When building a retaining wall on your property, you'll need to make judgments about the type of material it will be constructed from and how it will be created. Listed below are several tips to assist you with your decision.
Regulations and Structural Integrity
Firstly, you need to tick off all the boxes as far as building regulations and safety go. Once a retaining wall reaches a certain height, it will require approval from your local council. The specific rules vary depending on where you live. Additionally, a retaining wall may require a structural engineer's input if it's beyond a particular height. The engineer will ensure that the material and structure are secure enough to last for decades and that the earth behind the barrier is securely restrained. Additionally, the wall should allow for drainage, letting the rain soak through the fence. Otherwise, the weight and force of waterlogged soil could cause it to topple.
Material Options
You'll also need to decide on the retaining wall material. Options include timber and concrete sleepers. These elements are typically secured with vertical posts embedded in concrete within the ground. Other material possibilities include cut blocks made out of concrete or sandstone. Concrete blocks can be textured and coloured to mimic natural stone. Alternatively, you can use rock that's been carved into blocks.
You can also use stone in a more natural form, as organically shaped boulders stacked on top of one another to create a dry stone wall. This process needs the touch of an expert who can choose appropriately sized and shaped rocks to construct a sturdy barrier. Natural rocks can also feature within a gabion wall. These barriers consist of wire mesh cages filled with various sized stones and rocks. Finally, you could construct a retaining wall out of bricks and mortar. You might opt for traditional red brick or multiple colours, including blue, grey and tan. All these materials can construct attractive and secure walls. Decide which look you prefer by looking at online pictures. Consider the environment and what colours and textures will harmonise.
Function and Purpose
A retaining wall doesn't necessarily require a sloped site. While these barriers are frequently used to level up steep landscapes, you can also create a beautiful retaining wall on flat terrain. Fill the space behind the wall with soil to construct raised garden beds, for example. Alternatively, you could build a raised garden patio enclosed by a natural stone retaining wall. Use the same material to construct steps leading up to the deck. Naturally, retaining walls can also be used to create level areas on sloping land. You could establish garden beds, create additional living areas or plant lawns for home picnics on the newly levelled regions.
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