Floor Screed

A good retaining wall keeps your garden steady and stops soil from creeping out of place after heavy rain. When you build concrete retaining walls, you get a stronger, longer-lasting structure that can handle pressure and weather with less hassle. GOV.UK [1] says you usually don’t need planning permission for garden walls under one metre high, or under two metres if they're not near a highway. That's why many homeowners build them to level a slope or tidy up a tricky corner.

Most problems start with shallow footings or poor drainage. Walls lean, crack, or shift because the ground and water around them were not adequately managed at the start. This guide keeps things simple. You will learn how to plan the wall, prepare a solid base, manage drainage, and pour ready mix concrete in clear, DIY-friendly steps.

Plan Your Retaining Wall Once & Build It with Confidence

Start with location. Pick a line where water can drain away, not one that sits behind the wall. Avoid building too close to sheds, fences or boundaries and check local guidance if you are unsure about height or placement.

Then decide how high the wall needs to be and what it is holding back. A short wall for a raised bed is a very different job from one keeping a whole bank in place. As height increases, the pressure behind the wall rises as well. So, keep DIY projects small, and call a pro for anything large or load-bearing. The Building Regulations [2] state that retaining walls over 1.2 metres high often need structural calculations. This is to ensure they can withstand lateral earth pressure safely.

Finally, look at the soil. Clay moves as it gets wet and dries. Sandy or loose soils can wash out if not well compacted. Knowing what you are standing on helps you choose footing depth and drainage that will keep the wall stable.

Get Your Concrete, Kit & Tools Ready Before You Dig

Ready mix concrete is the easiest way to get a strong, consistent wall. Proportions are controlled at the plant, so you can focus on the build rather than guessing ratios. If you want to see how different mixes are used for structural work, this guide is useful.

You will also need:

• Steel bars or mesh to reinforce the wall
• Type 1 or MOT base material for the footing
• Clean gravel and a perforated drainpipe for water runoff
• Landscape fabric to stop soil from working its way through

Keep tools simple and practical. A spade, tamper, level, wheelbarrow, formwork boards and basic PPE will handle most small walls. If you are new to this kind of project, our DIY concrete page has straightforward advice for first-timers.

Simple DIY Steps to Build a Concrete Retaining Wall

Step 1: Excavate a Level Base Trench that Will Not Move

Mark out the line of the wall and dig a trench wide enough for the footing and formwork. The trench should be deep enough to sit below the topsoil and give the wall a firm seat. Compact the bottom of the trench and add a layer of Type 1 base, keeping it level from end to end.

Check your levels as you go. Take your time here, and the rest of the build will be easier.

Step 2: Add Drainage & Gravel so Water Has Somewhere to Go

Lay landscape fabric along the back of the trench and place a perforated drain pipe at the lowest point. Cover it with clean gravel so water has a clear route away from the wall. This reduces the pressure that can build up behind concrete. Proper drainage is essential because saturated soil increases pressure on retaining structures. This follows principles outlined in the GOV.UK guidance on managing surface water [3].

Think of the pipe and gravel as the safety valve for your wall.

Step 3: Set Your Formwork & Steel to Shape a Strong Wall

Fix timber formwork along the trench to define the wall's shape and height. Brace it so it will not move once the concrete goes in. Place steel bars or mesh inside the form, raised slightly on small spacers so it sits within the wall, not on the soil.

Check that the steel runs where the greatest pressure will be, near the back of the wall.

Step 4: Pour Ready Mix Concrete for A Clean, Solid Wall

Book your concrete delivery for a time when the forms and reinforcement are ready. Pour the ready mix in stages and use a shovel or rod to work it into corners and around the steel.

Tap the formwork to bring air bubbles to the surface and level the top with a straight edge so the wall has a clean finish.

Step 5: Let the Wall Cure, Then Backfill & Finish the Ground

Let the concrete cure according to the guidance for your chosen mix. Keep it shaded from intense sun and protected from heavy rain in the early stages. When it is firm, remove the formwork and check for any apparent defects. Backfill with gravel behind the wall and compact soil above in layers so the ground supports rather than strains the concrete.

Give the wall time to gain strength before loading it with heavy features or deep beds.

Keep Your Wall Steady, Keep Your Garden Sorted

A well-built concrete retaining wall holds back soil, levels uneven ground, and stays firm through winter weather. Plan the line, footing and height carefully, and your retaining wall becomes a stable framework for terraces, lawns and beds that will work with your garden for seasons. Using ready mix concrete also means you can pour the wall in one organised run, rather than stopping to mix by hand, and a simple volume calculator helps you size the order so you avoid both waste and shortfalls.

Wright Readymix delivers ready mix concrete across the South West, with mixes suited to small DIY jobs and larger landscaping projects. Our team can guide you on the right strength, help you estimate volumes using our concrete volume calculator, and arrange delivery that works around your schedule.

Call 0117 958 2090, or get in touch to talk through your retaining wall project and book the concrete you need.

External Sources

[1] https://www.gov.uk/planning-permission-england-wales

[2] https://www.gov.uk/building-regulations-approval

[3] https://www.gov.uk/guidance/flood-risk-and-coastal-change

Every construction project begins with one key question: which material delivers the best results? Across the South West and South Wales, that choice often comes down to concrete vs steel. Both have played a key role in the UK’s built environment for decades. Each offers unique strengths that influence cost, performance, and sustainability.

Concrete provides high compressive strength and strong thermal efficiency, creating stable, energy-efficient buildings. Steel provides strong tensile strength and precise design. This makes it perfect for long-span and high-rise structures. The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) states that much of today’s infrastructure relies on reinforced concrete. This combination of both materials balances flexibility and durability. However, concrete’s affordability, local sourcing, and long lifespan make it the most practical option for most UK builds.

We offer ready-mix concrete that meets British Standards (BS 8500-2) and deliver it quickly throughout the region.

How Do Concrete & Steel Compare in Construction?

ICE identifies strength and behaviour under load as the main difference between concrete and steel. Concrete excels when compressed, so it’s perfect for footings, walls, and load-bearing slabs. Steel excels in tension, resisting bending or stretching. This is an excellent advantage for high-rise buildings and long-span structures such as bridges.

When used together in reinforced concrete, the materials complement one another. The steel absorbs tensile forces, while the concrete distributes compressive loads. This creates a strong and balanced structure that works well for many commercial and home projects in the UK.

Concrete provides substantial thermal performance benefits. It helps keep indoor temperatures stable and lowers heating demand. The Building Research Establishment (BRE) explains that concrete’s thermal mass can help lessen peak energy loads. It does this by absorbing heat and slowly releasing it. This process boosts comfort and efficiency in buildings. Steel can achieve similar results but often requires added insulation to match concrete’s performance.

To enhance supply and speed up delivery, we operate various regional plants. These plants are set up for fast batching and local delivery, and you can learn more via our concrete plants page.

What Costs More to Build With Concrete or Steel?

For most UK projects, concrete continues to offer greater cost stability than steel. Data from the House of Commons shows that steel prices are more volatile. Its price is influenced by energy costs and global supply chains, hence the need for the government’s steel strategy. Concrete, on the other hand, is primarily produced and sourced locally. This helps maintain predictable pricing and availability.

Steel structures help shorten construction time through prefabrication. However, the increased costs of fabrication and transport can eat into those savings. Concrete is affordable, available, and easy to place. This makes it the top choice for home and business projects in the South West.

Key advantages of concrete for cost control:

• Concrete is sourced locally, reducing transport costs and environmental impact.
• Each mix is precision-batched to minimise waste and improve efficiency.
• LGW's regional plants support reliable delivery schedules.

As part of The LGW Group, we offer consistent pricing and dependable supply across the South West. Our team also provides concrete pumping services. These help streamline on-site delivery and reduce labour costs by enabling faster, cleaner pours.

Why Concrete Leads in Sustainability & Longevity

The key difference in sustainability between concrete and steel lies in how they perform throughout their lifecycles. Steel is fully recyclable, but its production is energy-intensive, requiring temperatures of over 1,500°C. Concrete can use recycled aggregates and low-carbon cement substitutes. This helps reduce embodied carbon while still maintaining strong performance.

The UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) says the construction sector needs to cut whole-life emissions. This can be achieved by improving material efficiency and reducing transport miles. We help achieve this goal by using local batching and delivery. This reduces haulage distances and lowers fuel use across the South West.

Sustainable advantages of concrete include:

• Using locally sourced materials reduces transport emissions.
• High thermal efficiency reduces operational energy use.
• Long service life with minimal maintenance.

Concrete’s durability also supports sustainability by extending the lifespan of structures. The Building Research Establishment (BRE) says reinforced concrete can last over 100 years. That is, if it is mixed and properly looked after. In coastal or humid areas, steel parts usually need protective coatings or galvanising to avoid corrosion. Maintenance concrete often skips this step.

This long-term resilience plays a key role in the UK’s Net Zero Strategy. It focuses on using low-maintenance, low-emission building materials for sustainable construction.

Top 3 Reasons Concrete Is Still the Core of Modern Construction

Steel is key to structural engineering, yet concrete remains the foundation of most construction in the UK. Its performance, versatility, and local availability make it a reliable choice for all types of projects. This includes everything from small home extensions to large commercial developments.

1. Versatility for Every Project

Concrete can be poured, shaped, and finished to meet almost any specification. It supports decorative architectural work, large-scale structural elements, and even polished interiors. We supply liquid screed for smooth and efficient flooring. It meets current performance standards.

2. Long-Term Durability

Concrete resists fire, weather, and corrosion, maintaining its structural integrity for decades. High-density concrete is a preferred material for safety and longevity in UK building standards. For domestic use, we provide tailored mixes for driveways and shed bases to ensure reliable strength and finish.

3. Cost Stability & Efficiency

Concrete remains a stable option for costs. This is thanks to its local sourcing and efficient production methods. We provide accurate batching and flexible delivery from various regional plants. This helps contractors reduce waste and stay on track. Materials like bulk bag aggregates and gravels enhance on-site efficiency and aid in resource planning.

Concrete is versatile, resilient, and affordable. These qualities make it a top choice for builders, developers, and homeowners in the South West. This approach supports lasting value and sustainable growth in the region.

Your Project Deserves Concrete Confidence

In the concrete vs steel debate, both materials remain vital to construction. However, concrete offers the best balance of strength, cost stability, and sustainability. Its flexibility and local sourcing make it a reliable choice for both small foundations and large commercial builds.

Choosing Wright Readymix means working with a trusted regional supplier backed by The LGW Group. Every batch meets British Standards (BS 8500-2) and is delivered with precision to projects across the South West. Explore our testimonials and news pages for feedback and expert guides like the complete guide to concrete footings.

Call 0117 958 2090, or contact our concrete specialists today to ensure your mix meets specification, schedule, and budget.