Building a Curved Brick Retaining Wall in Larkfield
I’ve been out in Larkfield this week tackling a project that really proves how much a bit of masonry can transform a garden.
John Power
Before and After
Please drag the slider to see before and after photos.
We’re putting in a curved retaining wall. While curves take a bit more patience than straight lines, the final look is always worth the extra effort.
Here’s the breakdown of how we built it and why we made specific choices for this site.
The Build: Double Brick Strength
Since this wall has a big job to do, holding back the weight of a future patio, we didn’t take any shortcuts.
Double Brick Wide: This isn't just for looks. This provides the mass needed to resist the pressure of the soil behind it.
The Curve: Instead of a harsh, straight line, the curve softens the edge of the garden. To get this right, we use a guide to ensure the sweep of the wall stays consistent as we lay each course.
The Finish: We topped it off with a brick-on-edge finish. This means the bricks on the very top row are turned upright. It creates a neat, durable cap that protects the rest of the brickwork from the rain.
Why a Curved Wall?
Straight walls are functional, but curves add a custom, high-end feel to a property. It guides the eye around the garden and makes the future patio area feel deliberate rather than just a flat slab of stone.
It’s been a rewarding build, and I’m looking forward to seeing the homeowners pick out their paving slabs to match the new brickwork!