Benefits of Retaining Walls in Landscape Design

Techo- Bloc Mini-Creta tiered retaining wall allows access to a new patio area.

This Techo-Bloc Mini-Creta tiered retaining wall allows access to a new patio area.

Here in the Phoenixville, Spring City, Pottstown or Collegeville areas, there are plenty of properties that are built on a slope.  Although that’s not a bad thing, it sometimes causes problems for homeowners.  If your property slopes, you may be experiencing soil movement, erosion, or drainage problems.  In addition, the lack of level areas creates challenges for planting, seating, or recreational purposes.

The good news is that retaining walls provide essential structural support for sloped landscapes, as well as the aesthetic appeal they offer.

 The Functional Benefits of Retaining Walls

  • Add usable, flat space to your property
  • Help reduce soil erosion issues
  • Create terraced landscapes
  • Holds back soil

Retaining Wall in Pottstown installed to provide a planting area and hold back soil.

The Aesthetic Value of Retaining Walls

Gone are the days when retaining walls were purely utilitarian structures.  Today, they serve as stylish focal points in outdoor spaces, enhancing curb appeal and adding depth to landscape design.  With a plethora of materials, colors, and textures available, retaining walls can complement any architectural style and outdoor aesthetic.

Retaining walls can also act as seat walls.  A patio surrounded by a sitting wall is a must-have for larger crowds.   Additionally, incorporating features into a retaining wall with integrated lighting, or cascading waterfalls can elevate the functionality and beauty of your retaining wall, turning it into an eye-catching focal point of your outdoor space

 

This sitting wall adds additional seating for this Downingtown, PA patio

Retaining Wall Material Options

Whether you opt for natural stone for a rustic look or sleeker concrete blocks for a modern touch, these walls can transform ordinary landscapes into visually stunning outdoor retreats.

Segmental Concrete Retaining Walls or Manufactured Block.  This is one of the most simple and reliable walls available.  We can design and build them from basic to elaborate and will design them to fit your landscape style.  They provide a clean look and there are plenty of color and style options.

Stone Veneer Walls.  Veneered walls are constructed by creating a poured concrete wall or concrete block wall which is then covered with the stone of your choice.  We often are asked to install a veneer on an existing wall in a landscape.   The core creates an incredibly strong wall with the veneer giving it a luxurious finish.    You’ll find many color and texture choices in veneer.

Boulder/Natural Sone Retaining Walls.  This type of wall uses the weight of the boulders to keep a slope in place.   Dry-stacked walls provide a natural, rustic look.

Why Hire a Retaining Wall Expert?

While DIY projects can be appealing to some homeowners, constructing a retaining wall requires careful planning, technical expertise, and an exact set of skills.   Hiring a wall expert minimizes the risk of future structural failures.  A trained professional brings expertise in proper excavation, drainage considerations, and material selection, all of which are crucial elements in constructing a durable and effective retaining wall.

Construction Considerations for Building Retaining Walls

Attention to Grading – The last thing you need is to have water draining into a neighbor’s yard.

A Solid Foundation – The level and depth of the base is key.

Load-Bearing Construction – A wall needs to support as much soil that is behind it.

Drainage – A drain pike or drain tile at the base of the wall prevents added weight to the soil.

Feel Confident Choosing Whitehouse Landscaping for Your Retaining Wall Installation.

Whitehouse Landscaping is a certified installer and we have over 20 years of extensive experience in helping Montgomery and Chester county property owners add retaining walls to their landscaping.

Click here to view some of our retaining wall installations.  We provide superior services in landscape design, fire pits, fireplaces, as well as patios and walkways.  You can count on us giving you a functional and aesthetically pleasing retaining wall you can count on for years to come.  Contact us on our website for a free consultation.