Design decision
Why this idea works
A landing cut and held into a grade with a low retaining edge gives you a level, usable spot exactly where the yard drops, whether for a bench, a gate, or a pause on a path. The low edge holds the fill neatly so the landing stays flat and the ground below stays put, resolving the grade with a light touch.
- The tradeoff
- The layout sets a clear direction, but it also commits the project to fixed relationships. Size the retaining edge and its drainage for the height it holds.
- How to measure it
- Conceptual range: the level landing plus a separately measured retaining edge.
On your property
Plan it for your site
Keep the landing a simple, level surface and let the retaining edge do the structural work quietly. Detail the wall and its drainage so water does not build behind it, and keep the landing draining off its edge.
- Size the retaining edge and footing for the soil height it holds.
- Drain behind the wall so water pressure does not build.
- Keep the landing level and draining off its edge.
Before forms are set
Build implications
- Confirm before estimating A retaining edge sized for the retained height.
- Confirm before estimating Drainage behind the wall.
- Confirm before estimating A level, draining landing.
- Measure the site and establish elevations Record boundaries, thresholds, grade changes, utilities, and the dimensions of vehicles, furniture, equipment, or structures that affect the layout.
- Test how the space will be used Check walking routes, turning paths, door swings, working clearances, maintenance access, and the route back to the house or street.
- Resolve drainage, services, and structural support Decide where water goes and coordinate drains, conduit, irrigation, fuel, electrical work, footings, and independent supports before forms are set.
- Define and estimate each concrete element Confirm the slab or footing section, base, joints, edges, and finish, then estimate simple measurable fields separately from steps, walls, drains, and supported features.
Prevent these problems
- Calling a retaining element decorativeA wall or planter that holds soil or water needs support, reinforcement, drainage, and often professional review.
- Hiding runoff with plantingA rain garden, swale, or planted edge must receive water intentionally and have a safe overflow route.
- Choosing the finish before defining the jobSeat walls, planters, edging, terraces, and retaining walls may look related but carry very different loads and details.
Next step
Turn the idea into your estimate
Enter measurements from the property. The conceptual image does not provide a takeoff.
Estimate a similar concrete featureQuestions this idea raises
When does a landing need a retaining edge?
When it is cut into a slope and needs to hold back fill to stay level, a low retaining edge resolves the grade. Its height and drainage set how it is built.
Why drain behind a retaining edge?
Water building up behind it adds pressure that can push it out over time, so drainage relieves that load. It is a standard detail even for low edges.
- Best when
- Terraces & grade transitions
- Reconsider when
- Reconsider the idea if retained soil or water, footing and reinforcement needs, drainage, and long-term access cannot be resolved on the property.
- Verify first
- Size the retaining edge and its drainage for the height it holds.
- Professional input
- Landscape or concrete contractor; engineer for retaining or structurally loaded work
Sources and further reading
- American Concrete InstituteTechnical context for seat walls, planters, and small structural concrete elements.
- EPA: Types of Green InfrastructureContext for rain gardens, planted swales, and water-aware transitions beside concrete.
- NRMCA CIP 6: Joints in Concrete Slabs on GradeA starting point for jointing terraces, landings, and larger flat features.
