Do you have a slope on the edge of your property? When properly built and maintained, retaining walls help to contain soil that might otherwise erode or cause a structural collapse. Before putting your retaining wall ideas to work, it’s important to think about different factors that could affect it. For example, the type of retaining wall material. In this guide, we explore the most common types of retaining wall materials used and offer insights into how long each material lasts.
What Type of Retaining Wall Lasts the Longest?
Whether you’re aiming for a two-feet-tall garden retaining wall or a six-feet-tall structural wall, understanding the key principles of construction and design will help you discover the exact type of retaining wall your property needs.
These wall structures are permanent features in the yard and come in many different materials, depending on the application. Depending on the environment and the type of materials used in the retaining wall construction, it can last anywhere from 25 to 100 years or more.
Let’s look at the types of materials available for retaining wall projects and the benefits they offer to the structure.
Poured Concrete Retaining Walls
This is the most common type of material featured in retaining walls across the country and the world. Poured concrete retaining walls are sturdy and last a long time. Concrete is a strong material that can also be carved and shaped to enhance the appearance of the retaining wall.
A poured concrete retaining wall isn’t designed to be leaned back against the soil, making it advantageous in confined spaces in the yard. A distinctive visual difference exists between poured concrete walls and concrete blocks.
With this application, landscapers pour the concrete into a mold to shape the wall. The mold remains in place until the concrete cures. An installation team then removes the mold to reveal a solid wall. The solid concrete design of a poured wall gives it a high degree of stability, making it preferable over concrete blocks in most applications.
Concrete Block Retaining Walls
Concrete block retaining walls rely on interlocked concrete blocks stacked on each other to the preferred wall height. Landscaping professionals secure the blocks in place with mortar to prevent the wall from moving. Like poured concrete walls, concrete blocks can provide up to a century or more of service life.
Typically, concrete block walls receive support from a gravel or crushed stone foundation and stay supportive even with large amounts of pressure applied to the wall by the soil. Concrete blocks provide a strong, sturdy retaining wall that stands up to the pressure.
Brick Retaining Walls
Brick is reasonably durable and sturdy similar to concrete block retaining walls. However, brick lacks the strength of concrete, and will chip and degrade over the years. Bricks must be secured in place with mortar to give the wall a strong structural resistance against slides.
Natural Stone Retaining Walls
Natural stone is the most challenging retaining wall material to work with. However, natural stone creates a mesmerizing visual effect for the yard, unlike other types of retaining wall materials. Professional landscapers build natural stone retaining walls by stacking the stone slabs on top of each other.
For extra strength and added support, landscaping professionals can secure the stones with mortar. Like brick and concrete, natural stone walls offer a service life of up to 100 years or longer. They blend well with landscapes and are the best choice for an amazing aesthetic in the yard.
Some property owners choose to install natural stone retaining walls in segments to create terraced levels in a sloping backyard. This can provide structural support as well as an attractive landscaping solution.
Wooden Retaining Walls
Wooden retaining walls provide a visual aesthetic for outdoor spaces that’s natural and appealing. However, wood is a weak building material and does not withstand the pressure of a large landslide like other materials. Timber is also susceptible to termite infestations which can severely weaken the structure. Even pressure-treated lumber tends to rot, so you’ll need to treat the wood and refinish it every year to keep it from decomposing.
Which Retaining Wall Material Should You Use?
The choice of what type of retaining wall material to use is a crucial decision that hinges on various factors, including aesthetic preferences, longevity, budget constraints, and project requirements. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution, concrete blocks stand out as a versatile and practical option for many applications. Their adaptability in design, durability, ease of installation, and cost-effectiveness make them a solid choice for those seeking a reliable and aesthetically pleasing retaining wall solution.
It’s imperative to carefully assess the unique demands of your project, consult with local landscaping professionals, and adhere to local building regulations to ensure the success and longevity of your retaining wall. Whether enhancing the landscaping of a residential property or addressing the needs of a larger commercial property, a well-chosen retaining wall material can blend functionality with visual appeal, providing an effective solution for erosion control and landscape stability that lasts a long time.
Antler Country Landscaping Omaha
Antler Country Landscaping was incorporated in 1997 and over the years has grown to offer professional landscape services, lawn care, and outdoor living spaces. Our mission is to enhance your outdoor experience. Contact us to learn more about our Omaha landscaping services.