10 best retaining wall blocks

Retaining wall blocks are building materials used to create walls that hold back soil or other materials. They serve both functional and aesthetic purposes, preventing erosion and creating leveled spaces in landscapes. Now, if you're thinking about incorporating step lights, landscape lighting, or outdoor lighting into your retaining wall project, you're onto something great!

Step lights can be embedded in the retaining wall to provide safety and illumination for stairs or elevated sections. These lights not only enhance visibility but also add a touch of style to your outdoor space. Landscape lighting, on the other hand, can be strategically placed to highlight the beauty of your retaining wall, showcasing its texture and structure.

When it comes to outdoor lighting, consider fixtures that complement the overall design of your retaining wall. This can create a visually appealing ambiance during the evening hours.Lighting ceiling fans could also be a functional addition to your outdoor space, providing both illumination and air circulation.

In the realm of tools for home improvement, you might need specific equipment for working with retaining wall blocks, such as mallets, saws, and adhesive materials. Ensuring that you have the right tools is crucial for a successful and efficient construction process.

So, if you're planning to tackle a retaining wall project, think beyond just the blocks. Integrate lighting solutions and choose the right tools for the job to transform your outdoor space into a functional and aesthetically pleasing environment.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best retaining wall blocks on the market
  

Retaining wall blocks are an essential component in landscaping and outdoor construction projects. They serve as both functional and decorative elements, providing structural support for retaining walls while also enhancing the overall aesthetics of the landscape. Here is some information about retaining wall blocks and their relevance to step lights, landscape lighting, outdoor lighting, lighting ceiling fans, and tools for home improvement:

  1. Functionality: Retaining wall blocks are primarily used to create retaining walls that hold back soil, prevent erosion, and create level surfaces on sloped terrain.These walls are commonly employed in landscaping to create terraces, raised flower beds, and to define different areas of a yard.

  2. Materials: Retaining wall blocks are available in various materials, including concrete, natural stone, and composite materials. Concrete blocks are the most common choice due to their durability and affordability.

  3. Design Options: These blocks come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and colors. This variety allows for creative design possibilities, making it easy to match the retaining wall blocks with other elements in your outdoor space, such as step lights, landscape lighting, and outdoor lighting fixtures.

  4. Integration with Lighting: Retaining wall blocks can be integrated with step lights, landscape lighting, and outdoor lighting to enhance the functionality and aesthetics of your outdoor area. For example:

    • Step Lights: Step lights are installed in or on retaining wall blocks to illuminate stairs and provide safety and visibility during the evening. They can be embedded in the wall or mounted on the surface.

    • Landscape Lighting: Landscape lighting fixtures can be strategically placed near retaining walls to highlight their texture and design, creating an inviting atmosphere in your outdoor space.

    • Outdoor Lighting: In addition to step lights and landscape lighting, retaining walls can be illuminated with outdoor lighting fixtures like wall sconces, floodlights, or ground lights to accentuate the architectural features of the wall.

  5. DIY Installation: Retaining wall blocks are often designed for easy DIY installation. Home improvement enthusiasts can create their retaining walls and incorporate lighting features with the help of basic tools and guidelines provided by manufacturers.

  6. Structural Considerations: It's crucial to consider the structural aspects of retaining walls, such as proper drainage and engineering, to ensure they are built safely and will effectively retain soil.

  7. Maintenance: Retaining wall blocks generally require minimal maintenance. Regular cleaning and inspection for damage or shifting are recommended to ensure their longevity.

In summary, retaining wall blocks play a significant role in landscaping and outdoor design, providing both structural support and aesthetic appeal. They can be integrated with step lights, landscape lighting, outdoor lighting fixtures, and other elements to create a well-lit and visually appealing outdoor space for your home improvement projects.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best retaining wall blocks on the market
  

Textured Face Retaining Wall Block Concrete Mold Set of 2 3001

Based on 5 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Make your own decorative blocks with this Textured face Retaining wall block concrete mold set 3001 makes some beautiful concrete blocks. Use this mold with your own concrete mix to create your own borders and walls around flowerbeds, patio areas and more. Retaining wall block concrete mold measures 7 1/4 inches and 11 inches across, height is 3 3/4 inches



All molds come with basic instructions for creating your pieces. Molds are ideal for business or hobby use. Our molds are made of several different blends of polyethylene plastic which allows you to use the molds over and over. Our plastic is somewhat flexible so it allows for your finished pieces to be removed from the molds easily. Our molds are a great way for you save money on that do it yourself project, create the finished look you want for pennies compared to what you would pay for these at a retail store. Or maybe your looking at making some extra money and want to start your own business, we have lots of different molds to choose from. Make your own patio pavers to decorative stepping stones as well as garden benches and downspouts we've got you covered.



You can use plaster, concrete, cement, mortar, resin and soap in all of our molds.



We ship UPS and USPS - so please include a physical address to ship to if you have a po box as some packages could be shipped out UPS due to the size, weight and location. Please note that international orders that shipping fees do not cover any additional charges that your country may declare as an import tax or fee once it enters your country. Every country has different regulations and not all have additional fees but we want all international buyers to be aware prior to making their purchases.

  • Retaining Block Concrete Mold Set 3001
  • Polyethylene Plastic Mold
  • Each order comes with easy to use basic instructions
  • Finished piece 7 1/4 inches by 11 inches across 3 3/4 inches Tall
  • Mold to make your own decorative stones

User questions & answers

Question: how many will it make per 80lb bag of cement
Answer: This headset is not designed to be plugged directly into another headset. That 3.5mm plug is for hooking up a scanner. If you are looking for headsets that can be connected directly together, and allow you to listen to a scanner, use the amazon search bar to search "H80 Double Talk" and you'll find headsets that do exactly what you need.

FiberBloxx 1-Piece Fiberglass Landscape Retaining Wall, 6-Foot Culvert End Cap Panel

Product description

- Outdoor hardscaping culvert retaining wall

- Includes 6' L piece

- Unique fiberglass construction

- Textured to resemble genuine block wall

-

- Installs faster than traditional block walls

- 6' L x 3" D x 24" H; 20 lbs



Transform the culvert at the end of your driveway into a beautiful landscape feature with the FiberBloxx Culvert End Cap. Primarily designed for residential driveways, this Culvert End Cap is made of durable fiberglass and made to withstand all weather conditions from extreme heat to frost. In addition to the 1-piece convenience, this panel is also designed to be easy to install. After preparing the ground for installation, lay down pea gravel (must be purchased separately), and tamp it down to create a level base that allows for drainage. Then, set the panel on top of the prepared pea gravel and loop the ends of the steel cables in the back of the panel through steel posts. Pound the posts into the ground with a mallet to help keep them in place and provide tension with the cables. Once the posts are pounded into the ground with the cables attached, fill in the hollow space in the back of the panel with pea gravel and backfill sand. This helps ensure proper drainage and will also help keep the patent-pending panels firmly in place. Each of these innovative panels are proudly made in the USA in Wisconsin.

  • Pre-made 6-foot culvert section: 6 feet long x 2 feet tall x 3 inches deep; 11.25" diameter culvert opening; 20 pounds
  • 1-piece design made in the usa: FiberBloxx walls are constructed using a unique 8mm thick fiberglass technique that results in the look and feel of actual stone but only requires approximately half the labor to install; also includes 2 steel cables to put the stakes through
  • Outlasts standard stone block walls: Retaining wall section is 1 piece which means it does not risk shifting or breaking apart like typical landscape block walls
  • Installation takes less time than block walls: Because the blocks don't need to be laid out installation doesn't take nearly as long as traditional retaining walls; To install a level, drill, rubber mallet, hammer, shovel, and pea gravel are needed (not included)
  • Worry-free purchasing: FiberBloxx backs its products with a 10-year manufacturer's warranty for worry-free purchasing

Woodland Scenics HO Retaining Wall, Cut Stone WOOC1259

Woodland Scenics

Based on 21 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Retaining Walls are highly-detailed castings made from high-density Hydrocal. The styles include concrete, random stone, cut stone and timber styles. Retaining Walls are ready to stain with Earth Colors Liquid Pigment and hold back debris along railroad rights-of-way. They can be used individually and in groups and can be modified to create stepped wing walls or curved walls. Available in HO and N scale. 5 1/4"h x 3"w

  • For use with your HO Scale layout.
  • Woodland Scenics - Cut Stone Wall HO - C1259

User questions & answers

Question: what are the measurements, I'm looking to use it in an aquarium, thanks
Answer: Cut mine up to use in a train layout. Not sure of dimensions. But it's plaster. Not sure it's suitable for an aquarium.

Veneer Stone Rubber Molds for Concrete, Retaining Wall Block 10", Recycled Material

Based on 7 reviews Check latest price

Product description

This Stone Master Mold's Retaining Wall Block Mold creates 2 retaining wall blocks measuring approximately 10" long at the front, 6" long at the back, 5.75" deep, and 3" in height. You can create your own retaining wall blocks in the color of your choice and save money at the same time. Our rubber molds never require any release agent, so cleaning up is a breeze, with no additional steps or cost for release agent. They are production quality molds and can be used hundreds of times with proper care. Manufactured Stone Basic Mixing Procedures Using A Pre-bagged Concrete Mix: This is one suggestion for mixing the concrete for manufactured stone. There are many other instructions available online, including videos. BE SURE TO USE A CONCRETE MIX THAT CONTAINS PORTLAND CEMENT. We recommend Sakrete Maximizer, as it has lightweight aggregate, is high strength, and yields more product, but there are many kinds you can use. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for mixing. If using pigment, add desired iron oxide pigment to mixer (100% pure, no additives). These can easily be found on Amazon, etc. A plasticizer can be added to reduce the amount of water in the mix. Pour into the molds which may already have coloring additives… NO RELEASE AGENT NECESSARY. Vibrate molds to release air bubble. Cure in the molds for approximately 24 hours at the minimum of 70 degrees Fahrenheit before demolding. Higher humidity is desired. Molds can be covered with a tarp to retain more heat and humidity. Continue to cure demolded stones at 70 degrees or greater until ready.

  • Create your own custom color retaining wall blocks and save money
  • No release agent necessary, saving you money, time, and clean up, as well as easy, clean release of face color pigments, unlike plastic molds
  • Each mold creates 2 retaining wall blocks for walls, gardens, planters, etc.
  • Made in the USA from plastisol rubber, including recycled plastisol
  • Production quality molds can be used hundreds of times

User questions & answers

Question: Do you have a bigger size
Answer: I would say yes. But, you should think about using the cloth covers for them
Question: How long do they need to set before removing them from the mold
Answer: They are made using different manufacturing methods, but the main reason is the H41's are overstocked and priced to liquidate.
Question: How many blocks does an 80lb of quickcrete make
Answer: Only very specific helmets have enough room around your ears in order to wear this headset under the helmet. Just to be safe, I would say no, there is not enough room on most helmets (unless specifically designed that way) to wear both the headset and helmet.

Veneer Stone Rubber Molds for Concrete, Retaining Wall Block 11.5", Recycled Material

Based on 24 reviews Check latest price

Product description

This Stone Master Mold's Retaining Wall Block Mold creates 2 retaining wall blocks measuring approximately 11.5" long at the front, 8" long at the back, 6.75" deep, and 4" in height. You can create your own retaining wall blocks in the color of your choice and save money at the same time. Our rubber molds never require any release agent, so cleaning up is a breeze, with no additional steps or cost for release agent. They are production quality molds and can be used hundreds of times with proper care. Manufactured Stone Basic Mixing Procedures Using A Pre-bagged Concrete Mix: This is one suggestion for mixing the concrete for manufactured stone. There are many other instructions available online, including videos. BE SURE TO USE A CONCRETE MIX THAT CONTAINS PORTLAND CEMENT. We recommend Sakrete Maximizer, as it has lightweight aggregate, is high strength, and yields more product, but there are many kinds you can use. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for mixing. If using pigment, add desired iron oxide pigment to mixer (100% pure, no additives). These can easily be found on Amazon, etc. A plasticizer can be added to reduce the amount of water in the mix. Pour into the molds which may already have coloring additives… NO RELEASE AGENT NECESSARY. Vibrate molds to release air bubble. Cure in the molds for approximately 24 hours at the minimum of 70 degrees Fahrenheit before demolding. Higher humidity is desired. Molds can be covered with a tarp to retain more heat and humidity. Continue to cure demolded stones at 70 degrees or greater until ready.

  • Create your own custom color retaining wall blocks and save money
  • No release agent necessary, saving you money, time, and clean up, as well as easy, clean release of face color pigments, unlike plastic molds
  • Each mold creates 2 retaining wall blocks for walls, gardens, planters, etc.
  • Made in the USA from plastisol rubber, including recycled plastisol
  • Production quality molds can be used hundreds of times

User questions & answers

Question: Can these blocks form a 90 degree corner
Answer: A set of 10 headphones
Question: How many molds can be filled with 80lb bag
Answer: Hi there is only 2 types of these two pins Closer together is Motorola And Farther apart is Kenwood, Baofeng and most Asia radios. Hope that helps And I use them in medical field and they are awesome.
Question: What type of mix is recommended for these forms? I'm considering using crack resistant
Answer: Hello, we have fitted standard size earbuds. If you have size requirements, we recommend that you buy separately ASIN: B073ZC6QCW https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B073ZC6QCW
Question: Are there molds to create the 2" thick cap
Answer: Hello, this unit uses a 2-pin Motorola connection. We do have a listing that features the headset with a 2-pin connector that will work with a Baofeng radio. You can find it in this listing; https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07FN8QCMD

9TRADING 3.5" Tool Shop Guillotine Paver Splitter Concrete Block Brick Retaining Wall NEW

9TRADING

Based on 4 reviews Check latest price

Product description



3.5" Tool Shop Guillotine Paver Splitter Concrete Block Brick Retaining Wall NEW

Great deal on a great concrete paver and block splitter in this brand new in original box and packaging

Unit is brand new in original box and packaging.



Feature:

Split blocks up to 4" thick and 9.5" deep

Removable 4-sided splitting knife

Lightweight and easy to transport from jobsite to jobsite

Affordable for any size project

This 3.5" Guillotine Paver Splitter from Tool Shop easily splits concrete pavers and small retaining walls. This lightweight splitter can split blocks up to 3.5" thick and 9.5" deep.



**Our Picture taking with our floor sample. so it has scratches and usage on it. But each unit we ship are brand new in original seal box.



Note:

Returns: 30 day returns. Buyer pays for return shipping

  • Great deal on a great concrete paver and block splitter in this brand new in original box and packaging. Unit is brand new in original box and packaging.
  • Split blocks up to 4" thick and 9.5" deep. Removable 4-sided splitting knife
  • Lightweight and easy to transport from jobsite to jobsite. Affordable for any size project
  • This 3.5" Guillotine Paver Splitter from Tool Shop easily splits concrete pavers and small retaining walls. This lightweight splitter can split blocks up to 3.5" thick and 9.5" deep.
  • **Our Picture taking with our floor sample. so it has scratches and usage on it. But each unit we ship are brand new in original seal box.

User questions & answers

Question: Will this split red brick
Answer: The H42 headset does transmit voice without having to use the PTT Button as long as the radio you are using is set up to transmit using VOX (voice activated transmit). If the radio that you are using does not support VOX, you will have to use the PTT Button.

Textured Face & Back Retaining Wall Block Mold Set of 2 3003

Product description

Retaining wall block concrete mold measures 9 1/2 inches from the front to back (measuring in the center of mold) - 11 inches across the front and 8 inches across the back. Height is 4 inches tall. Make your own decorative blocks with this Textured face Retaining wall block concrete mold set 3003 makes some beautiful concrete blocks. Use this mold with your own concrete mix to create your own borders and walls around flowerbeds, patio areas and more.



All molds come with basic instructions for creating your pieces. Molds are ideal for business or hobby use. Our molds are made of several different blends of polyethylene plastic which allows you to use the molds over and over. Our plastic is somewhat flexible so it allows for your finished pieces to be removed from the molds easily. Our molds are a great way for you save money on that do it yourself project, create the finished look you want for pennies compared to what you would pay for these at a retail store. Or maybe your looking at making some extra money and want to start your own business, we have lots of different molds to choose from. Make your own patio pavers to decorative stepping stones as well as garden benches and downspouts we've got you covered.



You can use plaster, concrete, cement, mortar, resin and soap in all of our molds.



We ship UPS and USPS - so please include a physical address to ship to if you have a po box as some packages could be shipped out UPS due to the size, weight and location. Please note that international orders that shipping fees do not cover any additional charges that your country may declare as an import tax or fee once it enters your country. Every country has different regulations and not all have additional fees but we want all international buyers to be aware prior to making their purchases.

  • Retaining Block Concrete Mold Set 3003
  • Polyethylene Plastic Mold
  • Each order comes with easy to use basic instructions
  • Finished piece 9 1/2 inches by 11 inches across 4 inches Tall
  • Mold to make your own decorative stones

Lighting Factory 3" LED Hardscape Retaining Wall Paver Light - 2700K Warm White 80 Lumen - Antique Bronze Finish - Solid Brass Construction with Stainless Steel Bracket and Mounting Hardware (10-Pack)

Lighting Factory USA LFU

Based on 11 reviews Check latest price
  • LOW PROFILE - specially engineered for a slim profile at only 0.47" tall, the hardscape light fixture fits under overhangs in a variety of applications
  • DETACHABLE BRACKET - the attached mounting bracket facilitates installation under objects such as railings, capstones and paver stones on retainer walls, counter tops, columns, window ledges, deck steps, patios, and more
  • ENGINEERED TO LAST - this durable low voltage LED paver light is constructed of solid die cast brass for superior durability, and features a Antique Bronze finish, and is completely sealed for protection from moisture
  • INTEGRATED LED - the integrated LED strip includes 2 LED lights, putting out 180 Lumens in a warm, white 2700K temperature. Operates at 12 volts. Requires transformer (not included)
  • HARDWIRE INSTALL - each hardscape light strip includes over 30" of UL listed 18 AWG stranded copper lead wire

User questions & answers

Question: Will this item withstand salt mist air
Answer: I have had them on for 4 years. No problem.
Question: Can this light be mounted after the cap is glued down? If not do they make such a light
Answer: No. These are meant to be mounted under the cap. If there is such a light as you're looking for, you will still have to hide the wiring somehow.
Question: what type of transformer do i need for 10 pcs, i will use under steps
Answer: I got a Malibu 120 watt power pack with sensor. Works great with 10 step lights happy camper going on 2 years with the only front step lights in neighborhood goes on and shuts off just set time or it comes with a light probe that turns it on and off by dusk and dawn . Good luck.
Question: Can you get them in daylight, instead of warm white
Answer: I’m not sure but I can tell you they are quite bright. I wish they were dimmer to be honest.

My Supply Shed Grade 3 Bi-Directional Retaining Wall Geogrid, Walls Up to 10 Feet

Based on 38 reviews Check latest price

Product description

My Supply Shed's grade 3 bi-directional retaining wall geogrid for walls up to 10 feet is made of heavy weight, highly durable multi-filament polyester yarns woven into a secure system adjusted under tension and coated with PVC.

  • Advantages: Adds strength and longevity to your wall Rolls made easy to maneuver Aids in prevention of early development of wall failure Provides excellent stress transfer
  • Uses: Retaining Walls Steep Slopes

User questions & answers

Question: I am building a 6’ retaining wall where we can get 10” of rain at a time, how deep should I lay the geogrid, (back into the slope from the blocks
Answer: First lay a course of your block wall. The geo grid is rolled out flat, perpendicular to your block wall. The edge closest to the blocks is laid in between Two rows of blocks. I. E Lay a row of blocks, then lay your geo grid on top, then lay another course of blocks on top of the geo grid. The two rows hold the geo grid in place as you back fill the area below the rest of the geo grid, locking it into the soil.
Question: How do you use this/what does it do
Answer: The strength of grid. The grade 3 is a stronger grid than universal. If your in an area that see more freeze and thaws and lots of rain you should use grade 3. Also grade 3 can be used on higher walls.
Question: How do you install this product? Can it be rolled out along the length of the wall or does it need to be rolled out away from the wall in cut sections
Answer: My shed came with the floor kit. Mind you, that was two or three years ago, so I don't know for sure if that's still the case, but at that time, Arrow did also make a floor kit.
Question: What is the difference between regular and Grade 3? (My Supply Shed Bi-Directional Universal Retaining Wall Geogrid, Walls Up to 6 Feet
Answer: Yes, you can put a sheet of plywood on top of this frame. Thank you.

GKOLED UL Listed LED Hardscape Light, Retaining Wall Lights, 6.8 Inch 22pcs Integrated 2700K LED Chips, Step Paver Wall Light, Solid Powder Coated Die-cast Aluminum Housing, 4W Low Voltage 12V AC/DC

GKOLED

Based on 222 reviews Check latest price
  • ✔More Even and Comfortable Light Distribution with 22pcs 2700K Warmwhite Energy-saving LED Chips
  • ✔Low Profile Design with Dark Bronze Textured Finish, Durable in Hard Environment
  • ✔Durable Powder Coated Die-cast Aluminum Housing, -40℉ to 122℉ Working Temperature and Suitable for Wet Location
  • ✔Come with Versatile Stainless Steel Mounting Bracket, Pre-wired 39 Inches SPT-2 18AWG Leads
  • ✔UL Listed for Safety and Quality. Comes with 5-Year Warranty. Suitable for wet locations.

User questions & answers

Question: How many hours will this light last for
Answer: because it is such low voltage and usually on at night it will last many years.
Question: When the bulb goes out can you just replace the bulb or do you have to replace the whole unit? If just the bulb, where can you get a replacement
Answer: Hello, the whole fixture has to be replaced if it goes out. Our product is covered by our 5-year warranty, you can call our customer service 630-793-9449 if you have warranty claims.
Question: Frosted version is still too bright. Has anyone tried some kind of film to cover and make less bright
Answer: Agree that it is indeed very bright. I changed from Clear to Frosted, but still extremely bright. I haven’t tried any film on it. It seems like a good idea, would like to hear from you after you try it.
Question: What is the overall dimension of the paver wall light including the bracket? ls the bracket removable as I may want to use just the light
Answer: The bracket is removable, it is held in place by two Phillips head screws. The light is approximately 8 15/16" long, 3/16" W and 13/16 D. The bracket extends 2 3/16" beyond the light.

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