Building A Retaining Wall: What You Need To Know
A retaining wall is one of the most interesting features you can add to your landscape. You need to know some basic information about these walls before proceeding with building one on your property. The following article examines this timely and interesting home improvement topic.
Why
First, you might ask yourself why you need a retaining wall built on your premises. One excellent reason for installing a retaining wall is a sloped yard. A slope will often lead to erosion as rainwater causes the soil to loosen and travel down the incline. A retaining wall can also help with any drainage issues on your lawn by ensuring that water drains away from your foundation.
Retaining walls are often built for aesthetic reasons. A well-designed wall placed in the proper location can add visual appeal to an otherwise dull landscape. Also, retaining walls can define outdoor spaces where you and your family can gather, such as patios.
Materials
You can build your resting wall out of various types of materials. Pressure-treated timbers are an excellent choice. You can even build a timber retaining wall by yourself if you are good with tools and have the time and inclination to do the job.
Masonry walls made from stone or brick are another good option. These materials are more difficult for the average homeowner to build with themselves, however, so the task should probably be left to a professional.
Interlocking concrete blocks, which are made to fasten together easily, are a good choice for the typical do-it-yourself homeowner who doesn't mind getting their hands dirty. Poured concrete is also a superb option, but a wall made from this material should be built by an expert.
An important point to remember is that building codes usually require that any retaining wall over four feet must be built by professionals.
Cost
The cost of building a retaining wall depends on a number of factors, such as the length and height of the wall and the material used. The slope of your yard and the type of soil on your property are also important. The cost of labor in your area is another component of the overall cost of the project, as is the exact location of the wall.
Retaining walls are a terrific addition to the typical homeowner's property. To learn more about retaining walls, reach out to a retaining wall contractor in your area.