Landscape retaining walls are structures designed and constructed to support the soil laterally. Although they may look like simple stacked stone, timber, or blocks put together to form a wall, they are carefully engineered systems. They are an excellent feature to restrain soil on steep, sloping grounds. In addition, garden retaining walls are aesthetically pleasing hardscape features for residential properties of shapes and all sizes.
Common Materials Used to Build Retaining Walls
- Concrete – helps to create solid and durable structures that are adequately drained.
- Timber – used to build landscape retaining walls and create beautiful results. It requires more maintenance than concrete walls.
- Interlocking concrete blocks – also known as segmented walls, are available in many shapes, colours and sizes.
- Stones or bricks – are ideal for a rustic appeal and comparatively an inexpensive choice of a retaining wall.
Why are Garden and Landscape Retaining Walls Popular?
Retaining walls are popular among the owners of residential properties because they offer the chance to add beautiful stonework into the garden and backyard. They are an excellent feature that can help transform the outdoor landscape in tiers and enhance the overall appeal by using flowerbeds. Moreover, landscape retaining walls are durable and can also help manage the flow of rainwater. These features can help increase usable yard space for sloped properties by terracing.
5 Different Types of Retaining Walls for Houses
Gravity Retaining Wall
These are the most basic retaining walls, constructed to use their mass and weight to hold the soil in place. They are often made using various materials, including pavers, bricks, and unmortared or dry-stacked stones. Although the shorter garden retaining walls do not need additional reinforcement, contractors prefer digging a small trench for a sturdy foundation. It is an economical choice for a height up to three meters.
Cantilevered Retaining Wall
Cantilevered garden retaining walls are the most common landscaping feature, preferred by homeowners for their strength and rigidity. They are typically connected to a slab foundation under the ground and a perfect choice if you want to hold back soil in a specific area of your property. These walls are constructed using reinforced concrete or precast, prestressed concrete. Like gravity walls, contractors consider sliding, overturning, and bearing pressure when installing them. They are economical up to a height of ten meters.
Sheet Piling Retaining Wall
These walls are pretty basic and an excellent choice when you want an aesthetically pleasing landscape feature in a limited space. This type of retaining wall is perfect for soft soil. They are typically thin walls of wood, vinyl, or steel driven directly into the ground. They often have a vertically corrugated structure to ensure additional reinforcement. A rule of thumb for building piling walls is that one-third of the system should be into the solid for every two-thirds above it to provide maximum support. They are typically made using steel sheets and are economical to a height of six meters.
Anchored Retaining Wall
An anchored garden retaining wall allows for various fronts and is most suitable for loose soil over rocky terrains. As the name indicates, they are supported by anchors driven into the earth behind them and attached using strips or cables. These walls are a perfect choice if you are looking for a landscaping idea to use the available space properly. In addition to this, they are also ideal if you want a considerably high retaining wall.
Mechanically Stabilized Retaining Walls
These retaining walls are among the most economical and commonly constructed landscape features for residential properties. Landscaping contractors often use specific fills and reinforcements made of plastic meshes or metallic strips to support them. Some of the most-preferred MSE retaining walls include blocks, concrete, panels, and temporary earth.
Hire Us to Build Durable & Beautiful Retaining Walls
Simple Solutions can help you design and construct garden retaining walls to add appeal and versatility to a property in and around Toronto. Our experts can smartly incorporate them to enhance the overall appearance, prevent soil erosion, and use the space on your property adequately. Whether you want a privacy wall, multi-level flower beds, property markers, or raised gardens, we can help you.
If you want to incorporate a garden retaining wall, call us at 416-271-3503 to get started. You could also fill out our online contact form to request a free estimate for a retaining wall. We’ll be happy to answer your questions and determine a beautiful and practical addition to your home’s landscape.