There is an array of styles, options and uses when it comes to incorporating a retaining wall into your landscaping design. Simply put, a retaining wall is a structure that holds back material and prevents it from sliding or eroding away. They are constructed to resist the pressure formed by the material and keep it contained.
What style of a retaining wall is right for your landscaping design? Check out these five retaining wall options for your property!
1. Terraced Retaining Walls
If your yard has steep slopes, which make it hard to plant or build structures on, a terraced retaining wall is a perfect option. The installation of terraced walls relies on the width of the construction and they are created by using an internal tie system, which braces the walls and locks them into position.
Creative ways to utilize a terraced retaining wall include building raised flowerbeds or a small outdoor pond.
2. Concrete Retaining Walls
These types of retaining walls create support for vertically slanting slopes and are a great addition to gardens and outdoor landscaping. They need a good base depth in order to have a proper foundation that will offer solidity and resilience over time.
Concrete retaining walls are not susceptible to climate-induced weathering, which makes them a classic option that homeowners fall back on repeatedly.
3. Rock Retaining Walls
Rock retaining walls are a great choice for adding a leveled flowerbed into your garden. This construction is made with rocks and stones that allow space between them during the build process. The spaces are then filled in with soil and packed tightly.
Adding plants into the soil between the rocks will strengthen the construction as the roots grow. The plants also help prevent soil erosion and loosening. When building a rock retaining wall, your landscaping professional should be aware of the surrounding land and use stones and rocks that complement the landscape.
4. Block Retaining Walls
Whether you choose a modular or segmented retaining wall, these types of constructions are created with interlocking concrete units. Similar to gravity retaining walls, block retaining walls use the force of gravity to defend against overturning and sliding. Block retaining walls prevent hydrostatic pressure. Choose this option for enclosing an area in your garden.
5. Cinder Block Retaining Wall
While cinder blocks are not a very attractive option, they are strong and can be customized to your liking, post-construction. The construction includes steel bars embedded into concrete, which run up through the hollow cinder blocks. They are stacked on top of each other by using mortar and a trowel. Steel rods ensure the build is uniform and strong.
Cinder block retaining walls can be used to create walls in your landscaping design, as well as garden areas. To add more to the aesthetics, facades of stone or brick can be added at the end.
Always Use a Professional for Installation
Retaining walls require expert knowledge from a structural engineer to ensure your design is secure and stable. They do not make the perfect DIY project, so contact Three Seasons at 941-748-4613 to give you an estimate and provide experienced retaining wall services.
Retaining walls should be long-lasting, beneficial, and beautiful structures for your property. An expert structural engineer is imperative to make that happen!
