Retaining Walls

Retaining Wall Installation

Retaining wall installation can be easy and affordable or complicated and expensive, depending on the size and structure of the wall and the materials used in its construction. Although every retaining wall performs similar functions, different structures have different load capacities. A low, natural stone retainer wall and a tall, cantilever retaining unit both stabilize a mass of earth, but the larger, reinforced retaining structure performs this function on a much larger scale. Installation of a large retaining wall often requires the help of a qualified engineer.

Dry Stack Installation

Border gardens, gently sloped landscapes and low elevations of soil can be enhanced with dry stack retaining wall installation. A dry stack installation involves stones, blocks or bricks that are stacked without mortar or any other adhesive. The weight and shape of the stones holds the structure in place, allowing it to bear the weight of the soil. Installation of a structure that's lower than 4 feet can be accomplished by skillful homeowners and generally does not require a permit.

All retaining walls require some form of drainage system to relieve the pressure of the water that builds up in the soil during a rain or after a thaw. A dry stack wall offers a natural drainage system, as the spaces between the rocks allow excess water in the soil to seep through the cracks. Stone slabs may be included during installation to serve as steps in the middle of your retaining structure, increasing its functionality and enhancing its aesthetic appeal.

Dry stack units may be constructed using the field stones that occur naturally in your area, manufactured blocks or quarried rock. You can also install low retainer units using timber or flagstones. The installation of a natural stone or timber wall can change the contours of your landscape, adding a new elevation and preventing the run-off of water that leads to soil erosion.

Reinforced Structures

Reinforced retainer walls require more extensive structural support than structures that rely on gravity. These reinforced units also require a more extensive drainage system to keep them from bowing, bulging, cracking or collapsing. If you have a large vertical slope that experiences significant run-off and erosion, reinforced retaining wall installation can prevent erosion and transform the landscape by stabilizing the steep slope.

Reinforced retaining wall installation may require the assistance of a qualified engineer to ensure that the structure will be stable enough to bear the required load. In the initial phase, a trench is excavated to contain the lowest section of the structure. Reinforced units are often supported by geosynthetic reinforcement products, including sheets of woven fiber that hold the earth behind the structure in place. Drainage is accomplished by backfilling the area behind the unit with gravel or another loosely packed material and installing a drain tile to release water.

Reinforced units may be constructed with poured concrete, mortared masonry or stones. A series of terraced segments stabilizing a large slope may require specialized reinforcement during retaining wall installation. Reinforced retaining wall installation must comply with building codes in your area, which are available through the local planning agency. Projects taller than 3 feet high may require permits authorized by a professional engineer.

Retaining Wall Installation Costs

When you estimate the cost of retaining wall installation, the costs of materials and labor must be included. If you plan to do most of the labor for a low, uncomplicated unit, you can reduce the cost of the project considerably. However, you may enjoy more aesthetically pleasing, long lasting results if you compare estimates from several local landscaping contractors.

The size of the unit and the type of material you use affect the cost of the project. If you use naturally occurring stones from your area, you may pay less than a homeowner building with quarried granite or limestone. Many manufactured stone products are very affordable and offer the added benefit of being easy to install. If you decide to use timber to create a rustic landscape, the wood should be treated to avoid insect damage. Treated wood may be more costly than untreated timber. Alternatively, you can choose a termite-resistant species, like redwood.

A simple, dry stack project will be less expensive than installing a large, reinforced unit. However, if you have a steeply sloped property, installing a reinforced retainer can make your yard safer and more efficient as well as more attractive. For many homeowners, the cost of this project is worth the security it provides.

One time-tested way to reduce the cost of retaining wall installation is to compare quotes from several contractors. If you compare the market before you make a commitment, you have a better chance of finding quality workmanship at an affordable price. Look for a reliable team with a reputation for providing top-notch landscaping services on a realistic schedule.

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