Things to Consider When Building A Retaining Wall
Retaining walls are primarily built for structural purposes.
For instance barricading an unstable slope from falling apart or to create an even ground where family members can play.
Nevertheless, the practical nature of these walls should not stop you from adding beauty to your yard.
A landscape designer will most likely look at poorly designed retaining wall as a wasted canvas.
Tips: *Drainage First and foremost, when designing and building a retaining wall for your yard, it is important to figure out the condition of the location.
In other words, check the water drainage, the condition of the soil as well as the grade.
These are very important factors in how to build your wall.
It will also affect your decision on the type of wall to build.
Equally important, you should also have a sketch of the design you wish to achieve.
You can also have blueprints and pictures of your yard from different angles.
This will help the sales person to better conjure up your idea and present you with the best product.
*Height and Width When designing, you should ascertain the height and width of the retaining wall you would like to have.
If the height is above 3 feet, then you should probably leave this project to a qualified contractor.
If the height you desire is less, and you are handy, then there is nothing stopping you from building the wall alone.
Terraces may be required depending on the size of the wall.
There is an array of designs for you to choose from, either from the internet or other books.
*Materials Another aspect that you should consider when building the your wall is the material you will use.
They can be made of railroad tiles, rocks, bricks, blocks or concrete.
Some are even built of using old tires or asphalt shingles but if you are not very creative in landscaping, it is better if you stuck with the common materials.
Your choice on the materials you will use will depend of various factors.
Apart from the drainage of the area, you also have to consider the durability and strength you desire for your wall and the cost of the materials.
*Construction During construction, you need to determine the way to build your first course.
However, you should start with half stones or blocks to allow the stones to interlock alternate stones on alternate courses.
The second course on the other hand should start with a full stone or block and thus ensure a stronger wall.
There are numerous design options for retaining walls.
Make sure you include flowers especially those that grow in a trailing fashion.
Get creative on the terraces and curves and add decorative touches that make your retaining wall a beauty in the garden.
For instance barricading an unstable slope from falling apart or to create an even ground where family members can play.
Nevertheless, the practical nature of these walls should not stop you from adding beauty to your yard.
A landscape designer will most likely look at poorly designed retaining wall as a wasted canvas.
Tips: *Drainage First and foremost, when designing and building a retaining wall for your yard, it is important to figure out the condition of the location.
In other words, check the water drainage, the condition of the soil as well as the grade.
These are very important factors in how to build your wall.
It will also affect your decision on the type of wall to build.
Equally important, you should also have a sketch of the design you wish to achieve.
You can also have blueprints and pictures of your yard from different angles.
This will help the sales person to better conjure up your idea and present you with the best product.
*Height and Width When designing, you should ascertain the height and width of the retaining wall you would like to have.
If the height is above 3 feet, then you should probably leave this project to a qualified contractor.
If the height you desire is less, and you are handy, then there is nothing stopping you from building the wall alone.
Terraces may be required depending on the size of the wall.
There is an array of designs for you to choose from, either from the internet or other books.
*Materials Another aspect that you should consider when building the your wall is the material you will use.
They can be made of railroad tiles, rocks, bricks, blocks or concrete.
Some are even built of using old tires or asphalt shingles but if you are not very creative in landscaping, it is better if you stuck with the common materials.
Your choice on the materials you will use will depend of various factors.
Apart from the drainage of the area, you also have to consider the durability and strength you desire for your wall and the cost of the materials.
*Construction During construction, you need to determine the way to build your first course.
However, you should start with half stones or blocks to allow the stones to interlock alternate stones on alternate courses.
The second course on the other hand should start with a full stone or block and thus ensure a stronger wall.
There are numerous design options for retaining walls.
Make sure you include flowers especially those that grow in a trailing fashion.
Get creative on the terraces and curves and add decorative touches that make your retaining wall a beauty in the garden.
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