Creating the Foundation for Outdoor Elegance
Retaining walls do more than hold back soil. They create structure, prevent erosion, and can add a touch of elegance to your outdoor space. Choosing the right retaining wall is crucial, as it impacts functionality and enhances your landscape’s aesthetic. Whether you're tackling a sloped yard, enhancing your garden's layout, or working on a large-scale project, this guide covers everything you need to make an informed choice.
Before selecting a retaining wall, it’s essential to evaluate the characteristics of your landscape. Using a universal solution won't be effective in this situation.
Different soil types react differently to pressure and moisture. Sandy soil requires walls with proper drainage to reduce collapse risks, while clay-heavy soil may call for stronger support. Proper drainage solutions, like perforated pipes or gravel backfills, should always be a consideration to prevent water buildup.
Is your yard flat with minor dips, or do you have a steep hill to tame? The degree of slope informs how tall and strong your wall should be. Taller walls often require professional engineering to handle ground pressure safely.
Your retaining wall can become a standout feature of your landscape. From modern minimalism to rustic charm, make sure the design aligns with your outdoor vision. Material, colour, and texture all play significant roles.
Different projects call for different wall designs. Here are the four primary types of retaining walls, with their pros and cons explained.
Block walls are the most sturdy variety of retaining wall you can build. And there is a wide variety of great looking options these days to choose from.
Best uses:
● Walls where structural integrity is key or where there is a lot of weight (a surcharge) above the wall.
● Taller or terraced retaining walls.
● Walls where you want to have options such as built-in lighting or waterfalls incorporated into the wall (see image above)
● Walls where a more formal contemporary look is desired.
● Walls where artistic form is crucial.
● Heavy soil loads are present in these areas
Advantages:
● Strongest wall product available.
● Many various options, looks and price points.
● Has the ability to install built-in lighting or waterfalls underneath the caps of these walls as nice additions.
Disadvantages:
● Has a more formal and contemporary look than rock or stone veneer walls. .
● Walls over 4 ft. require additional reinforcement and engineering, which can be very costly.
These are dry-stack walls built with either basalt wall rock or larger basalt boulders.
Best uses:
● Walls where a more natural look is important.
● Incorporating into yards that already contain natural rock landscape features.
Advantages:
● Slightly less expensive than Segmental Retaining Walls.
● More natural look.
● Great for shorter retaining walls.
Disadvantages:
● Not quite as strong as Segmental Retaining Walls.
● Blowouts can occur to some sections of taller rock walls but are rare and are usually simple to reconstruct when this occurs.
● Cannot install hardscape lights into this kind of wall.
Constructed from pressure-treated wood planks with posts driven into the ground
Best uses:
● DIY Projects
● To replace previous wood walls that have failed.
● When on a lower budget.
Advantages:
● Less expensive to build.
● Goes up more quickly than other wall options.
Disadvantages:
● Not as visually appealing as other options.
● Wood eventually rots and the wall will fail over time, creating the need to pay for another wall at some point in the future.
Most expensive but often best looking option for a retaining wall. These are built by first installing a wall using Concrete Masonry Units and then facing that wall with a stone veneer and stone caps.
Best uses:
● Walls where visual appeal is the biggest factor.
● In landscapes where other features (such as outdoor kitchen, columns, fire features, etc.) already have a stone veneer and you want to match that same product for the wall.
Advantages:
● Extremely visually appealing.
● Exceptional stability.
● Has the ability to install built-in lighting or waterfalls underneath the caps of these walls as nice additions.
Disadvantages:
● Most expensive variety of wall to build.
● Time-intensive setup.
Your decision will also depend on practical and personal factors.
Think beyond initial costs and consider long-term maintenance. For example, materials like stone or concrete may have a higher upfront price but last decades with minimal upkeep.
Your wall must withstand not only soil pressure but also weather extremes. Materials like concrete and stone are excellent for high-pressure requirements or areas with heavy rainfall.
Think of the wall as an extension of your outdoor vision. Materials like fancier and stone can offer unique textures and colours that enhance your space.
(Example of Segmental / Block Retaining Wall with staggered block, highly aesthetically pleasing)
While experienced DIYers might tackle smaller wooden or gravity walls, a more complex project often calls for professional expertise. Partnering with skilled retaining wall contractors, like Lewis Landscape Services, ensures a seamless installation process.
Regardless of the type of wall or material, proper installation and upkeep are critical.
● Ensure Proper Drainage: Poor drainage leads to erosion or groundwater pressure buildup that could destroy your wall. Add gravel backfill, fabric, or perforated pipes behind the wall.
● Use Best Practices for Backfilling: Place backfill in layers and compact each layer so that the wall stays stable.
● Schedule Inspections: Inspect yearly for cracks or leaning sections that may need reinforcement.
Although some smaller retaining walls are DIY-friendly, certain situations require professional expertise.
● The most expensive wall is the one you have to pay for twice - because you didn’t hire a contractor who fully understood how to build lasting walls.
● For any walls over 2’ tall or any wall if you’re not ready for several weekends of back-breaking work.
● Sites with challenging soil or steep slopes pose added risks.
● If the project requires an artistic or unique design.
Partnering with an experienced company like Lewis Landscape Services connects you with expert retaining wall contractors. They handle your project with precision, creating sturdy and visually stunning walls tailored to your landscape’s specific needs.
Choosing the right retaining wall goes beyond functionality. It’s an opportunity to enhance your outdoor space, prevent erosion, and boost your property value. Start by assessing your landscape’s needs, exploring materials, and understanding the various designs.
When you're ready to elevate your outdoor space, consider reaching out to Lewis Landscape. Their expert team provides reliable guidance, top-quality materials, and installation to bring your vision to life.
