Retaining Walls

Retaining Walls Pictures

Exploring retaining walls pictures may inspire you to include this unique element in your landscaping design. Retaining walls can stabilize a sloped property or add new contours to a uniform terrain. With one or more retaining walls in your landscape, you create new spaces that can be used as elevated planting or entertainment areas. Retaining walls may be constructed using pre-fabricated blocks or natural materials, like flagstone or cedar timbers, to reflect the overall look of your landscape.

With a little research, you can find retaining walls pictures in internet photo galleries, in landscaping books or in home design magazines. For retaining structure ideas and inspiration, collect your favorite pictures from different sources. Note the size, style and the type of material used to construct these retaining walls. Imagine how each of the standard types of walls would fit into your own front or back yard. If you're working with a landscaping professional, share your favorite pictures with your contractor to determine whether a specific wall design would suit your property.

Retainer Types

As you build your collection of retaining walls pictures, you'll notice that certain styles appear more frequently than others. You may be drawn to photographs of gravity retainers, which rely on the weight and shape of their components to hold the wall in place. If you prefer a natural, rustic landscape design, you may be drawn to stone gravity retaining walls pictures. Natural stone walls appear to be an unplanned, unstructured extension of the terrain.

Even a natural, informal wall must meet specific structural requirements in order to function efficiently and remain in place for an extended period ofd time. Each structure must incorporate a form of drainage to relieve the pressure of water accumulation behind the retainer. In addition, a structure must be tall and sturdy enough to bear the weight of the earth that it stabilizes. A retainer that's too short or that can't bear sufficient weight will eventually bulge, bow or collapse.

If you have a steep slope on your property, look for pictures of cantilever structures. A cantilever wall is composed of poured concrete or heavy wooden components that can bear the vertical load of a large mass of soil. Cantilever retaining wall pictures may show you that these poured concrete devices are shaped like an upside down T, with the bar of the T at the base of the structure. Poured concrete retaining wall pictures display a more structured, reinforced unit, which is capable of holding back a significant amount of weight.

Timber retaining walls pictures may appeal to you if you love the color and texture of natural wood. Redwood, juniper and other insect resistant species are often used to build these retainers, which add a rustic, casual look to your landscape. Redwood and cedar are resistant to the effects of termites, which can compromise the stability of the timbers over time. Pressure treated lumber is also resistant to the effects of insects and moisture damage, but additional moisture protection may be provided to keep the wood intact over time.

Using Pictures for Your Landscape

As you study your retaining walls pictures, apply these images to your own front or back yard. A landscaping contractor can advise you on the size and style of structure you'll need to retain a slope on your property. If the structure is over a certain height, usually 3 or 4 feet, you may need a permit from your local planning agency. Tall, reinforced units may require authorization from a licensed structural engineer to confirm that the retainer is capable of bearing the necessary load.

If you're striving for a natural, unplanned look, search for retaining walls pictures that reflect a more informal style. Timber or flagstone models lend themselves to a design that reflects the naturally occurring elements in your environment. Pre-cut stone blocks or segmented styles complement a more formal layout, with structured plantings and orderly, geometric shapes.

Retaining walls pictures should also reflect the realistic limitations of a property and the local climate. In areas that experience heavy rains or winter snows, a low, natural stone structure might not be appropriate for a steeper slope. By the same token, a formal, mortared design would probably be excessive for a small residential lot. Consider your budget and maintenance requirements as well as any design considerations as you're planning this project.

Retaining walls pictures are the beginning of a project that could represent a significant improvement in your yard. Consider a number of photos before you select the images that appeal to your sense of style as well as your landscaping budget. A licensed contractor can be your creative partner in designing a structure that reflects your visions without overwhelming your property. Compare estimates from a number of the top contractors in your area to find the most competitive quote from a reliable professional.

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