Retaining Wall Materials
Retaining walls can be a functional and aesthetically pleasing feature for your property, especially if it’s located in a hilly area.
Aside from holding back the soil to prevent erosion, they provide usable and flat ground for a patio, garden, driveway, sidewalk, pool deck, and other outdoor spaces.
Retaining walls can also enhance your landscaping, as you can use them to create different elevations or terrain levels for plants or flowers.
Different retaining wall materials are available today, but choosing what to use can be confusing.
Should you build a wood retaining wall or use concrete? How about stone, pavers, or brick?
While many materials offer similar advantages and characteristics, certain ones are particularly fitting for these structures.
When selecting retaining wall blocks, it would be best to consider your structure’s intended shape and style. The dimensions and height of the wall will also play a crucial role in your material choice.
By evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of each option, you can zero in on the most cost-effective materials for building a functional, durable, and visually appealing retaining wall.
Ready to start?
In this blog, we’re sharing tips for choosing the best retaining wall material.
Tip 1: Choose a segmental concrete block retaining wall system to create a durable and aesthetically pleasing product that can be designed to meet almost any site requirements.
Segmental concrete blocks are designed to interlock and can be assembled without mortar, so they simplify the process of building a curved wall while providing the aesthetics of natural stone. They also come in various hues and styles to match your particular space.
Segmental concrete blocks allow you to build a low-maintenance and durable wall that doesn’t require unique treatments and sealing for longevity.
Tip 2: Corten Steel
Does your project lend itself to a modern or industrial vibe? Corten Steel could be the perfect retaining wall material for you.
Corten steel, sometimes referred to as weathering steel, is a type of steel alloy that will often develop a protective rust-like appearance when exposed to the elements.
This rust-like coating forms a barrier that protects the steel from further corrosion so it is highly durable and resistant to weathering. These qualities make corten steel an excellent material for retaining walls, as it can withstand prolonged exposure to outdoor conditions while retaining its structural integrity.
Additionally, its distinctive aesthetic adds a modern rustic and industrial charm to landscapes, making it a popular choice for both functional and decorative purposes in outdoor design projects.
Tip 3: Use natural stone boulders for a timeless, rustic look.
People have built natural stone retaining walls by stacking stones on each other for centuries. The result is a rustic aesthetic — perfect for homes in rural and country settings.
From small rocks to oversized boulders, there are plenty of options regarding stone types and sizes. A properly built stone boulder retaining wall will provide a lifetime of functional and aesthetic enjoyment.
However, using natural stones requires added care and expertise in the construction process in order to realize this durability and longevity.
Let Outdoor Cedar Structures LLC help you find the best materials.
Retaining walls are among our specialties. As a trusted service provider and CMHA Certified segmental retaining wall installer, we can remove the guesswork from choosing the best retaining wall material. Book a free design consultation by calling (509) 329-6054!
