY RETAINING
Downloads
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