|
|
|
Retaining Walls
Tips on Constructing a Retaining Wall
By: Mark J. Donovan
|
|
Retaining walls are used to hold back
soil and to tier land in elevation. Retaining walls are commonly used in
backyards and garden areas to create level areas for backyard use and plantings.
Prior to building a retaining wall careful planning is necessary. The yard needs
to be properly assessed for contour, drainage and soil conditions so that the
retaining wall not only looks aesthetically attractive but also functions as an
integral part of the landscape.
Also, a retaining wall holds back a great deal of pressure.
|
As a result it is important that the retaining wall be structurally sound
to support the immense pressure. More times than I can remember I have driven by
homes where the retaining wall was either crumbling or leaning over.
Retaining walls are often constructed today out of preformed, interlocking
concrete blocks. In New England, they are also frequently constructed out of
large stones or boulders due to the natural abundance of Granite.
|
|
In some situations it may be necessary to have multiple retaining walls in
a yard to terrace it off in a number of flat regions. In other situations, where
there are very steep grades for example, it may be necessary to construct
segmental retaining walls. Segmental retaining walls consist of a facing system,
usually consisting of modular concrete blocks, and a lateral tieback system that
is buried in the backfilled soil area behind the retaining wall.
|
The modular concrete blocks and the lateral tiebacks interlock with each
other to create a very solid and stable retaining wall. Segmental retaining
walls enable the construction of higher and steeper walls.
With any retaining wall construction project, work starts with digging a trench
and installing a compacted gravel base. The deeper you can install the trench
the less likelihood of the retaining wall heaving due to winter frost. Ideally
the trench should be dug to a depth below the frost line for your local area.
The compacted gravel base also serves as an excellent level medium so that the
retaining wall is level from side to side.
| After the construction of the retaining wall trench and
compacted gravel base is complete, courses of interlocking concrete
retaining wall blocks or large stones can be positioned into place. It is
important that each new course of concrete blocks is staggered from the row
just below it so that the retaining wall is rigid from side to side and from
top to bottom. |
Photo by Mark Donovan |
Also, a level should be periodically used to ensure the retaining wall remains
level side to side as each additional course of concrete retaining wall blocks
are installed.
Before backfilling behind the retaining wall, landscaping fabric should be
installed up against the back of the wall to prevent soil from weeping through
to the front of the retaining wall. Also, additional crushed stone and 4 inch
PVC drainage piping should be installed behind the retaining wall. The PVC
piping should be installed to drain water away from the retaining wall to the
lowest point in the yard. After installing the landscaping fabric and drainage
piping, the retaining wall can then be backfilled, the local area graded with
topsoil, and the localized area grass seeded.
One final note: Building retaining walls is extremely heavy and laborious work.
Consequently it’s a wise idea to consider renting a small Bobcat tractor to dig
the trench and aid in hauling the concrete retaining wall blocks or stones.
|
Find a Qualified Landscape Contractor in Your Area |
|
Get Free Quotes. Easy, Quick and No
Obligations!
For the home improvement or home remodeling project that is
too big for you, check out our partner
NeedContractor. They are a national
resource for finding pre-screened, insured, and licensed home improvement and remodeling contractors in your local area.
|
|
|
Get Matched in 48 hours with Landscape Contractors! |
Planning to have a Brick or Paver Walkway Installed
by a Landscaping Contractor
but not sure what questions to ask to ensure you hire the right one? See HomeAdditionPlus.com's
Brick and Paver Walkway Bid Sheet. The
Brick and Paver Walkway Bid Sheet
will help ensure that your walkway project goes smoothly and you get the
finished walkway you are looking for.
How to Finance your
New Home Project
- LendingTree's
Home Equity Loans
can help provide funds for your new home improvement project if
financing is required.
Related
Articles
Additional Brick Paver Walkway Resources
|
|
|
