Retaining Walls: What Type Should You Build?

If your property has issues with erosion, steep inclines, unsteady banks, slopes or hillsides, you might be thinking about having some sort of retaining wall built. There are a variety of different materials out there that can be used to build retaining walls, from wood and concrete to boulders and blocks, but you shouldn’t be make a rash decision, nor should you let your landscape contractor or a home improvement store clerk talk you into a material that may not help with your dilemma.

To select the type of retaining wall, you should look first at the area and see how big the wall will need to be. For walls over three feet, you may need to get a permit and they might require specialized equipment. After this, take a look at your home and the yard surrounding it. A formal setting might be more suited for a block wall, while a wooden wall gives off a more informal environment, but can have planting beds placed on top of it. If your home as a country or lake setting, a boulder retaining wall might be one of the better choices.

No matter what type you decided to build, contact a professional retaining wall construction company like Gary Anderson Landscaping, a retaining wall construction company in Minneapolis, to help you tackle the project.

Retaining Walls: Suggestions & Tips

There are times when installing a retaining wall is necessary to help your garden or backyard. Many homes are constructed on sloped-ground lots and while it’s built level, the yard still may need some work. Some homeowners out there have found success building retaining walls with pavers to create a terrace or play area for the kids. These walls will help in achieving this, and the hardscapes will only add to the beauty of your home and landscaping. A retaining wall should be able to hold the weight of the ground behind it, while also allowing for damage. There are decorative applications that can be applied to help bring character to the home or garden.

The first step in designing and building your wall is to figure out the condition of the location, and check for the following:

• Water drainage
• Soil condition
• Grade

These will factor in how the wall is built, so be prepared to have ready a drawing or sketch of the design you want. Having lot blueprints and pictures from different angles can help you to choose the best product.

When designing the wall, first calculate the height and width, and figure out of the size will necessitate terraces. The retaining wall construction company you work with should be able to help you pick out the pattern of the paving stones that you want.

Finally, when the wall is built, make sure it is on the lowest part of your property. This may require a trench in order to get the gravel base installed to the right depth, and this will be your leveling medium to ensure the wall is secure.