Should I Hire an Engineer for My Retaining Wall Project?
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When it comes to designing and installing a retaining wall – no matter how short or tall – ensuring safety, stability, and durability is essential. Rosetta Hardscapes retaining walls are engineered to be installed simply and efficiently, so you might be tempted to handle the project yourself. However, enlisting the expertise of a local professional engineer can make a significant difference. We'll explore the key reasons why hiring an engineer for your retaining wall project is a wise investment, ensuring a durable, secure, and attractive retaining wall that will stand the test of time.
The Base Course
Short on time? Here are this article’s key takeaways…
Retaining and landscaping (garden) walls are installed differently and are called upon to perform very different roles.
A local wall design engineer can offer you site-specific knowledge, relationships with key players, and familiarity with prospective solutions.
The cost of a wall design varies significantly based on many factors, including the size of the wall, the number of tiers, nearby utilities, the presence of water, and more.
While the Rosetta Hardscapes civil engineering team does not provide wall designs, it does offer Rosetta-specific design resources, feasibility assessments, and general project consulting.
When should you absolutely involve an engineer in your wall design?
There are many instances when it’s wise to hire an engineer for your retaining wall project, but four specific scenarios should absolutely trigger the involvement of an engineer. These scenarios are:
- Any wall 4 ft (1.21 m) high or taller
- Any wall with load surcharges (streets, parking areas, etc.) or offering structural support
- Any wall where water is present in front of or behind the wall
- Any walls with slopes above the wall, below the wall, or both
Why should you consider hiring a local wall design engineer for your retaining wall project?
From assessing site-specific requirements to designing a structure that adheres to building codes and regulations, an engineer brings a level of experience and knowledge that can prevent costly mistakes and ensure the overall safety of your project. Securing the services of a local engineer also offers the benefits of:
Site-Specific Knowledge. An experienced local engineer will understand your area’s soil types and how they behave, groundwater, wind loads, seismic activity, and other considerations that may demand specialized design requirements.
Relationships. Your local engineer has experience and understands local permitting processes. This can help avoid unforeseen circumstances that may slow down or halt your project, simplify things, and keep it on schedule.
Product Understanding. An engineer should be familiar with various product offerings and their benefits to tailor your project to your specific needs.
Project Insurance. Your project is a long-term investment, so you want to make sure that it lasts as long as possible. Hiring a professional engineer may seem like an additional cost, but in most cases, it’s a fraction of the project's total cost. The benefit is that the engineer provides you with security for this long-term investment. In some cases, the cost of rebuilding a project can be 3 to 4 times more than the initial cost of the project.
What is the difference between retaining and landscape (garden) walls?
As you prepare for your retaining wall project, it’s important to understand the nuances of wall terminology. This includes the differences between a “retaining wall” and a “landscape (garden) wall.”
A retaining wall is typically taller – 3 ft (0.91 m) or more – than a landscape (garden) wall. Most importantly, retaining walls are used to anchor significant volumes of soil in place, assisting in reducing the grade of hills or slopes. Unlike landscape (garden) walls, retaining walls usually require engineering involvement and may trigger approval from a local government authority through permits. The International Building Code (IBC) requires engineering design for any retaining wall 4 ft (1.21 m) or taller retaining soil and any retaining wall 2 ft (0.60 m) or greater retaining lateral loads (like buildings, streets, parking, etc.) in addition to soil.
In addition to being shorter in height, landscape (garden) walls are not designed to support structures, including the weight and pressure of heavy, packed earth. Landscape (garden) walls are utilized primarily for decorative purposes like delineating patios, creating planting beds, or hosting seating surfaces. Landscape (garden) walls typically do not require permits and can often be safely installed by an experienced contractor without the involvement of an engineer.
How much does a wall design cost?
The short and most accurate answer is: it depends. Every project is different because of the size, type, complexity, and location of a retaining wall.
A very rough current estimate for the design of a basic retaining wall is $1 per sq ft. This would be for a simple wall design at a straightforward site with no real complications. As a project becomes more involved due to a larger wall, multiple tiers, adjacent utilities, etc., you can expect the price per square foot to creep into the $3 - $4 range or higher. Keep in mind that these are just projections. Ultimately, you’ll receive the most accurate wall design estimate by talking with a local engineer.
How can Rosetta Hardscapes help with your retaining wall design?
Rosetta has a team of civil engineers and technical experts ready to assist in getting your project off the ground. This includes:
Rosetta-Specific Design Resources. Our website has a comprehensive list of resources that can help you get an idea of the types of options Rosetta Hardscapes offers for your project. Our engineers can also help determine what Rosetta solution is the best for your project. In some cases, our products aren’t the right fit, and we won’t hesitate to tell you if this is the case.
Feasibility Assessments. Before you get too far, you should know if your project vision is achievable. Given enough information, our team can evaluate your project and offer a fact-based recommendation.
Project Consulting. No construction project ever proceeds exactly as planned. We can assist you and your team in answering specific questions that may help avoid hiccups your project might experience.
While our team is hands-on and responsive, offering many years of retaining wall experience, we’re not structured to provide site-specific wall designs, plans, or calculations. Our engineers are simply not set up to perform this level of design work, and the volume of projects we consult wouldn’t allow for the completion of design while keeping your project on schedule.
Hiring a wall design engineer for your retaining wall project is crucial to ensuring a safe, durable, and compliant structure. An engineer’s expertise in soil analysis, design precision, and adherence to local building codes provides a solid foundation that DIY efforts or general contractors may lack. By investing in professional engineering support, you not only enhance the longevity and stability of your retaining wall but also mitigate potential risks and future costs. Ultimately, a wall design engineer’s involvement is a proactive measure that delivers peace of mind, knowing that your project is in capable hands.
In the meantime, if you have a basic idea of your site’s soil type, estimated wall height, and anticipated load conditions, we can provide a rough idea of the various wall options you might consider. Use our Preliminary Wall Section resources to evaluate the feasibility of your wall.