Retaining walls
Retaining walls were originally designed to hold soil, prevent it from rolling off the site and, most importantly, to make a sloping site look more horizontal by terracing it. Building retaining walls is not an easy task, but it is necessary if your homestead plot is located on an uneven surface. However, the presence of such structures can often be found on perfectly horizontal areas. This is due to the fact that high-quality retaining walls not only prevent soil displacement, but also perform a decorative function. With their help, you can completely transform the landscape of the homestead plot, organizing separate oases with flowerbeds, trees and other plantings, that is, to give a flat area a certain vertical zoning. Retaining walls are built from a variety of materials, but with proper design and execution, they all equally please with their originality, beauty and uniqueness.
EcoForestLandscaping Ltd. is ready to help you build retaining walls from concrete blocks (Allan Blocks, Valley Blocks), natural stone, timber logs and gabions.
Allan Block or Valley Block retaining wall
- Building an Allan or Valley Block retaining wall is a straightforward process when done with proper planning and preparation. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get started:
- Plan and Design:
Determine the location, size, and purpose of your wall. Check local regulations and get permits if necessary. - Prepare the Site:
Clear the area of vegetation and debris. Excavate a trench for the base, ensuring it is wide enough to accommodate the blocks and deep enough for a solid foundation. - Install the Base:
Lay a compacted gravel base (6–8 inches thick) to provide stability. Level the surface carefully. - Lay the First Course:
Place the first row of Allan Blocks directly on the prepared base. Ensure each block is level and tightly aligned. This course is critical for the stability of the wall. - Stack the Blocks:
Stack additional rows of blocks, staggering the joints for strength. Use gravel or crushed rock to backfill each row, compacting it well to improve drainage and stability. - Incorporate Geogrid (if needed):
For walls over 4 feet high, install geogrid reinforcement at recommended intervals to enhance strength. Follow Allan Block guidelines for proper placement. - Finish and Cap:
Once the desired height is reached, add capstones to the top for a clean, finished look. Secure them with construction adhesive. - Landscape and Maintain:
Backfill the area behind the wall with soil and landscape as desired. Ensure proper drainage to prevent water buildup.
By following these steps, you’ll create a durable and attractive Allan Block retaining wall that enhances your outdoor space.
Wooden Retaining Wall
Building a wooden retaining wall is a practical and cost-effective way to stabilize sloped ground and add structure to your landscape. Here's how to do it:
- Plan and Design:
Determine the wall's location, height, and purpose. Check local regulations for retaining wall construction. - Prepare the Site:
Clear the area of vegetation and debris. Dig a trench for the foundation that is at least 6 inches deep and wide enough to support the wood timbers. - Lay the Foundation:
Fill the trench with compacted gravel to provide a stable base. - Install the First Timber:
Place the first row of treated wood timbers in the trench, ensuring they are level and securely anchored with rebar or spikes driven through pre-drilled holes. - Build Up the Wall:
Stack additional rows of timbers, offsetting the joints for stability. Secure each row to the one below using long screws or spikes. - Add Drainage:
Install a drainage pipe behind the wall and backfill with gravel to prevent water buildup, which could weaken the structure. - Finish the Wall:
Once the desired height is reached, cap the wall with treated wood for a polished appearance.
A properly built wooden retaining wall can enhance your landscape while preventing soil erosion. Use pressure-treated wood for durability and longevity.
Natural Rock Retaining Wall
A natural rock retaining wall is a timeless and durable way to enhance your landscape while managing slopes effectively. Follow these steps to build one:
- Plan and Design:
Choose the location, height, and style of your wall. Use a mix of natural stones for a unique, organic look. - Prepare the Site:
Clear the area and dig a trench that’s at least 6–12 inches deep and wide enough to support the base stones. - Lay the Foundation:
Fill the trench with compacted gravel to create a sturdy, well-draining base. Start with the largest, flattest stones as the foundation. - Build the Wall:
Stack stones carefully, fitting them together like a puzzle. Stagger joints between layers and use smaller rocks to fill gaps for stability. - Ensure Drainage:
Add crushed stone or gravel behind the wall to allow water to flow freely, preventing pressure buildup. - Backfill and Landscape:
Backfill with soil and plant shrubs, flowers, or ground cover to blend the wall naturally into your landscape.
A natural rock retaining wall not only provides practical support but also adds rustic beauty and character to your outdoor space.
This type of retaining wall requires the utmost skill in construction, especially when it comes to decorative stone. The reason for this is that each stone must be clearly matched to its neighbors and the whole structure must have an aesthetic appearance. Retaining walls made of stone look great, especially if the design of the wall itself is well thought out. For the construction of walls made of stone, it is recommended to contact specialists who are able to build quality and think through the design of the structure to detail. Such specialists are the employees of EcoForestLandscaping Ltd., who have spent many years perfecting their skills in the construction of various retaining walls.
Gabion Retaining Walls
Gabion retaining walls are a durable and eco-friendly solution for stabilizing slopes and enhancing landscapes. Made from wire mesh cages filled with rocks, they are both functional and visually appealing. Here's how to build one:
- Plan and Design:
Determine the location, height, and purpose of your wall. Decide on the size of the gabion baskets and the type of rocks you’ll use. - Prepare the Site:
Clear the area and level the ground. For taller walls, dig a shallow trench to provide additional stability. - Install the Base Layer:
Lay a compacted gravel base to ensure the wall’s stability and proper drainage. - Assemble the Gabion Baskets:
Set up the wire mesh baskets on-site and secure them with spirals or fasteners. Ensure the baskets are level and aligned. - Fill the Baskets:
Fill the gabion baskets with stones, arranging them neatly for a clean look. Use larger stones for the visible sides and smaller ones to fill gaps. - Stack Additional Layers (if needed):
For taller walls, stack additional gabion baskets, securing them to the layer below with wire ties or spirals. - Backfill and Landscape:
Backfill behind the wall with soil or gravel for added support. Landscape the area with plants or decorative elements to enhance the aesthetic.
Gabion retaining walls are low-maintenance, weather-resistant, and blend beautifully into natural surroundings, making them an excellent choice for modern landscaping projects.
There are many other options for retaining walls, which can be advised by specialists and designers of EcoForestLandscaping Ltd. The choice of material, configuration and technical characteristics of the retaining wall depends on the site itself, where it will be located, on the choice and preferences of the customer and, of course, on the creative thought of the designer. It is also very important to determine the functional and aesthetic aspects it will carry. Call us or call a specialist to your site, and you can get a full consultation on any issue related to landscape design, including the construction of retaining walls.
Why choose EcoForestLandscaping Ltd.?
- EcoForestLandscaping Ltd. - are specialists who know their business very well;
- We do everything qualitatively and in the shortest possible time;
- Our prices will please you;
- Individual approach to each client and unique design solution;
- Guarantee on the work performed.