How to Choose the Right Material for Your Retaining Wall

When you have decided that your landscaping is in need of an upgrade, there are a lot of different things you can do. One popular option with homeowners, is the addition of a retaining wall. Sometimes, due to loose or unstable soil, a retaining wall is a functional necessity. However, they can also be used for decorative purposes and to add some style and personality to a yard. When thinking about a retaining wall, you have several choices when it comes to materials. Here is some advice on picking the right one for your landscape.

The first thing you need to think about is color. Ideally, you would want your retaining wall to match, or at least not clash, with the color of your house. Certain materials come in a wide variety of colors, while others only have a few color choices from which to choose. Secondly, what textures do you like? The nice thing about retaining walls is that they can be designed to look like a lot of different surfaces, including brick, stone, or even wood. The next thing you should think about is the shape. Your retaining wall can be built as one structure with concrete, it could resemble many rocks put together, or even stacked blocks. When it comes to shape, there are several varieties to consider.

Another thing that you have to keep in mind, is what exactly the retaining wall will be used for. If it is strictly for decorative purposes, for example, to be used for a garden, most likely you will be able to use any material. However, if the retaining wall will be used to hold back soil, you have to make sure you choose a material strong enough to do the job. This would probably require something like concrete or stone.

Cost is another big factor when it comes to your retaining wall. It can be very beneficial to choose a material that is local to your area, so you can save money on the expenses involved with cutting, preparing, and shipping the material.

If you are looking for a warmer and more organic look for your retaining wall, you should consider using pressure-treated wood. Wood that has been pressure treated is injected with chemicals that preserve it and also protect against rotting and insect infestation. Railroad ties are another good option for your retaining wall. Because they are treated with creosote, they will not rot and can hold up to all elements for many years. In addition, utilizing railroad ties is a great way of recycling previously used materials and helping the environment.

For whatever reason you would like to put up a retaining wall in your yard – either for functional or fashionable purposes – contact the pros at Landscape Solutions & Design. We will help you choose the perfect materials for your wall and work with you to ensure that it provides a beautiful accent to your landscape.