If you’re already decided on building a retaining wall, you might be overwhelmed by the different types of materials to choose from. Whether you’re building it for your home or business, you will have to consider a lot of factors. Building retaining walls is not a simple task. From planning to designing and to construction – you need an experienced professional to help you.
What are factors to consider when choosing a material?
Moisture
If you’re planning to get wood as your material, make sure that you won’t have moisture-related issues. Wood can easily rot and be damaged if exposed to additional moisture.
Weather Condition
In designing and planning your retaining wall, you should consider the weather condition in your area. Some materials can’t combat extreme weather conditions.
Foundation
All structures should have a good foundation. It is important to inspect to have the area inspected to establish a foundation that can withstand heavy weight.
Soil Characteristics
The characteristic of the soil in your area will determine if it would be a strong base for your retaining wall.
Drainage
Drainage should also be looked at before constructing a retaining wall. A good drainage system will contribute to the stability of your structure. Take note that water buildup behind your retaining will can cause damage.
7 Most Common Retaining Wall Materials
Brick
Brick can combat extreme weather conditions. It’s very strong and long-lasting.The downside of bricks is when one section gets damaged, it will be hard to repair it because the entire structure might be affected.
Timber
Timber is cheaper than other materials. It’s durable and easy to install. Since it’s wood, it can still be prone to being damaged easily and are susceptible to termites.
Concrete Blocks
Concrete blocks are artificially produced, they offer a lot of variety to choose from. They can combat extreme weather conditions and usually lasts for years.
Poured Concrete
Poured concrete is strong and long-lasting. You can choose different designs to improve the appearance of the concrete. The drainage system in poured concrete is also easy to install.
Wood
Wood adds beauty to your outdoor space and tends to blend easily. Wood is affordable and easy to install. You can cut it in any shape or size you want. It is also durable despite its lightweight. However, wood can be damaged easily when exposed to water and moisture. So, if you’re live in a rainy location, this might not be the right material for you.
Boulder
Boulder walls are one of the strongest and most reliable man-made structures. They can easily blend into any landscaping design and are easy to build. However, boulder walls are large and are not suitable for small yards or gardens.
Boulder walls are quite expensive – from transportation to installation.
Natural Stone
Natural stones retain all characteristics of a good stone – its strength and durability. It is similar to boulder walls, however, natural stones are much smaller. They have are a variety of design options you can choose from.
