The first step in choosing the right retaining wall block for your project is determining the height of the wall you plan to build. Each retaining wall block style is designed to accommodate a specific maximum wall height, so selecting a block that is appropriate for your project is essential. At RCP Block & Brick, retaining wall systems are divided into four unique categories, each offering a variety of styles and options. This provides you with a wide selection of aesthetically pleasing block units suitable for virtually any retaining wall project. NOTE: It is important to remember that total wall height includes any portion of the wall that extends below grade.
The first category of wall styles includes smaller landscape wall blocks designed for walls up to 24" high. This group includes the Keystone Garden Wall, a lipped block designed specifically for retaining walls, as well as the Keystone Country Cottage and Bella Vista Semplice, which can be used for either retaining or freestanding landscape walls.
Because these wall styles are designed for walls up to 24" high, building permits are generally not required.
The next category includes lipped wall blocks designed for retaining walls up to 36" high. This group includes the Keystone Legacy, Bella Vista Ridgestone, and Bella Vista Citadel.
These lipped wall block units rely on the weight and support of the backfill behind the wall, making them suitable for retaining wall applications only. They should not be used to build freestanding landscape walls.
Because these wall styles are designed for walls up to 36" high, building permits are generally not required.
The third category includes pinned wall blocks, which can be used for retaining walls up to 6' high or freestanding landscape walls up to 3' high. This group includes the Keystone Country Manor, Keystone Stonegate Contemporary, and Keystone Verazzo 4-Face.
Pinned wall blocks are among the most versatile wall systems available because they can be used for both retaining and freestanding applications. Building permits are required for walls over 3' high. To help in the permitting process, RCP Block & Brick offers pre-engineered design manuals at no charge for these wall styles for applications up to 6' high.
The final category includes structural pinned wall blocks designed for, but not limited to, large retaining wall applications, including walls over 50' high. This group includes the Keystone Straight-Face, Keystone California Chateau, and Keystone Compac Contemporary.
Because of their design, these wall systems are best suited for retaining walls rather than freestanding landscape walls.
Building permits are required for walls over 3' high. To help in the permitting process, RCP Block & Brick offers pre-engineered design manuals at no charge for these wall styles for applications up to 6' high. Walls taller than 6' will require engineering from a qualified third-party engineer.
