A retaining wall is an ideal way to contain soil, prevent erosion, and create eye-catching landscaping features. They are most commonly built on properties with natural hills or steep slopes. However, they can also be used to a significant effect on flatter areas where more surface variation will add depth and dimension. Before you build your retaining wall, consider these crucial do’s and don'ts.

Do:

Provide a strong foundation.

Retaining walls do more than offer decoration. They hold back large amounts of soil, which can be extremely heavy. For this reason, the wall needs to have strong foundational support to anchor it firmly into the ground. The exact depth of the foundation will depend on the overall height of the wall. In general, the foundation should be at least 1/8 of the wall's height plus three additional inches.

Install extra features.

No rule says a retaining wall must be a substantial barrier of rock, and there are a variety of extra features that can make it a vibrant addition to your home’s exterior. Among these, you should consider adding a water feature, like a fountain or waterfall, lighting to enhance your landscaping, a built-in bench for outdoor seating, or a fireplace. Always discuss any planned extras with the person installing your retaining wall so they can design and build the structure accordingly.

Don't:

Neglect drainage.

Drainage is essential to the proper functioning of a retaining wall. If there isn't sufficient drainage in place, the wall will buckle or crack over time, and it may eventually give out completely. When working with your contractor, have them leave at least a foot of space behind the wall and fill it with gravel. Also, discuss the possibility of installing a perforated pipe underneath the wall to better channel water away from it.

Choose one tier when you can have more than one.

If you have the space outside your home, think about installing multiple tiered retaining walls instead of one large wall. Some terrains and soil conditions will need a larger wall. However, when possible, tiers will help more evenly distribute soil weight and take the burden off one single wall. Also, they add a more dramatic look to the landscape and provide more opportunities to plant flowers and other flora.

When you need a new retaining wall, depend on the concrete suppliers at Schreiter Ready Mix & Materials. Serving homes and businesses throughout the St. Charles County, MO, region, they offer ready mix concrete and delivery for a variety of applications, including retaining walls. Their concrete is available in an array of color options to suit any landscape or property. Call (636) 240-2600 or visit them online to request an estimate today.