How to Choose an L-Shaped Retaining Wall: Which Height for Your Fill?

Short answer: Choose the L retaining wall height from the height of soil to be filled, then add the part buried below ground: 5-30 cm for 50-145 cm models and 30-50 cm for 180 cm models and above (soft soil needs deeper embedment). For example, for 1.5 m of fill use the 180 cm model, or move up to 215 cm in soft soil. CPS L walls range from 50 cm to 4.20 m high.

Height formula: fill + embedment

• Wall height to buy = fill height + part buried below the front ground level
• 50-145 cm models: embed 5-30 cm
• 180 cm models and above: embed 30-50 cm
• Soft soil needs deeper embedment; actual depth follows the installer's drawing and site soil (see the installation drawing on the product page)

Model table: approximate fill height

Fill = model height minus embedment · soft soil needs deeper embedment, so less fill

Examples

• 50 cm fill → 60 cm model (embed 5-10 cm)
• 90 cm fill → 100 cm model (embed 10 cm) · soft soil → 145 cm
• 1.2 m fill → 145 cm model (embed 25 cm)
• 1.5 m fill → 180 cm model (embed 30 cm) · soft soil → 215 cm
• 2 m fill → 250 cm model
• Fill above 2.5 m → 420 cm model (max. 4.20 m)

4 checks before ordering

1. Fill height, measured from the ground in front of the wall to the finished fill level
2. Wall length: units are 2 m long (50, 60 and 420 cm models are 1 m) to calculate the number of units
3. Site access for trucks and machinery: lifted by backhoe or crane with 2-3 workers
4. Future extension: models with Dowels are available (50-60 cm: 10 cm Dowel · 145-280 cm: 15 cm Dowel)

Installation steps

1. Excavate to the line and level in the drawing
2. Pour lean concrete to level the base
3. Lift and place the wall unit by unit, guiding the tongue-and-groove joints tightly together
4. Check line and level, then backfill and grade; ready to use immediately

Tongue-and-groove joints and weep holes are built in, except the 50-60 cm models have no tongue-and-groove.

FAQ

Which L wall model for 1.5 m of fill?

The 180 cm model (30 cm embedment). In soft soil, which needs deeper embedment, use the 215 cm model.

How deep must the wall be embedded?

50-145 cm models: 5-30 cm · 180 cm models and above: 30-50 cm. Soft soil needs deeper embedment.

What is the maximum L wall height?

The tallest model is 4.20 m, and every model can be ordered with Dowels to extend the wall higher.

How much does an L retaining wall cost?

It depends on model, quantity and delivery area. Send the fill height and wall length via LINE @ccp-pavingstone for a quotation.

Can I send site photos for advice?

Yes, send photos or videos via LINE @ccp-pavingstone.

What if machinery cannot access the site?

See Geo-block, which can be laid by hand (max. 2 m).

Further reading and orders

Products: L Wall · Retaining Wall Block - Large · Retaining Wall Block - Small · Geo-block

Related article: Precast retaining wall vs cast-in-place

Tel 061-403-4448, 088-088-1510 · LINE @ccp-pavingstone