If you have been considering adding steps to your home’s exterior, you’ll need to build a retaining wall to support the treads and risers. 

It would be a wise decision to reach out to a professional before tackling this project, as improper construction can lead to serious safety hazards. 

With the help of a qualified contractor/ service, you can add a beautiful and functional retaining wall to your home.

Purpose of retaining walls

Retaining walls are built to hold back or support soil, rock, or other materials. They are used in various residential, commercial, and industrial settings. Retaining walls can be constructed from multiple materials, including wood, concrete, stone, and metal.

The most typical type of retaining wall for most properties is the gravity wall. 

Gravity walls rely on their own weight to resist the forces acting on them. The most common material used for gravity walls is concrete. Another retaining wall is the cantilever wall. 

Cantilever walls are supported at one end by an abutment and the other end by a footing. The most common material used for cantilever walls is concrete block.

Different types of retaining walls

1 – Gravity Retaining Wall

A gravity retaining wall is a structure that holds back soil or sedentary rock from a slope. 

Gravity Retaining Wall are usually made of concrete, stone, or rubble and can be reinforced with steel or other materials. Gravity retaining walls are commonly used in landscaping and construction.

2 – Cantilevered Retaining Wall

A Cantilevered Retaining Wall is a wall supported on one end and anchored to the ground on the other. 

This type of wall is often used to support a structure or an object too heavy to be supported by a traditional wall. 

Cantilevered Retaining Walls are often used in construction projects where traditional walls would not be able to support the weight of the project.

3 – Sheet Piling Retaining Wall

A sheet piling retaining wall is a type of wall that is used to retain soil or water. It is made up of a series of interlocking sheets that are driven into the ground. The sheets are then filled with concrete or other material to provide strength and stability.

Sheet piling retaining walls are often used in areas with a lot of water or where the soil is loose. They can prevent erosion, support structures, and create barriers. Sheet piling retaining walls are also sometimes used to create temporary dams.

4 – Anchored Retaining Wall

Anchored retaining walls are walls that are reinforced with cables or other means of support that extend into the soil behind the wall. These types of walls are used in situations where a traditional gravity wall would not be adequate, such as when the soil is not strong enough to support the weight of the wall or when the wall is taller than 20 feet. 

An anchored retaining wall is typically made up of four parts: 

1. The facing, which is the part of the wall that is visible;
2. The reinforcing elements which provide stability to the wall; 
3. The backfill, which supports the facing and reinforcing elements; and 
4. The anchors connect the reinforcing elements to the soil behind the wall.

The Benefits of Retaining Walls 

Retaining walls are an essential part of any home or business’s landscaping. They provide support for slopes and soil and can also be used to improve the look of your property. 

Here are three benefits of retaining walls:

1. Retaining walls can create level areas in your landscape. If you have a sloped yard, a retaining wall can be used to create a level area for entertaining or relaxing.
2. Retaining walls can be used to define boundaries in your landscape. If you want to create a separate area for children to play or garden, a retaining wall can be used to define the boundary clearly.
3. Retaining walls can add visual interest to your landscape.

When to use a retaining wall

There are many reasons why you might need a retaining wall. If your home is on a slope, you may need one to prevent your yard from washing away during a rainstorm. You may also need one to hold back soil, causing cracks in your foundation.

If you’re considering adding a retaining wall to your property, there are a few things to consider first. The most important thing is the height of the wall. It should be at least two feet tall, but taller is better. 

The second factor to consider is the material. Walls can be made from concrete, stone, or wood. Each has its benefits and drawbacks.

Concrete walls are the most durable, but they’re also the most expensive. Stone walls are less expensive, but they require more maintenance over time.

How to build a retaining wall

Building a retaining wall is a great way to add visual interest to your landscape. 

Here are a few tips on how to build a retaining wall:

1. Choose the right materials. Depending on the look you’re going for, you can use different materials to build your retaining wall. Some common choices include wood, stone, and concrete.
2. Consider the height of the wall. The taller the wall, the more support it will need. Consult a professional if you’re planning on building a tall retaining wall.
3. Use drainage behind the wall. Proper drainage is essential to prevent your retaining wall from crumbling over time. Install drainage pipe and gravel behind the wall before you start building.
4. Build up the base of the wall first.

Conclusion

Retaining walls are a necessary and integral part of many landscapes. They provide soil support, preventing erosion and landslides. 

They can also be used to create level areas in a sloped landscape or to separate different areas of a yard. 

When choosing a retaining wall, it is important to consider the material, the height, and the purpose of the wall. 

Proper planning and installation can make a retaining wall a beautiful and functional addition to your landscape.

Are you considering installing retaining walls on your property but would like professionals to do the job for you? 

Give us a call, and let’s set up a meeting.