If you have ever looked at a sloped piece of land and wondered how to make it usable, you may have considered building a retaining wall. In this blog post, we will discuss what retaining walls are, why you need one, and some tips for choosing the right wall for your needs.
Retaining walls are structures built to hold back soil and/or rock from a slope. They are used to prevent soil erosion and to keep slopes in check. Retaining walls can be made from a variety of materials, including: concrete, masonry, stone, timber, or steel.
If you have a slope on your property that you need to control, then you will need a retaining wall. Without one, the soil will erode and the slope will become unstable. This can be dangerous, as the slope may collapse or give way. A retaining wall will help to stabilize the slope and prevent any accidents or damage.
There are a few different types of retaining walls that you can choose from, depending on your needs and budget. The most common type of retaining wall and the one Native Design uses is the gravity wall, which relies on its own weight to hold the soil in place. A second type of wall is the cantilever wall, which uses a horizontal beam to support the weight. Finally, there are anchored walls, which use cables or rods to secure the wall in place.
When choosing a retaining wall, it is important to consider the purpose of the wall and the amount of weight that it will need to support. Gravity walls are typically used for smaller projects such as backyard landscapes, while cantilever and anchored walls are better suited for larger commercial and industrial projects. The material that you choose for your retaining wall is also important. Common materials include concrete, stone, and wood. Each type of material has its own benefits and drawbacks, so be sure to do your research or consult with a professional before making a final decision.
At Native Design & Hardscape we strive to provide the highest quality retaining walls, seating walls and steps for all elevation changes. We use only the best products, with installation by well-trained, dedicated employees. At Native, we have the hardscape design and installation experience and dedication to excellence that can make all the difference to you ~ the homeowner.
⁃ When building a retaining wall there are several different material options to choose from. The primary materials used are: wood, concrete (poured and segmental), natural stone, and cement block(CMU). For this article we will stick to the 3 we construct; primarily for longevity and affordability.
1. Boulder
2. Segmental
3. CMU
All three wall options provide a long lasting cost effective solution for soil retention and aesthetic appeal.
Boulder Walls - By far the king when it comes to aesthetics in a natural setting. Boulder walls can take a harsh hillside and be built to look as if the wall had been there for a millennia. The versatility you can create in dimension and curvature surpasses any man made option. Boulders also lend themselves well to a pool setting. You can create a natural water fall into the pool or coming from the spa. The stones also tend to look better with age as the sun and rain continue to evolve the material.
Retaining walls are a low maintenance, long-lasting solution to your landscaping and hardscaping needs. We build our retaining walls from high quality materials that functionally shape your land and bring beauty to your outdoor space. They are a great means of increasing your property value too!
If you are considering building a retaining wall on your property, be sure to consult with a professional landscaper or engineer first. They will be able to help you determine the best type of wall for your needs and make sure that it is built to last. Thanks for reading! We hope this blog post has been helpful.
If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. We would love to hear from you!