Criblock walls are retaining walls usually manufactured from timber or concrete containers, with hollow open “cell” modules which are then filled with stones to create a structurally stable gravity retaining wall. There are many different types of crib retaining wall systems depending on the project requirements.

Crib walls are often used on projects where the aesthetics of the development matter. Timber crib walls have a natural appearance that easily blends into the surrounding environment.

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The environmental benefits also extend beyond the aesthetics of timber crib walls, as they can often be constructed to accommodate growing plants and flowers in the walls. In this way they can be made to enhance the environmnent in which they are placed, often incorporating other landscaping features, and blended into garden beds and planters. They are also free draining so do not need to include additional drainage channels.

Crib walls are often more cost effective to install, requiring less heavy machinery, and providing a flexible retaining walls system to accommodate curves, corners and slopes. Indeed, they can be constructed by hand providing the crib sections are not too large. This means crib walls can be an option for projects with limited space or accessibility for plant machinery and supplies. Due to these factors they are relatively easy to install, and much of the wall sections can be prefabricated off-site to be transported on-site as required.

Though there are many benefits to using crib wall retaining systems, there are a few drawbacks which may discount this method for certain projects. Timber crib walls are not as durable as some alternative retaining methods, and for some smaller short length walls, may not be economical. They also usually require a concrete base for installation, and are not well suited for rapidly varying base levels without a base wall foundation.