Featured Image Source: OZ Architects Inc
In case you have uneven ground outside of your house, then you probably need retaining wall ideas. Particularly, retaining walls can assist you on keeping the soil on one side of the structure, enabling a lower floor level on the other side of the wall. In the past years, people frequently used concrete for inexpensive retaining wall ideas since it functions well, solid, and dependable. However, concrete doesn’t look great aesthetically. Despite the fact that they serve an extremely functional purpose, there is no reason why retaining walls can’t look great as well. For inspiration on building your retaining wall, check out our list of 51 retaining wall ideas.
CONTEMPORARY
The LaurelRock Company
The brilliant greens offer serenity and calm on this contemporary landscape in New York.
TRADITIONAL
COMMERCIAL
Manzer’s Landscape Design & Development
Commercial retaining wall in this remarkable landscape in New York.
EXQUISITE
MARBLE
Pearson Landscape Services
Outstanding combination of steel and marble for the retaining walls.
In addition, having a great looking retaining wall is beneficial since it can truly change the way you feel about the exterior of your house. Also, by picking a design option, you can change a terrible retaining wall into a structure displaying your style and character. Besides, having a gorgeous retaining wall may make you want to spend more time outdoors with your family.
Moreover, when you make a functional or decent looking retaining wall to enhance your property, you do not just pick up the advantage of enjoying it yourself, but you can also be certain that you’re increasing your property value. That way, when you need to sell your house, you’ll have the option to request for a higher price. Furthermore, the cost associated with constructing your wall should, thus, become an investment that will pay off after some time.
BREATHTAKING
Regenesis Ecological Design
Awesome sculptural quality that adds definition to this traditional landscape.
OUTSTANDING
Wallace Landscape Associates
Enjoy outdoor living spaces by installing functional retaining walls.
Design Tips For Retaining Walls
Notably, a retaining wall is an exceptionally designed structure that on one side holds soil, while the other side is free standing. In general, they assist in accommodating changes in grade in a landscape with uneven ground. Also, these walls frequently enable steeper cuts to a slope to have more usable space on a cut-and-fill hillside area. Moreover, durable retaining walls can be vital to making a level driveway or sports lawn as well.
In addition, you can also use retaining walls to raise living spaces over the encompassing ground plain. Besides, well-thought small retaining wall ideas can hoist planting zones for improved drainage while simultaneously making a seat wall. In fact, there are endless advantages to these retaining walls, but they can be expensive, and you should carefully build them to avoid failure.
STONE
Matthew Cunningham Landscape Design LLC
What a great way to restore a devastated residential property.
POOLSIDE
Evelyn Benatar, New York Interior Design
The pool effortlessly becomes part of nature with the brick retaining walls.
As a matter of fact, what makes retaining walls incredibly challenging is the strength they require. In particular, these walls must carry heavy loads or lateral earth pressure. Certainly, cheap retaining wall ideas should not only withstand the weight of the soil. Also, the water behind the wall makes way for the development of hydrostatic pressure, which is the purpose behind most wall failures. Besides, a retaining wall can only survive over time just by having satisfactorily designed drainage structures and waterproofing.
Finally, you must remember that no matter how lovely these walls may be, they are an amazing structure that must function as planned. Indeed, this is only possible when you use the most appropriate materials and with the help of professional contractors. In case you get these things right, your small retaining wall ideas will be excellent financial investment and will surely last for many years to come.
Retaining Wall Block Options
Junior Block – Also called Allan block, this is the answer for an assortment of utilizations like retaining walls, privacy fencing, and two-sided patio seating walls since it’s truly simple to stack and has incredible capping units for a sleek finish.
Limestone Block – In particular, this natural stone walling block is brilliant for building retaining walls, fences, garden walls, and even sculptures. In addition, it’s also surely simple to cut and install.
Flagstone – This concrete retaining wall block provides an actual stack stone appearance because of its patterned finish and shading range. Also, it is perfect for garden walls and garden edge, landscaped, and curved walls, along with curved style garden steps.
STACKED
Clear Creek Landscapes
The retaining wall adds architectural appeal to this traditional landscape.
GORGEOUS
Robert Young Architects
The lawn looks fantastic and well-maintained with the help of retaining walls.
MEDITERRANEAN
The Sculpted Earth
Concrete retaining walls for this Mediterranean landscape in Seattle.
Versawall – This block has particularly a remarkable interlocking element that makes it simple to stack. Moreover, it takes after the appearance of a natural rock which will enable you to make a contemporary design.
Duostone – This multi-piece retaining framework has five block sizes that, when utilized together, make a natural, random-looking wall. In addition, it can likewise be utilized to make curved garden walls or setback and landscaped walls due to its natural-looking stacked stone finish and one of a kind rear lip for simplicity of installation.
Textured Concrete Block – A concrete block is a mainstream decision because of its rough texture, strength, and durability. Moreover, this is simple to install, so a DIY project will always be feasible. Also, this is great for garden wall and retaining wall.
Freestone – This imaginative and modern looking block is the most recent product accessible. It is particularly an incredible versatile block for all applications and offers the best value for money. Aside from it’s simple to construct, it is also eco-friendly due to its recycled glass aggregate.
Factors To Consider When Building Retaining Wall
When you mull over how to install a retaining wall, you may envision how firm and strong it’ll show up from the front, or how incredible the new landscape will appear above it. However, except if you give serious consideration to what goes on behind and underneath the wall, the retaining wall configuration may not look great for long. Ultimately, a poor retaining wall configuration can separate, lean, even topple—and it’s out there on display where every one of your neighbors can point and laugh. In any case, you certainly don’t want that to happen!
COMMERCIAL
Manzer’s Landscape Design & Development
Retaining wall and drainage project by a homeowners association.
FRENCH GARDEN
Paul Maue Associates Landscape Architects
Designed to allow for tennis equipment storage, these retaining walls are the bomb!
Many individuals think a retaining wall must hold back gazillion amounts of soil in the yard behind it. In reality, it doesn’t. Particularly, it just needs to hold a wedge of soil or a prolonged wedge of soil. In other words, it has to retain an “undisturbed soil”—soil that has left untouched and naturally compacted for a very long time. In addition, this kind of soil has a maximum slope that it can’t hold together on its own. This slope specifically refers to the failure plane. Whenever left alone, the soil behind the failure plane will hold on its own. On the other hand, it is important to realize that the soil in front of the failure plane will usually slide down the failure plane.
Gravity, as well as the incline, put pressure and direct most of the weight toward the lower part of the retaining wall. Because soil weighs around 100 or more pounds per cubic feet, you need some sturdy material such as boulders, large blocks, timber, or poured concrete to counteract the weight. Just as significant, you should also install them the right way.
SPECTACULAR
Inexpensive Retaining Wall Ideas
Retaining walls are certainly costly. But with a bit of planning and various options for your materials, you can surely save a great deal of cash and surprisingly still have an appealing retaining wall with inexpensive retaining wall ideas.
Indeed, concrete is one of the most tough and durable materials for a retaining wall. However, it is additionally one of the most costly retaining wall ideas. In particular, poured concrete is the most costly choice, and it can cost around $30 to $40 per square foot. In the event that you want the vibe of concrete, you can save money by picking interlocking concrete blocks, which can cost you around $15 per square foot. Although the wall will be similarly as solid and as strong, you can save almost half on the materials. On the other hand, interlocking concrete is additionally the best alternative for toughness. Meanwhile, the interlocking bricks can move slightly during heavy downpours or earthquake, offering some flexibility that can avoid damage.
Stone is also a well-known natural material option for making a retaining wall. Be that as it may, you should strengthen the stone with a steel mesh or mortar to give some extra support. While stone can be more costly than interlocking concrete blocks, it is more affordable than poured concrete. Also, one approach to get a good deal on stone is to look for recycled materials. You can look through a local surplus or reuse store for your cheap retaining wall ideas.
ATTRACTIVE
Hanselman Landscape and Gardens
Gorgeous meadow garden with natural stone retaining walls.
STUNNING
CCI Renovations
Extensive retaining walls combined with wooden stairs complement the overall design of the house.
BRICKS
Burns Masonry & Construction
Brick retaining walls for this traditional landscape in Philadelphia.
POURED CONCRETE
Shades Of Green Landscape Architecture
Poured concrete on this attractive retaining wall.
CLASSIC
Landcore Landscape Construction and Design, LLC
Nothing beats stacked rocks when it comes to strength and durability.
MIDCENTURY
Jeffrey Gordon Smith Landscape Architecture
A custom poured in place concrete retaining wall.
FARMHOUSE
Michael Biondo Photography
Enchanting farmhouse landscape makes this house extra appealing.
SMASHING
Most Common Retaining Wall Materials
If you’re ready to begin a retaining wall project on your property, make sure you’re informed of the many material options. Although stone and concrete are common choices, materials such as brick or lumber may often achieve a more rustic look. There’s also the issue of choosing the proper colors to create the perfect aesthetic for your garden. With so many styles & materials to select from, deciding on the ideal ones for your retaining wall project can be complex.
Modern Concrete – The smooth form of concrete can complement a modern garden. When it comes to texture, the smooth wall presents an attractive contrast. When combined with the rougher textures of the plants, it draws attention.
Wooden Fence – A wooden fence can still produce a nice effect if you’re more concerned with budget.
Pale Sandstone – This is a terrific choice for anyone who wishes to blend a modern style with a rustic touch. It entails constructing a retaining wall out of sandstone.
Interlocking Blocks – If you want the retaining wall to stand out in the landscape, use this inventive idea. Putting several interlocking blocks on the wall creates a one-of-a-kind aesthetic impact that will undoubtedly draw a lot of attention.
Water Feature – While retaining walls are typically used to hold back soil; you can use this landscaping element more creatively by combining it with a water feature.
Boulder Wall – For a sense of dependable strength, try a retaining wall installation utilizing boulders. This is an excellent choice for anyone who wants stone as the principal material for retaining soil in the garden via a retaining wall.
Mixed Brick Colors – If modern concrete walls are too basic for you, perhaps a mixed color approach would be better for your garden.
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