Retaining walls do much valuable work for your landscape.
Retaining walls do much valuable work for your landscape. For starters, they help control runoff and keep your all-important soil where it is supposed to be. They also often help prevent flooding by channeling or redirecting water away from the foundation. They can turn nearly unusable slopes into entirely practical level sections of the yard. Finally, they add visual interest of hardscaping and curb appeal to your home. However, they can’t accomplish all of this work that they do when they aren’t well built. Here are five tips to building a strong, durable retaining wall that adds to your landscaping.
Consider Scale
The height of the retaining wall will be one of the factors that make it a complex project. If it is over three feet high, you should have professional assistance or complete the project. If you construct the wall in complex soil situations, or if you experience harsh winter, you likewise should look to a professional. Be realistic about the scale of the project that you can truly handle.
Consider Materials
When you begin shopping for materials for your retaining wall, you may be shocked at all of the choices. Common retaining wall materials include concrete, pressure-treated timber, stone, brick, or cinder blocks, and interlocking concrete blocks. Each material choice has its benefits and drawbacks. Some, like concrete, really require an experienced pro, while others, like interlocking bricks, are designed for small, DIY projects.
Consider Codes
Before you start any project, research your local codes. You may be required to get your plans approved, to have a building permit, and even to have a professional do the work. You will also likely need to have all utilities marked before you even start digging.
Consider Drainage
Drainage issues could ultimately be the literal downfall of your walls, so make sure you’re accounting for all of the possibilities. You don’t want the water to build up behind the wall, but you also don’t want soil and sediment to block the drainage channels that you include. If you’re unsure about how to install proper drainage around your wall, this is another clue that you need a professional on the project.
Consider Reinforcement
Finally, before you build, consider how you will reinforce the wall. The wall should lean in towards the soil behind it and be tied and anchored deep into the earth as well. The types of anchors and their placement depends on the materials and size of the wall. If you don’t include the reinforcing that your wall needs, it won’t last long, and it could be a severe and dangerous liability in the future.
Trenton Block and Hardscape Supply Is an Expert In The Outdoor Construction Industry
At Trenton Block & Hardscape Supply, we have 21/2 acres of high-quality hardscaping materials at each of our respective locations. Our experienced team members will help you make sense of all these materials by adding more shape and form to your design ideas. We help you see the possibilities with our extensive design knowledge.
Three convenient locations in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware mean that you’re never too far away from accessing our expertise, artistry, and equipment. Come visit our display areas at all three locations for help making your vision a reality with our comprehensive variety of materials and tools. Contact us at one of our locations and follow us on Facebook.