Standing at the pinnacle of durability, poured concrete walls and
While many types of solid and durable retaining walls exist, concrete and stone are easily the best options. These materials are long-lasting, rigid, durable, extremely strong, and can easily support your site.
Poured concrete is the strongest and most durable choice for retaining walls. It may also be carved and formed to look like mortared stone depending on your taste.
Concrete blocks are a low-cost option for constructing a retaining wall. They are strong, long-lasting, and come in various sizes and forms to meet your design tastes. Concrete block walls may provide outstanding structural integrity while keeping prices low when properly installed.
Pressure-treated timbers are typically what you use for a timber retaining wall. The fun fact about pressure treated wood is that it is warrantied – but putting it in continuous contact with the ground voids the warranty. Even so, you can reasonably expect to get anywhere from 10-20 years out of a timber wall.
As a whole, the post and lumber specimens indicate an expected durability of over 50 years for creosote-treated wood and over 60 years for wood treated with pentachlorophenol, copper naphthenate, ACZA, or CCA.
Concrete retaining walls will not only outlast timber walls, they can also be installed quickly and easily, without even using mortar to bond the stones together. A timber retaining wall can last a little over a decade, if treated properly. If not maintained, the lifespan of a timber wall is around 3 to 5 years.
Controlling the Height of the Wall
Adjusting the height of the retaining wall can lead to significant cost savings. In scenarios where it's feasible, reducing the height of the wall while allowing for a gentle slope can decrease the amount of materials needed and thus the overall expenses.
Gabions typically use less expensive materials, such as wire mesh and stones, making them cost-effective compared to the various materials that can be used for traditional retaining walls. Traditional retaining walls may involve higher material costs depending on the chosen material, such as concrete or brick.
There are a few different factors that can influence retaining wall cost: Material. Common retaining wall materials include concrete blocks, natural stone, and timber. Each has its price range, with natural stone typically being the most expensive and timber the least.
Each type is designed to suit the specific needs of a project according to the site conditions. The four main types of retaining walls are gravity retaining walls, cantilever retaining walls, embedded retaining walls, and reinforced soil retaining walls.
Poor Drainage
However, even with proper drainage, drain holes on larger retaining walls are prone to clogging—meaning the soil behind the wall is more likely to become saturated. When the soil behind the wall becomes too wet, it gets heavier and is more likely to make your retaining wall give way.
Segmental retaining wall blocks are becoming one of the most popular choices for retaining walls. Made of durable concrete, they're dry stacked and interlocked with pins, with no need for mortar. These block systems come in a wide variety of colors, shapes, textures and sizes.
Landscape timbers are a flexible and environmentally friendly alternative to rail road ties. They come in all different sizes and can be cut to your exact specifications. They are a natural product making them easy to work with and giving you the opportunity to make unique cuts for added effect.
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.
The types of stones used to construct gabion walls also vary and significantly impact the cost. Generally, more expensive stones will result in a higher cost of installation.
For DIYers, it's easiest to use concrete retaining wall blocks that interlock. Interlocking blocks fit together and add extra security to the wall. For retaining wall ideas, visit your local store for inspiration.
Concrete and Boulder Walls
Standing at the pinnacle of durability, poured concrete walls and boulder walls boast the longest lifespan. Their robustness ensures they can endure the test of time, often lasting 50 years and beyond.
So, if soil and ground issues are not covered by homeowners insurance, are retaining walls covered by insurance? Because retaining walls are frequently considered a detached structure, damage to them can be covered under your homeowners policy under the right conditions.
Poured concrete is the cheapest type of retaining wall, in terms of materials. Pressure-treated pine is next, and wood retaining walls are becoming more popular now. If you prefer stone, granite is generally the least expensive option.
The life span of concrete masonry units can vary depending on several factors, but in many cases, CMUs can last up to 100 years. Unlike materials like wood and some metals, concrete doesn't deteriorate over time.
Absolutely! Even a 2-foot retaining wall needs an effective drainage system. Without it, water can build up behind the wall, leading to pressure that might cause the wall to lean or even collapse. All walls need systems to manage water effectively, preventing damage over time.
Disadvantages of Retaining Walls
Retaining walls require careful planning and engineering to ensure they are strong enough to hold back the soil. Another disadvantage of retaining walls is that they can be difficult to maintain. Retaining walls can be susceptible to erosion, cracking, and other types of damage.