Support
Landscapers frequently slant retaining walls slightlytoward the earth they aim to enclose while building them. This is known as"step-back" construction, and it results in a muscular wall that"pushes back" against the soil pressure behind it.
- retaining walls are often built to control erosion.
- retaining walls can also be used as a decorative designelement in the landscape.
Retaining wall types
Retaining Walls come in many shapes and sizes, butthey all have one thing in common--they save space on your property byproviding an attractive way of holding back earth while adding definition toyour landscapes. Retaining walls are structures that hold or keep soil behindthem, so whatever you decide on for this purpose will depend on the locationand size of where you want it placed. Whether using concrete blocks, pouredconcrete, treated timbers, rocks, or boulders (or any combination thereof),some retaining walls may be easier to use than others, depending on thematerials used. All retaining walls canprovide a short- or long-term solution for retaining soil.
Types of retaining walls
There are various types and styles of retaining wallsto consider, both in terms of their construction and the materials used. Themost common type is wood, with concrete blocks being second on that list--they're very durable and relatively easy to construct but will take up more space than other options due to how they need to be installed around every inch. Poured concrete is another option (typically using steel rebar), which, although it's not cost-effective, gets you an attractive, modern-lookingappearance without any maintenance needed for many years after installation.Treated timbers may also work great for your needs since the process involvesless labor. The only downside of this is it will have to be replaced on averageevery 15-20 years. Lastly, rocks andboulders are a very inexpensive way to retaining walls, but they could be time-consuming depending on your specific needs.
Retaining Walls, both in terms of their construction aswell as the materials used. The most common type is wood, with concrete blocksbeing second on that list--they're very durable and relatively easy toconstruct but will take up more space than other options due to how they needto be installed around every inch. Poured concrete is another option (typicallyusing steel rebar), which, although it's not cost-effective, gets you anattractive, modern-looking appearance without any maintenance needed for manyyears after installation. Treated timbers may also work great for your needssince the process involves less labor.
Water seeps through the full and drains between theindividual blocks in stacked retaining block walls backfilled with sand orgravel; thus, drainage is usually not an issue. However, if you have a largeretaining wall, you must provide for drainage, or the water will accumulatebehind the wall and create cracks. Many landscaping contractors opt fordrainage tile, which transports groundwater to outlets where it may be drained.
Retaining wall types: poured concrete retaining walls,retaining block walls, retaining timber walls. for more.
