Different Retaining Wall Styles
A retaining wall might be built for several different reasons. You can build this structure to add extra stability to your property. This is designed to hold soil back and prevent it from sliding or eroding. Apart from this, retaining walls can boost your property’s privacy and overall value.
No matter what your reasons are, a retaining wall is guaranteed to be an excellent investment. You incorporate this hardscape element in numerous ways. What style of retaining wall is right for your landscaping design? Check out the different retaining wall styles:
Concrete Retaining Walls
Known for their strength and affordability, concrete retaining walls are great for gardens and outdoor landscaping. They help control erosion and support vertically slanting slopes. Another benefit of concrete retaining walls is their durability and weather resistance. It could last for years to come without the need for costly repairs.
As for aesthetics, poured concrete retaining walls are available in a variety of colors and textures. You can customize its design depending on your preference.
Concrete stands out against other retaining wall materials because of the following reasons:
- Reasonably priced as compared with rocks or boulders
- Applicable for both residential and commercial properties
- Less labor-extensive than other materials
- Highly flexible in terms of design
- Easy to clean and maintain
Terraced Retaining Walls
Want to build raised flower beds but you don’t have enough space? Terraced retaining walls are the solution. This is simply a retaining wall divided into sections over a steep slope. With this design, terracing breaks the slope into several flat surfaces. This eliminates erosion hazards and turns your landscape into something more appealing.
In addition, terraced walls allow you to create planting pockets of different sizes. You can now grow plants without using pots. This landscaping technique introduces more green space and an attractive façade for your yard.
The best part of terraced retaining walls is their environmental impact. When installed properly, this can help minimize the heat island effect. Consult with your local landscaper to discuss your project.
Rock Retaining Walls
Large boulders are not soil erosion, which makes them good material for retaining walls. Rock retaining walls are built using the dry stacking method. This technique does not require mortar between the stones for better water drainage.
Building a rock retaining wall is a time-consuming project. You should have significant experience, craftsmanship, and expertise to ensure the boulders will bond with one another. The wall will not collapse as long as there’s proper drainage.
To achieve a more natural look, you can add a leveled flower bed between the rocks. The gaps can be filled in with soil and packed with cascading plants.
Before you work on this project, check with your local building authority for building codes and permit requirements. This will ensure you’re not damaging the utility lines under the ground.
Block Retaining Walls
One of the most popular styles of retaining walls is made of blocks or interlocking concrete units. What you need to do is stack up a bunch of blocks to achieve an attractive wall. Using the force of gravity, this hardscape prevents erosion and hydrostatic pressure.
Whether you install this in your front or backyard, a block retaining wall adds an architectural element to your landscape design. This way, you can make the most of your outdoor space. Aside from retaining walls, blocks are typically used for fire pits and decorative columns.
Cinder Block Retaining Wall
As the name suggests, this wall is made of cinder blocks. They are strong but lighter than the typical concrete blocks used in construction projects. For additional strength and durability, the retaining walls can be embedded with steel rods that run up through the hollow cinder blocks.
Most cinder blocks have standard dimensions and color, which means you won’t be able to customize them. Cinder block retaining walls are ideal in garden areas.
Contact Us for Retaining Wall Installation
Retaining walls need to be built properly to ensure stability. An expert landscaping company like Midstate Landscaping is here to bring your project to life. Our team provides hardscaping services, lawn care, mulching, and more. No matter what your vision is, we will make that happen!
Feel free to call us today to receive a free estimate. We look forward to working with you soon.