Retaining Wall Ideas for Your Garden Paradise

A retaining wall is a landscaping element that helps beautify our yards regardless of the terrain. Your property may not be suitable for your landscaping needs.

Retaining walls can help flatten areas and create beautiful beds and terraces. They are also effective in promoting good drainage on hilly landscapes and preventing soil erosion.

A retaining wall holds soil in place and prevents erosion. It is typically built on a slope where the change in elevation is too steep to prevent erosion on its own.

Retaining walls are commonly found in various locations such as parks, city centers, sports arenas, and personal yards. They serve two primary functions: leveling sloped land and preventing soil erosion.

A retaining wall is essential for terraced landscaping, sunken patios, and creating flat areas on hillside landscapes.

When choosing materials for building retaining walls, there are several options to consider. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to carefully evaluate which one would work best for your needs.

One popular choice is a wall block retaining wall.

Retaining wall blocks are specifically designed for creating small to mid-sized retaining walls. There are two types of blocks: residential and structural.

Residential blocks are intended for use in home landscapes, and manufacturers offer them in various colors and sizes to accommodate different landscaping styles. However, if you need to build retaining walls taller than 3-4 feet, it’s advisable to use structural retaining wall blocks instead of residential ones.

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Concrete blocks are a cost-effective option for retaining wall construction. However, they are not very attractive. Many people choose to use concrete blocks for the structure of the wall and add a layer of stone for decoration.

Alternatively, some use concrete blocks as the facing material. Interlocking concrete blocks can create a stable retaining wall.

Many people love the look and style of natural stone retaining walls. If you like this look and have no budget constraints, consider using limestone, sandstone, granite, or fieldstone for your retaining wall.

Another cost-effective option is wood. While not as durable as stone or concrete blocks, wood provides a natural look that many prefer. It works well in garden areas for raised beds. There are several wood options to consider, including cedar, redwood, pressure treated lumber, and Douglas fir.

Railroad ties were used in the past but should be avoided due to their toxic chemicals leaching into the soil.

Sheet pile walls are primarily used for construction, not residential purposes, to support backfill material during the construction process. These walls are constructed using thin steel material formed into interlocking sheet piles, which are driven into the ground and arranged vertically.

Bricks make attractive retaining walls, but a single layer is insufficient. To ensure durability, construct a block core wall or use bricks as a facing on another material, like concrete blocks.

Poured concrete is a cost-effective choice that requires skill for proper execution. Risks include cracking and bulging. Inaccurate concrete formulation or inadequate drainage can cause wall cracks that are difficult to fix.

Similarly, inaccurate forms can lead to bulging and diminish aesthetic appeal.

The total cost of a retaining wall depends on the materials and labor. Costs include both materials and professional installation. Below are the costs per square foot from HomeGuide:

– Wall block: $15-$55

– Concrete block: $20-$35

– Natural stone: $20-$85

– Wood: $10-$40

– Metal: $15-$30

– Brick: $30-$60

– Poured concrete: $20-$45

Checklist Before You Begin Digging:

1. Decide on your landscaping needs to determine the best location for your retaining wall and the most efficient use of space.

Next, decide on your preferred style to determine the materials for your wall. For an English cottage style, opt for natural stone or brick. For a contemporary look, consider poured concrete or metal sheeting.

Additionally, research your local building codes as they differ between states and towns. These codes will indicate the maximum height allowed for a retaining wall without a building permit. If you exceed that height, consult a structural engineer for assistance with planning.

Contact your utility companies to check if there are gas lines, cable lines, water pipes, or any other infrastructure running through the area where you plan to build a retaining wall. If there are, determine their location and either work around them or request the companies to relocate them.

Consider potential water issues as you plan the location of your retaining wall. Ensure proper drainage during heavy rainfall.

Building a retaining wall is a DIY project. This section provides an overview of the materials needed and steps to follow. If you need help determining the amount of building materials required, online calculators are available.

Tools and Materials Needed for Building Retaining Walls:

– Safety glasses

– Shovel

– Circular saw with a masonry blade

– Masonry chisel

– String

– Stakes

– Rubber mallet

– Level

– Interlocking blocks

– Landscape fabric

– Gravel

– Construction adhesive

– Paver base

First Step:

Once you have planned the height and layout of your retaining wall, you can begin building. First, measure and mark the location of your retaining wall with stakes and string. Keep in mind that if your retaining wall is over four feet high, a structural engineer’s assistance and a permit may be necessary.

Next, dig a trench for the bottom row of wall blocks. The depth of the trench depends on the height of your wall and is crucial for a stable foundation. Before proceeding, use a hand tamper to compact and level the dirt at the bottom of the trench, as this will impact the wall’s stability later.

Now that you have completed the initial steps, it’s time to move on to the next step in building your retaining wall.

Next, spread a 4-6 inch layer of gravel into the trench and tamp it down to prevent shifting. Sprinkle sand over the gravel. Now, you can lay the first course of blocks.

For the first row, lay and level the first block. Ensure that each subsequent block is level with the first block, both front and back and side to side. Use a rubber mallet to adjust any areas that aren’t level.

Then, check the overall level by placing a long board over the wall blocks.

Third Step:

Once you finish leveling the first row and brushing off the dirt, start the second course. Use a circular saw or masonry chisel to cut the first block of the next course in half and stagger the seams for each row. Lay the row of the second course while checking the level.

Lay the subsequent rows, varying the seam and checking the level with each block. Use a rubber mallet to adjust the four corners of each block.

After completing the second course, lay landscape fabric behind the wall, leaving enough excess to reach the top of the wall blocks.

Fourth Step:

When constructing a wall, it’s important to use backfill material behind each row. Gravel is the most inexpensive option for this purpose. Begin by packing gravel into the back and crevices of each block.

Ensure that the backfill material is compacted and the top of each layer is clean before moving on to the next course.

While gravel is sufficient for drainage in a low retaining wall, higher walls require more extensive drainage. If your wall is over four feet high or if the area has significant water, consider adding drainage pipes that extend along or beneath the wall blocks.

Next, we move on to the fifth step.

For the last two rows of your retaining wall, follow the procedure and use masonry adhesive to connect each block to the one below it. For the top row, you can use regular retaining wall blocks or capping stones for a more formal look.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

What is the strongest type of retaining wall?

Concrete, stone, and brick retaining walls are the strongest types and can last 50 to 100 years. In contrast, wood retaining walls only last up to 40 years.

What type of retaining wall should I use?

The type of retaining wall depends on your desired look, budget, and wall size. For a traditional or classic appearance, use brick or stone, which have been used for centuries and seamlessly fit into a classic garden. To blend with the natural surroundings, consider wood or natural stone.

For a contemporary look, choose poured concrete or metal. If budget is a concern, opt for inexpensive options like concrete block or metal. For taller walls, use strong materials like interlocking concrete blocks, structural wall blocks, or poured concrete.

There is no maximum specified for retaining walls, but you cannot build a retaining wall over four feet without a building permit and structural support.

The most cost effective retaining walls are made of concrete blocks or metal sheeting.

Retaining walls can hold an incredible amount of weight. A four foot wall held together by gravity alone can hold around 20 tons. However, walls built with strong materials and structural reinforcement can hold even more.

Retaining walls are a vital part of home landscaping, serving both a practical and aesthetic function. They can be used to construct raised gardens, add depth to sloped yards with terraced beds, and define outdoor patios with surrounding plant areas. Before starting, go through a checklist to avoid future surprises.

Remember, retaining walls have a long lifespan, so plan accordingly.