Alright, let’s be real—retaining walls don’t get nearly enough credit. They keep soil from throwing tantrums, make sloped yards behave, and add some serious style to your outdoor space. But picking the right retaining wall blocks can feel like trying to assemble IKEA furniture without the manual—confusing, frustrating, and somehow always missing a piece.
That’s where we come in! At 9 Brothers Building Supply, we carry the best retaining wall solutions from Nicolock, Cambridge Pavingstones with Armortec, and Techo-Bloc. We’ll walk you through the basics, throw in some expert tips, and introduce you to the best products so your retaining wall doesn’t just exist—it thrives.
Why Bother with a Retaining Wall?
Without a retaining wall, your sloped yard might decide to go on the move—taking your plants, mulch, and maybe even your patio with it. A properly built retaining wall:
- Stops soil erosion before it turns your backyard into a mudslide.
- Adds style and dimension to boring, flat yards.
- Creates usable space for gardens, patios, or seating areas.
- Makes your neighbors jealous (the most important benefit, obviously).
So whether you need to rein in an unruly hill or just want a fancy spot to enjoy your morning coffee, a retaining wall is the way to go.
Step 1: Picking the Right Retaining Wall Blocks
Not all retaining wall blocks are created equal. You wouldn’t build a house out of marshmallows (unless you’re in a Willy Wonka movie), so let’s make sure you’re choosing the best materials.
Concrete Wall Blocks
The workhorse of retaining walls—durable, affordable, and easy to stack.
Natural Stone
For when you want your yard to scream “I am classy, and I know it.” Perfect for high-end landscaping.
Segmental Retaining Wall (SRW) Blocks
These interlock for extra stability. Think of them as Legos for adults—except your dog won’t chew on them.
Step 2: Choosing the Right Style (Because Your Yard Deserves to Look Good)
- Traditional – Classic and structured. Looks great with garden beds and property borders.
- Modern – Sleek, smooth, and minimalist. Ideal for contemporary landscapes and people who alphabetize their spice racks.
- Rustic – Natural, stacked-stone charm. Perfect for cozy backyard vibes and Instagram-worthy fire pits.
- Seating Walls – Retaining walls that double as extra seating? Now that’s some genius-level multitasking..
Step 3: Just Some Retaining Wall Blocks and Materials we Carry
At 9 Brothers Building Supply, we only carry the best. Here are three rock-solid (pun absolutely intended) options to check out:
Nicolock – Mountain Block Wallstone
Think of this as the Swiss Army knife of retaining walls—versatile, strong, and easy to install. The rear lip connection system makes stacking a breeze, and the tapered sides allow for curved designs.
- Size: 4” x 12” wall face
- Color to Check Out: York Brown (because timeless never goes out of style)
- Best Use: Garden walls, small retaining walls, decorative borders
- Pro Tip: Pair it with Nicolock’s Rockface Multi Cap for a polished, finished look.
Cambridge – Pre-Packaged MaytRx Seating Wall Kit (Quarter Round)
A retaining wall that also doubles as seating? Now that’s what we call efficiency! This kit includes natural stone bullnose treads, giving it a sleek, high-end finish.
- Size: 14′ 10″ wide, 5′ deep
- Wall Heights: Seat – 17 5/8″, Back Wall – 35 5/8″, Column – 47 5/8″
- Available Colors:
- Onyx/Natural wall with Cumberland Grey cap
- Sahara/Chestnut wall with Cumberland Brown cap
- Toffee/Onyx wall with Cumberland Blue cap
- Best Use: Fire pit seating, patios, outdoor lounges
- Pro Tip: Use it to create a built-in outdoor living space that makes your backyard the go-to hangout spot.
Techo-Bloc – York Caps
No wall is complete without a polished top layer, and Techo-Bloc’s York Caps are perfection. Their smooth surface and rugged edges create a natural yet refined finish.
- Texture: Smooth top plus rough carved edges for that perfectly imperfect look.
- Best Use: Wall caps, pillar tops, outdoor kitchen countertops.
- Pro Tip: Use York Caps across different outdoor features for a seamless, coordinated design.
Step 4: Expert Tips for a Retaining Wall That Holds Up Like a Champ
- Plan for Drainage – Water is sneaky. Without proper drainage, your wall might turn into an unintentional waterfall.
- Check the Wall Height – Not all blocks are meant for skyscraper-sized walls. If you’re going high, you’ll need reinforcements.
- Think Long-Term – Choosing high-quality materials now saves you from future headaches.
- Match Your Space – A rustic stone wall might look weird next to a modern, sleek patio. Keep the aesthetics cohesive.
- Ask the Pros – If you’re unsure, that’s why 9 Brothers Building Supply exists. We won’t let you walk away with the wrong stuff!
Step 5: Visit 9 Brothers & Build Something Epic
You made it this far, which means you’re serious about this retaining wall. High five!
At 9 Brothers Building Supply, we make it easy to find the best retaining wall blocks for your project.
- Massive Selection – We carry top brands like Nicolock, Cambridge, and Techo-Bloc.
- Expert Advice – Whether you’re a pro contractor or a first-time DIYer, we’ve got your back.
- Three Convenient Locations – Visit us in Riverhead, Brentwood, or East Setauket for premium masonry supplies.
Come see us today! Stop by one of our three locations or give us a call. We’ll help you pick the perfect retaining wall blocks—and maybe even crack a few more puns while we’re at it.
