Retaining walls can be an important feature of your landscape. Structural or decorative retaining walls are one way a homeowner can increase the property value and curb appeal of a home. Here are some points to consider when you are deciding what sort of retaining wall you need.
Structural Retaining Walls
Sloping property
There are many reasons why a homeowner might want to build a structural retaining wall on their property. One important reason is if your property has a slope.
When the ground is sloping, there are several risks that need to be addressed. Soil erosion is a big one. A retaining wall can help prevent the downward slide of soil, which can affect your home’s foundation.
Water can also be a problem for your home. When there’s more water than the ground or your sump pump can handle, it can flood your basement or damage the home’s foundation. A structural retaining wall helps redirect water runoff and rain flow away from your home.
If you’ve invested a lot of time and money in your landscaping and home, the last thing you want is to have it ruined because of eroding soil or the flow of rain or groundwater.
Landscaping help
Structural retaining walls have other functions on your property besides holding back soil and water. They can be integrated into your landscaping plan, built as part of a raised bed. Cutting into a hillside can increase usable land, giving gardeners more space for flowers and trees.
Walls can also give the homeowner privacy, especially in high-traffic areas or tight neighborhoods. A shorter retaining wall can be built to create natural seating, perfect for around a fire pit or an outdoor kitchen – any place where people naturally gather to socialize.
Decorative Retaining Walls
Visual interest
Retaining walls can add personality to your property. A wall can be added for visual interest, differentiate one space from another or break up large open spaces.
Create extra space
Anyone living on a hill knows how much land is going unused. That can be frustrating when you want to entertain or just have a place for kids to play. Retaining walls can create flat spaces so you can add a fire pit, play set or pool.
Showcase your wall
Retaining walls don’t have to be ugly. There are many different kinds of pavers to choose from and many ways to put them together.
Materials
With so much variety of material available for retaining walls, it will be easy to choose something that will complement your home’s architecture.
Treated timber might fit in well with a rustic-looking home. White brick, or the more classic red brick, is another option for a retaining wall that goes with any style. Lush greenery would stand out against this type of wall. Stones – uncut or smooth – are an option that would complement a stone home.
Patterns and Shapes
Because retaining wall pavers and bricks come in different colors, sizes and material, they can be put together in various ways. You could leave open spaces or contrast brick with glass blocks.
A curved wall following the lines of a curved driveway would add elegance to any property.
Color and Light
Retaining wall bricks come in different colors, so you can find the perfect one for you. Adding our low voltage LED lighting throughout a wall can add beauty at night, as well as safety during an evening walk.
Conclusion
Properly built, structural and decorative retaining walls can be lasting investments for the homeowner for years to come. It can protect the property from erosion while adding beauty and curb appeal.
Whether you need a two-foot wall or a 12-foot wall, Big Bend Landscaping can help you determine the best structural or decorative retaining wall for your needs.
We have a Level 1 Certification from the National Concrete and Masonry Association. We only use the best products including Belgard, Pavestone, Keystone, Versa-Lok and Anchor.
Feel free to contact us for an online estimate right now or browse our gallery of projects for ideas.