Retaining Wall Design Options

Retaining walls hold back soil and other materials when building on sloped land. These walls can be made from various materials, such as concrete, stone, or timber. While the design of a retaining wall may vary depending on its purpose and surroundings, there are several types of retaining walls we build for various applications. Our landscape designers will work with you to determine which style best suits your yard and aesthetic preferences.

Concrete Retaining Walls

Concrete retaining walls are versatile, strong, and durable for many applications. They can help in residential or commercial settings and on steep inclines or flat areas. Concrete is perfect for low-height walls, such as those that line a garden bed or support a terrace. Constructing a concrete retaining wall involves using sturdy forms and reinforced concrete and steel reinforcement bars (rebars) for additional stability. The retaining wall design can be flat, stepped, or curved, depending on the desired aesthetic effect.

The thickness of a concrete wall will vary depending on the application; however, it is typically between four and eight inches thick. In general, taller walls may require thicker sections for stability and strength requirements. The rebar used in reinforced concrete walls should also be placed 48–72 inches apart to strengthen the structure further. Additionally, the top of the wall should be sloped or angled slightly away from the soil to help prevent water from pooling at the base.

Concrete retaining walls are a reliable and resilient solution for many landscaping needs. With proper installation techniques and maintenance, they can withstand even the harshest weather conditions while providing an attractive aesthetic to your outdoor space. Besides, they require minimal maintenance and are easy to repair if damaged.

Custom Retaining Wall

Custom retaining walls are landscaping structures designed to hold back soil, prevent erosion and keep landscaping elements in place. They can create a more natural transition between two different landscaping heights or provide an additional aesthetic element.

Custom retaining walls can get designed in various materials, including concrete, stone, brick, and timber. Depending on the size and design of your landscaping, custom retaining walls can help to incorporate seating into your landscape, provide a focal point for an outdoor gathering space or give added texture and color to enhance landscaping features.

With the help of Foothills Landscaping, custom retaining walls are an attractive and functional solution to many landscaping needs. They can provide a simple, easy-to-maintain landscaping solution while also adding to the overall beauty of your outdoor space. Whether you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind design or something more traditional and timeless, get a professional with the experience and expertise to craft an ideal retaining wall for your landscaping needs.

Stone Retaining Walls

Stone is an attractive and classic choice for many landscaping projects, especially when creating retaining walls. It offers timeless beauty, strength, and durability that can last for decades. Stone can help in various applications, from low-lying gardens or terraces to large walls constructed for excellent stability and strength. When it comes to building stone retaining walls, there are many options to consider. It can get laid in a dry-stacked pattern or mortared together with cement.

In addition, the type of stone you choose for your retaining wall will depend on the application and the desired aesthetic effect. For smaller walls, such as those that separate gardens or outline terraces, natural fieldstone, flagstone, or brick may be suitable. Cut stone blocks would offer the appropriate strength and durability for more enormous walls. You may also choose to combine both materials for more intricate designs.

The thickness of a stone retaining wall should depend on the size and type of stone used and the wall’s height. Generally, thicker stones are necessary for more enormous walls or curved or sloped ones. Stones for short walls can be about six inches thick, with stones for taller walls ranging from eight to twelve inches thick. In addition, the stones should be placed with a minimum of 1/8 inch gaps between them and adequately secured using mortar or concrete to ensure stability.

Gravity Retaining Wall

Gravity retaining walls are a popular option when designing a retaining wall structure. This type of wall depends on its weight to hold back soil and is often constructed of concrete blocks or poured concrete. The wall must be designed with sufficient width and thickness to ensure it can withstand the weight of the soil it supports and any additional loads, such as vehicles, that may come into contact with it.

A gravity retaining wall typically has a batter, or inward lean, to help it resist lateral pressure. When properly designed and constructed, a gravity retaining wall can effectively retain soil without needing additional support systems. However, as with all retaining wall designs, it is essential to consult a professional engineer to ensure that the design meets all applicable safety codes and regulations.

Additionally, you need to build proper drainage from the beginning of the project to prevent future issues with water accumulation and erosion behind the wall. With careful consideration and planning, a gravity retaining wall can provide a dependable and attractive solution for many landscaping needs.

In conclusion, a retaining wall design is a great way to add visual interest and definition to your outdoor space. It can also be functional, helping to control erosion or level off an incline. Consider what material best complements your home and landscape when planning a retaining wall. You also want to ensure the wall gets professionally done to ensure stability and longevity. At Foothills Landscaping, we can help you choose the suitable materials and design for your custom retaining wall. Contact us today to get started on your project!