A retaining wall not only protects your lawn or garden from erosion, but it is an effective and elegant addition to your landscape design. But how do you know what is the best material for a retaining wall? There are a lot of options to choose from, with many being better suited for your specific lawn conditions than others. That’s why it’s important to do your research and discuss your options with experts who can provide you with your best retaining wall material options.
Retaining walls are designed to assist with preventing erosion and improving drainage. So you want a retaining wall material that is going to withstand your unique landscape and weather or soil conditions. Some people live in areas that are more dry, where soil can easily slip away, while other homeowners may live in areas that are more rainy and run the risk of soil washing away. The right material for retaining walls can ensure that your lawn or garden is secure and prevent any costly damage.
How Long Does a Retaining Wall Last?
A retaining wall is an investment in the security and look of your garden. This means you should take steps to ensure that the materials you are choosing are long-lasting and able to stand up to all weather and soil conditions. Your retaining wall expert will be able to provide you with the right material options for your particular region to ensure you get anywhere from 25 to 100 years out of your retaining wall.
Each material option provides a different level of protection and stability. You want to be sure that your retaining wall matches your soil conditions and usage requirements.
The most common retaining wall material options include:
- Stone
- Wood
- Brick
- Concrete
A retaining wall is reinforced to make sure that it stays in place for years, so you can feel confident that your landscape is protected. Before installation, the ground will be tested and surveyed to make sure that the retaining wall is placed in the right spot. This will maximize its lifespan. If you’re using a retaining wall as a garden feature, then you will want to make sure that the retaining wall you pick is sturdy and able to withstand watering, root growth and digging. Remember, soil moves with the weather and activity, so you want a retaining wall that is going to provide a solid barrier for your lawn or garden.
Wood Retaining Wall
Wood is a stylish and sustainable option for people who need a retaining wall for their lawn or garden. It’s easy to install and creates a more natural look for your green space. It’s ideal for more dry conditions, but it isn’t recommended for areas that receive a high volume of rain like the west coast.
Prolonged or sitting water exposure can cause the wood to rot over time, which can lead to additional replacement and maintenance work. Let your retaining wall expert know the water conditions for your area, so they can provide you with the right retaining wall solution.
Brick Retaining Wall
A brick retaining wall is a great option, particularly for homeowners who live in established or historic neighbourhoods. A brick wall seamlessly blends into its surroundings, offering an elegant and refined retaining wall solution. Brick walls are durable and able to provide exceptional support in all climate conditions. It is recommended to work with an expert on brick retaining wall installation as it requires a high level of skill.
Stone Retaining Wall
To get a natural look, you may want to consider a stone retaining wall. This type of wall pairs perfectly with new or more modern home designs. They are designed to easily suit any height or length required to provide strong and durable protection against the elements. This type of wall is a solid choice with an excellent ROI due to its longevity and natural-looking design.
Concrete Retaining Wall
The strongest retaining wall material is concrete. Not only are you going to get a fresh and flawless look in your green space, but you are building a retaining wall that will last many years. Concrete is one of the best retaining wall materials due to its customization abilities. Retaining wall experts can craft a design that suits the shape and flow of your garden using poured concrete retaining walls.
Then once the scaffolds are removed, you will have a retaining wall that has the shape and look to match the look and feel you want for your lawn or garden. Once again, it is recommended to work with experts when choosing to build a concrete retaining wall. This is a high skill process, and working with professionals will ensure a long life out of your concrete retaining wall.
Maintenance Tips for Retaining Walls
Getting a long life out of your retaining wall starts with choosing the right backfill materials. Depending on your landscape and soil conditions, you will want a material that helps maintain and protect your retaining wall from collapsing. The most popular and best-suited retaining wall backfill materials are:
- Gravel
- Aggregate
- Native Soil
- Crushed Rock
Your retaining wall specialist will provide you with the right backfill solutions for your design. It’s also recommended not to lean things against a retaining wall. Your wall may bow or even collapse if this is done. Do regular inspections and cleanings to make sure your wall is still solid and in good shape. If you notice any cracks or weaknesses, contact your retaining wall experts right away.
Contact Us
If you’re ready to improve the security and look of your garden or lawn, contact the experts at ISR Gardening. We can help you find the right and strongest retaining wall material. Our experts have the skill and knowledge to build retaining walls that not only look great, but will keep your lawn erosion free and properly drained all year round. Contact us today for a quote.