08/17/2026
When building any type of retaining wall, drainage is key.
Clean stone, proper drain pipe, and—in the case of railroad ties—geotextile fabric all help give water a path to move through and away from the wall.
Without proper drainage, water builds up behind the wall and creates hydrostatic pressure, which can eventually push, lean, or move even a well-built wall.
A retaining wall isn’t just about what you see when it’s finished. What’s behind the wall is just as important.
Here’s a look behind the scenes of a railroad tie retaining wall we built.
