Landscape Retaining Walls

There are a lot of decisions that need to be made in order for a landscape retaining wall to function properly, including the type of retaining wall and the material that will work best for your situation. At Jovak Landscape and Design, we understand how important your landscaping is to you. That is why our team of landscape construction professionals can help you create the perfect landscape retaining wall for your specific needs.

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Types of Retaining Walls

The first decision that will need to be made is determining which type of retaining wall will work best for your sloped backyard. There are two main types of retaining walls to choose from: gravity retaining walls and reinforced retaining walls.

• Gravity retaining walls – this type of retaining wall uses materials that are stacked together, locking in place to form a setback, which helps the wall support the pressure from the soil behind it.
• Reinforced retaining walls – this type of retaining wall uses some form of reinforcement to give more strength to the retaining wall structure, improving its ability to retain the soil behind it, such as no-fines concrete, geogrids, soil nails, or earth anchors.

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Retaining Wall Materials

When it comes to ensuring that your retaining wall will last a long time, one of the most important choices that will need to be made is the type of material it will be built from. Some of the materials that you can choose to have your retaining wall made out of include:

• Concrete blocks – perfect for creating curved walls and walls under 4-feet tall. This material is a great option for creating smaller retaining walls with a bit of style; however, it is important to make sure that your concrete wall is properly structured, as a lock of footings may affect the strength of the wall over time.
• Stone veneers – this material allows you to create an array of styles and looks, and is perfect for creating walls of various heights and thicknesses. Retaining walls made from stone veneers are great looking and extremely durable, but should be designed and built by a contractor.
• Poured concrete – while poured concrete can offer strength and greater versatility, it can be difficult to work with and the form of these walls have to be nearly perfect in order to avoid waves or bulging in the future.
• Brick – one of the strongest and most durable materials used to build retaining walls, as it can create a wall that will last for a very long time; however, it is important to keep in mind that building a retaining wall out of bricks can be labour intensive and it will require specific accommodations for drainage.
• Dry stone/boulders – this type of material is perfect for retaining walls in country, colonial, or English style gardens. Dry stone is considered one of the most organic options, but without proper maintenance, excess water can build up and destroy the integrity of the wall over time.
• Gabion – this material is a green alternative to other materials, and is also one of the easiest retaining wall materials to work with.21

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Why Retaining Walls Are Important

1. Prevent Soil Erosion

Sloping landscapes or areas with heavy rainfall can cause soil to erode and wash away, leading to unsightly bare patches on your property. By installing a retaining wall, you create a barrier that keeps the soil in place, preventing erosion and maintaining the integrity of your landscaping.

2. Enhances the Aesthetics of Your Outdoor Space

Retaining walls can enhance the aesthetics of your outdoor area in ways you never imagined. With various materials available such as brick, stone, or wood, you have endless options to match your desired style or theme. A well-designed retaining wall can instantly transform a dull and unattractive slope into an eye-catching focal point in your garden. Not only does it add depth and dimension to your landscape but it also adds value and curb appeal to your property.

3. Create Usable Space

Installing a retaining wall allows the creation of usable space in otherwise hilly or sloped areas. These spaces are often difficult to utilize effectively due to their uneven nature. A well-designed retaining wall can level out such an area and turn it into valuable square footage for gardening or hosting gatherings with friends and family. Instead of struggling with unstable terrain or having limited use of certain parts of your property, consider maximizing its potential by installing a retaining wall.

4. Offers Privacy and Noise Reduction

Whether you live near neighbours or are bothered by traffic noise from nearby roads, a solidly built retaining wall can be an effective barrier that minimizes sight lines and sound transmission. By strategically positioning and designing your retaining wall with privacy in mind, you can create a more tranquil environment where you can relax without disturbance and enjoy the serenity of nature right at home.

If you are interested in learning more about landscape retaining walls, or if you are interested in one of our services, please contact Jovak Landscape and Design at 604-866-7186 or by filling out a contact form on our website.