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How much does a retaining wall block weigh?

A retaining wall is a perfect complement to residential landscape design. They are not just low-maintenance but also a beautiful solution for any project from garden beds and tree rings.

A retaining wall is a designed structure that holds soil on one side and is free-standing on the other. They help to accommodate changes in grade in a landscape with uneven topography. However, when planning a retaining wall some questions pop up a lot: How much does a retaining wall block weigh? Are they heavy? The weight will affect the installation?

If you’re thinking about getting a retaining wall and wondering the weight of a retaining wall block, read more about it below and have all your questions about the subject answered.

How much does a retaining wall block weigh?

The weight of a retaining wall block depends on the type of blocks you choose. The weight per block is usually around 53 lbs, and the weight per pallet is around 2190 lbs. 

What makes retaining walls so challenging is their strength, which is best illustrated by the incredible loads they carry, known as lateral earth pressure. The blocks must be strong, heavy, and properly installed because they will hold the soil’s weight and the water behind the wall.

The weight of the blocks will impact the installation?

The logistics for loading and installing blocks for a retaining wall can be more challenging than it seems.

The total weight of all the blocks will impact the installation in terms of time and logistics since everything has to be loaded to the site. It also affects directly to correct soil preparation since it must support all the weight.

How to choose the right material for a retaining wall?

There are a few materials and blocks that can be installed for a retaining wall, which are concrete blocks, natural stone walls, and bricks.

Concrete blocks

Concrete blocks are fairly sophisticated systems designed for strength as well as for fast, easy assembly. They’re available in a wide variety of styles, colors, and shapes. And they’re also a very durable eco-friendly material that can upgrade to your yard or garden.

On installation, you need to set them on a compacted gravel base. This allows them to flex slightly with ground movement and remain strong. To hold all the blocks together, you can stack them on top of one another and secure them with pins, clips, or interlocking edges. 

The only big con with concrete blocks is that it can be only used for walls that are no taller than four feet. So, if you want to raise your wall to higher levels, you need to look for another material.

Natural stone

Retaining wall stones have a wide variety of choices that will fit just about any style of yard and garden. 

The installation is the same as the concrete blocks, but since the stones are usually in different shapes and sizes the walls require more skills and more time to build. There are three main types of stone walls: cut stone, boulder walls, and rubble walls.

Bricks

Brick is one of the most popular choices to build a retaining wall, and it is very easy to see why. Compared to concrete blocks and natural stones, bricks feature a warmer style to traditional homes and landscapes. 

The installation, just like concrete blocks and stones, works the same way. The only con with bricks is the lack of flexibility. They come in only one shape, so it’s harder to build a rounded shape wall, and also replacing a damaged brick can be difficult.

Can I build a retaining wall alone?

We highly recommend you not. Building a retaining wall might seem easy, but it requires so much more than just stacking the blocks. When building a retaining wall, you need to be aware of many details, such as preventing floods and soil erosion in the area.

If you do it yourself, the chances of something going wrong are very high, so the price of doing the project yourself is just not worth the risk. With a professional, your retaining wall will have guaranteed quality, longevity, and beauty. And if you are worried about the price, you can get a free estimate for your project.

S&S Pavers has been proudly serving the counties of Manatee and Sarasota for the past 10+ years. If you live in Florida, don’t hesitate to contact us!

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