Retaining walls are great for separating landscaping in the yard, adding another seating area, and providing a beautiful focal point. With 25 years of experience, Done Right Landscapes in Saint Peters, MO, has included retaining walls into many of their landscaping projects. Here they explain the basics of these structures.

How They Work

A retaining wall is used to prevent soil from eroding or collapsing. The solid wall holds the soil in place. Many property owners like these for their aesthetic benefits, because they can separate areas in the yard and provide additional space.

There are different types of retaining walls, but the standard option is called a gravity wall. This is wider at the base and angled towards the higher-level soil. It uses gravitational force to keep the soil in place. Other structures may use an anchor that goes deep into the soil or an extension of the wall along the bottom.

What Are Popular Material Options?

Many homeowners use wood plank or timber to erect retaining walls. While wood is aesthetically pleasing, it doesn’t hold up over time due to rotting. Better material options are concrete and stone. Concrete blocks can be assembled quickly and are made to last. Make sure to choose the right weight and stacking system for a concrete wall to ensure that it holds up under the pressure.

Rubble stones create a more natural look for a landscape design and they’re just as durable as concrete blocks. The only negative that comes with this option is that the wall won’t look uniform because each stone is a different size.

If you want a retaining wall for your property, hire experienced landscape contractors for the job. Done Right Landscapes only uses the highest quality blocks for every project. They even offer a 10-year warranty. See their website for examples of their work. Call (636) 373-3902 to discuss your latest project.