Retaining walls, which go around sections of your garden, have both aesthetic and utility benefits for your yard. They prevent soil erosion, section off the sides of your landscaping, and add a beautiful statement to improve your home’s curb appeal. Here are some of the different types of retaining walls and the benefits of each.

Guide to Retaining Wall Styles

1. Gravity

Gravity walls are the most common type of retaining wall. They are thick and made of heavy-duty materials such as brick, natural stone or concrete. To support the weight of the soil, they are thicker at the bottom than at the top and made in a cross-section shape. Gravity walls can reach up to 10 feet, but need to be laid in a small trench to accommodate for their thicker bottoms if made that tall.

2. Cantilevered

Since they’re reinforced on a slab foundation, cantilevered walls are recommended for steeper slopes or areas with a risk of erosion. They are usually made of pavers, concrete, or masonry, and have steel bars running up through the material to provide extra security.

3. Anchored

An anchored retaining wall uses the support of anchors grounded in the earth and secured with cables. Any existing type of wall can be anchored for extra support, allowing you to use thinner walls with added anchors where space is a concern.

4. Counterfort

A counterfort wall is similar to a cantilever design, but with vertical thin slabs along the backside of the wall for extra weight support. This heavy-duty retaining wall is ideal for walls over 25 feet tall, and can even prevent the structure from being pushed forward by a soil backfill.

If you need help determining the right type of retaining wall for your yard around Mukwonago, WI, contact WH Major & Sons Inc. Family-owned and -operated since 1956, they provide backyard landscaping services such as stump removal, retaining wall installation, and patio and walkway paving. Learn more about what they do on their website or call (262) 363-3115 to schedule a consultation.