3 Things To Consider When Building A Retaining Wall

Retaining walls can be found in landscapes throughout the country. They are often used in sloped areas where extra support is needed to prevent erosion. Retaining walls can also provide more usable land and can help manage water runoff. These walls literally hold earth in place, so design is very important. A poorly built retaining wall will easily crumble after a few years under the force of the soil that the wall is holding back. When building a retaining wall it's important to consider a few things carefully.

Cost

Budgeting appropriately is a must when building a retaining wall. The cost to build can vary greatly depending on the materials used. Some popular materials for retaining walls include concrete blocks, stone, poured concrete, and wood. Concrete blocks cost between $15 and $30 per square foot, while wood costs between $20 and $25, stone between $25 and $40, and poured concrete between $30 and $40. Certain materials may work better in certain climates. Wood may not work quite as well in areas where the soil has a lot of moisture. The style of the home will also have an impact on which materials are used for the wall.

Size Matters

Another thing to consider when building retaining walls is the fact that size matters. Homeowners should check local codes before beginning construction. Taller walls often have to meet certain requirements. Walls on particularly steep slopes, on unstable soil types, or retaining walls over four feet high may also require the services of an landscape architect or engineer. It will add about 10 percent to the budget to hire an architect or engineer. However, the wall will be engineered to withstand the surrounding forces.

Consider Function

Another thing to consider when it comes to retaining walls is function. While the main purpose of a retaining wall is to hold back soil, there are plenty of ways to incorporate them into your lifestyle. These walls can be used as seating and can play a role in entertaining spaces. It's also important to make sure that the areas around a retaining wall are able to drain properly as well. Adding a drainage system costs on average $3,464. A proper drainage system can help keep a retaining wall stable for years to come.

Retaining walls are a key part of keeping the landscape stable. They are often found in areas where soil erosion can be a major issue. When building a retaining wall it's important to consider a few key things carefully. Having a budget is important since the cost of a retaining wall can vary greatly depending on size and the materials used. Size is also very important. The larger the wall, the more likely you will need to hire a landscape architect or engineer. Function is also key. Retaining walls can easily be incorporated into entertaining spaces and can even act as additional seating. For more information, contact companies like Boehm Landscape Inc.

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Making Over My Yard

After we purchased our first home, I realized that there were a few things in the yard we needed to focus on. In addition to going through and weeding the entire area, we also started thinking about things that we could plant that would add a little interest. It was really incredible to see how much of a difference our efforts made, and pretty soon our yard was one of the nicest ones in our neighborhood. Believe it or not, we even had people asking us who did the work professionally, which was hilarious because we were just doing the best we could. This blog is all about making over your yard with the right landscaping.

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