Then, you can build the wall up to four feet high. Rock retaining wall ideas that include stairs boost curb appeal, as seen here. Multicolored stones give this staircase and retaining walls texture and decorative appeal. The main water feature is comprised of five custom made stainless steel scuppers, supplied by a dedicated booster pump. You like the organic look of crushed stone but you researched the price and it was way too high. Think about it in a different way. First, it doesnt last as long as a wall support made of stone or cinder blocks. The reliability of wall material is the most important consideration. It blends neutral colors and lays flat but still has texture. Properly designed and constructed masonry walls, including a natural stone wall, can last for 100 or more years. Boulder retaining wall idea creatively combine large and smaller boulders together while mixing the various shades of gray with soft brown and pink tones. Pros and cons: You cant do this one yourself. The shed roof floats on a continuous glass clerestory with eight foot transom. You will need to consult an engineer for a wall that is higher than four feet. Heavy-duty mesh anchors every other course against the ground. The Arizona Sonora Desert Museum in Tucson uses a series of boulder retaining walls to display desert vegetation in their botanical garden. The owners' goals of creating a home with a contemporary flow and finish while providing a warm setting for daily life was accomplished through mixing warm natural finishes such as stained wood with gray tones in concrete and local limestone. This beautiful yet functional wall in a residential garden is made of small stones. What is the strongest type of retaining wall? VERSA-LOK products for building concrete block retaining walls similar to Versawall blocks; available in the US. With a unique combination of steel and wood, the clean modern aesthetic of this structure creates a visual stamp in the space that standard structure could not accomplish. A sandstone retaining wall leans into a steep slope near a cemetery. After another year-long hiatus, we met once again. Lay the base on top of the compacted soil it should be made of gravel composed of crushed stones between and inches in size. A terraced wall can transform a steeply graded property into an aesthetically pleasing and usable front yard. Just keep in mind that when planning for a type of retaining wall meant to hold back tons of soil, theres little room for error. Stacked timbers or mortared stone, for instance, can impart a rustic look, while poured concrete is sleekly modern. Read this guide to compare four different materials and approaches to decide how to build your retaining wall. For information regarding prices of various wall materials, jump to Costs. Some of them have what looks like horizontal wooden slats all the way across, supported by vertical wooden posts. They do not stop there. This is where the experts come in again. Keep in mind that any future repairs are pricey and take time. We included a brief outline for building a retaining wall, with an emphasis on when a wall needs some type of drainage system. Ideas for steep slopes like this gently curved concrete block retaining wall on a golf course illustrate how to successfully landscape it for your own yard. Timber can last up to 40 years; theres no limit on the life span of a properly installed masonry or concrete wall. For large builds and ones using high-end materials, expect to pay anywhere from $60 to $125 per square foot. This nature-inspired wall was built by creatively combining tree logs with boulders. An interior glass clerestory separates the kitchen and livingroom for sound control. So, the recessed fire pit has been fitted with an aluminum cover that allows our client to set up tables and chairs for entertaining, right over the top of the fire pit. The backdrop for both this dining area , as well as the living area, is the horizontal screen panel, created with alternating sizes of cedar planks, stained to a calm hue of dove grey. The cheapest types of retaining walls are ones made of wood and concrete blocks. But you need a professional to stack them safely and effectively. But while this option is one of the easiest to build it can be costly. The placement of this wood deck allowed us to minimize our use of retaining walls on the Northeast end of the yard, since it drops off over three feet below the elevation of the pool beam. Theyre also cost-effective. This terraced installation for a steep sloping yard is made of wire gabions filled with rocks. You have a small yard, but youre not sure if you prefer the modern or natural look. Add vines or flowering plants that hang over the top edge to give the wall visual interest and more texture. Brands like Pavestone, Rockwood, and Belgard make DIY projects for the backyard, front yard, driveway, and anything in between look professional and polished. The next several months were spent modifying the design, in attempts to lower the budget. Grow a row of shrubs or a hedge the same height as the wall. A curved landscaping wall constructed of concrete blocks beautifies a backyard by showcasing a flower bed filled with colorful pink and white petunias. How to Whitewash Brick with Masonry Supplies, How to Repair a Crack in a Concrete Foundation. Cost: Versa-lok Weathered Mosaic (shown), $11.40 per square foot uninstalled; Versa-Lok. Landscaping experts have to pour the concrete vertically. Tire walls have known to be as high as 25 feet. The term cinder block is often used interchangeably with concrete block.. Used railroad ties or sleepers would be another great and inexpensive material to build a wall from if cosmetics are not as important. In general, treated for ground contact wood is cheap and can be readily purchased at a lumberyard or home improvement store. This huge long wall is constructed of gabion baskets placed side by side to create length. Start with the stone or gravel for the first foot of the wall, then use compacted soil for the remainder of the wall. Low walls constructed of concrete blocks with matching capstones are the perfect landscape accents. But think about the cost, risks and hard labor. Sliding Glass wall system by Nanawall. The cement retaining wall is made from individual containers joined together. Timber is a versatile material because it comes in a wide variety of grains, colors, and textures like smooth planks or logs. Poured concrete is the strongest and most durable retaining wall material there is. The ground-level part of the wall includes a brown wood bench. Other than an occasional clearing of the weep holes, retaining walls dont need much maintenance. Scenario: Youre leaning towards the wooden design ideas, but something is missing. They look natural and amazing in the fall. But you get to choose its shape and it works for small, medium or large outdoor spaces. If you want the strongest wall then poured concrete is the way to go. If you do it by yourself, its time-consuming and dangerous. Lets discuss them. Each retaining wall block is made of a cinder. The crew discusses pocket doors and advises on painting. The corner of the retaining wall is artistically constructed of round boulders, river rocks, and rocks of different shapes and sizes for a layered look. A gravel path in front of the wall will also help control soil erosion. Nestled into sloping topography, the design of this home allows privacy from the street while providing unique vistas throughout the house and to the surrounding hill country and downtown skyline. Duostone lightweight and manageable size make them easy to move; they have a smooth face and a rock face for contrast giving the blocks an understated style; manufactured with the back narrower than the front, allowing them to be placed either convex or concave to create circular, curved or serpentine retaining walls; lip at the back of the block makes for easy stacking and installation. The terraced walls have been landscaped with flowerbeds. Pros and cons: Theyre inexpensive, so they will not last forever. And the most DIY-friendly way is to use commercially available concrete blocks, sold in Home Depot or Lowes. Brush off the stones or blocks before stacking the next course even the smallest pebble or clump of dirt might make the block uneven. In no particular order, she is passionate about interior design, reading, movies, and unique housewares. . A brick retaining wall has a classic appearance and timeless appeal. While the steps provide access to the existing landscaped garden, the overall design maintains its privacy and creates a little mystery. A property defines its perimeter with a large boulder wall landscaped with inkberry holly and daylilies. One of the most unique features on this project has to be the structure over the dining area. Description: A landscaping company builds vertical railway sleepers, or railroad ties, from the ground up. Wood retaining walls are affordable and can be very attractive. Mill Valley Cottage to Home Transformation, This property was transformed from an 1870s YMCA summer camp into an eclectic family home, built to last for generations. Posts divide the retaining for structural support. Build a wall only so high! Site walls were built using true dry stacked stone and concrete retaining walls faced with sawn veneer. Old chalkboards are restored at the Dracut Centre School. But heres the catch: you have to ensure you stack them the right way so theyre secure. Knowing only the basics about furniture and design, she wrote copy and edited web pages for an online furniture company. Soil shifts. One utilizes upright stanchions anchored in a concrete footing, with horizontal wall planks, usually 2 x 6. It has the look of stone at a fraction of the cost. Get the latest This Old House news, trusted tips, tricks, and DIY Smarts projects from our expertsstraight to your inbox. Large timbers, usually 6 x 6, can be stacked and reinforced by steel rods inserted through holes drilled through to grade. Then your other cheaper option is Cinder Blocks (concrete blocks with holes). Retaining walls don't have to be ugly! These include treated pine and treated hardwood. This concrete block retaining wall incorporates steps. Say that you do. What is the cheapest type of retaining wall? Pavers is another term for concrete blocks. Sustainable features include FSC certified lumber, solar hot water, fly ash concrete, and low emitting insulation with 75% recycled content. Wood: Wood is a relatively affordable material. About a year later, we repeated that same process, which resulted in the same outcome. If you find your retaining walls have some more serious damage, follow this guide to help you with the repair. The best material to backfill a retaining wall is crushed stone or gravel. While retaining walls have the practical function of holding soil and rain runoff back, they can also be used to increase the visual impact of outdoor space. A timber retaining wall is usually less than four feet tall. Each corner uses two posts to connect the sides of the wall. Architect: Ian Moller. While concrete walls can dominate the landscape, this living wall idea is a vertical garden both functional and aesthetically pleasing. You can show them any of these five unique retaining wall ideas for a top-of-the-line outdoor living space. Combining cut stone blocks and different-sized boulders, this large natural stone wall at Doksa Lake, Greece, includes a water feature. But great hardscaping isnt just about looks its about your enjoyment. Image, River Red Concrete Self-aligning trapezoidal shape blocks form a curved wall (shown above). If youre building a small wall (short and low) then going with concrete could be the least expensive DIY method. Houzz Pro: One simple solution for contractors and design pros, An existing house was deconstructed to make room for 7200 SF of new ground up construction including a main house, pool house, and lanai. Lets take a look at the costs and some information on, : 1 thousand to 2.8 thousand dollars total, : 5 thousand to 10 thousand dollars total, : Approximately 3.2 thousand to 8.65 thousand dollars total, property. Shown above is a dry stacked sandstone wall with vibrant coloring, a great decorative option for an outdoor living space. Because they need to be well-drained and placed on a rebar-reinforced concrete footing several feet below the surface, most types of brick retaining walls need a mason to install them properly. This guide should help you to discover some cheap and inexpensive retaining wall ideas. Read this DIY guide to hinges, their design, style, and purpose. Cost: Fieldstone, $11 per square foot uninstalled; The Stoneyard. Stone landscaping blends seamlessly with its surroundings. You can buy these materials at stone yards and home centers, but youll likely need a mason to install them. All rights reserved. The Pavestone RockWall system was used to build it with wedge-shaped caps and blocks. The cinder blocks arent too heavy. As you enter the space, your first stop is an outdoor living area. In the second picture, the wall is gently curved, and the stones are organized in a way that emphasizes the split face and exposed edges. Forming a palisade parallel to the sidewalk, the sheer size and solidity are impressive. They stand on the ground and let your stunning landscape peep through at the top. They have visually tied the stairs to the wall by using the same stone for both the steps and the capstones for the natural rock wall. But this landscape timber retaining wall, with its logs still in pretty good shape, gives the surrounding area plenty of rustic charm. Thats hard to do on your own. The beige tones of the new stones will eventually weather, matching the color, quality, texture, and surface of the older natural rock. Here are just a few of the endless. It elevates style, adds privacy and keeps your garden safe from flooding. Redi-Rock Limestone Block these limestone blocks have a natural limestone split texture of quarried stone; good for building retaining walls, fences, garden walls, and even sculptures; easy to cut and simple to install. The garden has been landscaped with eco-friendly plants and shrubs to help keep the soil stable and healthy. No table cloth required; the woods sleek finish gets better with age. The number one cause of retaining wall failure is poor drainage. At Exscape Designs, were here to collaborate with you for the landscape of your dreams. There is a concern for the chemicals in railroad ties leaching into the surrounding soil. Here are just a few of the endless benefits when you build a retaining wall. To make a wall strong use well-compacted base material, calculate the required slope, and include a step-back design in the construction plan to push the wall against the soil. Intimate Spaces turns unusable area into functional and beautiful spaces. In most local regions and municipalities, a permit is required, and before one is issued, youll need to consult a licensed engineer for any wall designs that are four feet and taller. Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers, Outdoor Lighting & Audio/Visual Specialists, http://eminentid.com/featured-work/newly-remodeled-home-contemporary-retro/case_study, Find top design and renovation professionals on Houzz. Unless youre building in 2021. Who knows how long will the lumber crisis last. If you DIY, of course, the labor is free. The best kind of lumber for these walls is Douglas fir pressure treated with preservatives to discourage rot. You can find plenty of cheap retaining wall ideas for designs four feet and under. Yes, wall designs with water features or with steps can be built to create a stunning outdoor space. Pressure-treated pine and fir that are rated for ground contact should survive 40 years; western red cedar or redwood lasts about 20. However, if it sits squarely on only one property, it is generally the responsibility of that owner. Semi-circular paver patio with curved retaining wall built from concrete blocks. There are so many ways to go about it. Image source. Water is not a brick walls friend. The house is anchored to the land by stone retaining walls made entirely of granite taken from the site during construction. Start with a concrete wall. We revisited design thoughts, each of us bringing to the table new ideas and options. Reverse Shed Eichler Description: Timber retaining walls vary. The root systems of tall trees and larger shrubs might push against stone walls or a concrete block wall, allowing water seepage and/or shifting soil to break through. They are both hardy and gorgeous. After all, youve had a beautiful outdoor living space for all this time, the way it is now. Scenario: You need a load-bearing wall for your landscape. Since they come in a number of colors, sizes, and shapes, they are exceptionally versatile. Do you need landscape fabric behind a retaining wall? Build the wall in proportion to the amount of material that needs to be retained. The base row of tires is filled with rocks, dirt, sand, or a combination and tamped down; more filler material is added as its compacted. Not just a retaining wall with integrated steps, for this modern design the wall is the built-in staircase. Today, fieldstone is valued for its timeless hues of grays, browns, and pinks when split. The view of this small wood retaining wall emphasizes its design. Natural rock walls can be used for anything from raised garden beds to creating barriers for the prevention of landslides. All exterior lighting by Bega. Sustainable elements include geothermal heating/cooling, rainwater harvesting, spray foam insulation, high efficiency glazing, recessing lower spaces into the hillside on the west side, and roof/overhang design to provide passive solar coverage of walls and windows. Over time, they grow moss. Theyre rustic and homeowners have used them throughout the ages, with good reason. For a finished, professional look create a cap by attaching small slabs of flat, natural stone to the top of a wall made of stone, brick, or concrete. when you build a retaining wall. If you want the strength of poured concrete at around half the cost select cinder blocks. It also has the benefit of being an environmentally friendly material choice. Now apply that to your outdoor property. Tiered installation constructed of natural stone. Say you still like that natural feeling around your garden or patio but you want something that lasts longer than wood. Flagstone block This type of concrete block has the appearance of natural flagstone due to its appropriate moderate shade variation; ideal for garden walls, landscape edging (driveways, pathways, flower beds, etc. Cost: Approximately 3.2 thousand to 8.65 thousand dollars total. You want a fancy one that doesnt break the bank. They support themselves and you can build them anywhere on your property. They are the first thing you imagine when you think of a retaining wall since they are so popular. Rock wall landscaping with pink phlox. This hillside home was built through a phased sequence of extensive excavation and site work, complicated by a single point of entry. Landscape fabric behind a retaining wall, whether the wall is made of concrete, brick, stone, or wood, creates a barrier between the soil and the blocks/wood. A timber or wood retaining wall is your best choice if you have a tight budget. They are sold in lumber stores. No, a concrete footing isnt necessary for a retaining wall. Cost: Pressure-treated pine, $6.15 per square foot uninstalled; Lowes. This beautiful large wall with its architectural elements makes a stunning focal point. For small to medium size builds, the average cost ranges between $20 to $60 per square foot or $30 to $150 per linear foot. Walls with weathered wood finishes give landscaping a rustic appearance while lighter stained wood walls have a modern, contemporary feel. Designed to keep dirt and rocks from spilling onto this alpine road, the wood log crib is constructed by interlocking logs with notched logs at the joints. How can I make my retaining wall look better? A wood wall 3 to 4 feet in height will only need a simple base of crushed stone and T-shaped deadman anchors. Image. For this reason, the preferred material for food garden applications is the foundation grade redwood or cedar, which is a more expensive, but healthier choice. Constructing one of stacked stones or boulders can be used to create straight, curved, or tiered walls under four feet. Notice that the vertical posts are exposed to the outside. Microsoft Media Center installation of the Year, 2008: www.cybermanor.com/ultimate_install.html (automated shades, radiant heating system, and lights, as well as security & sound). Its always a good idea to spark some inspiration from others success. Description: These are just what you imagine. The jiggly knob might cause problems later, decrease the value of your dresser and look unappealing in general. A poured-concrete retaining wall is sturdy all-around. Then, your landscaping company can transport and build them with ease. With balance restored, brilliant seasonal drama unfolds. Rockwood Blocks offers plenty of options to allow for the uniqueness of each project, commercial or residential. Landscape design by Bernard Trainor: www.bernardtrainor.com (see Concrete Jungle in April 2014 edition of Dwell magazine). Does a retaining wall sound like something you and your landscaping might need? It might be tempting to remove the old logs and replace them with newer materials. The use of simple shapes and the combination of grass and cement make this wall low-maintenance. You choose the design, pattern or color that works best for you. They are lightweight, have flat sides, and easily fit together without having to use mortar. Pros and cons: You get what you pay for, so a top-tier one is pricey. Red mulch provides distinction from white bricks. var theDate=new Date() Also, heres an easy Retaining Wall Block Calculator, to get an idea of how many you may need. By submitting your email, you agree to our. Frederika Moller, Landscape Architect Some type of anchoring will be necessary consult at the store. Affordable and good for DIYers; the 6x6s, 6x8s, and 8x8s sold in lumberyards and home centers are held together with screws, spikes, or rebar. The rich stain of the wood top nicely contrasts with the mix of natural colored stone. Using timber that has been weathered to varying degrees lends hints of color to the wall. The Southeast corner of the lot stands 5'6" above the threshold of the rear door, while the Northeast corner dropped a full 2' below the threshold of the door. The main retaining wall to the Southeast is a poured concrete wall with an integrated sheer descent waterfall into the spa. Your main work will be to create a leveled gravel footing and lay the blocks. If thats not something youre comfortable with, reach out to the pros. Eventually, she became head copywriter/editor, managing six corporate blogs ranging from nursery ideas to bedroom furniture to home dcor to garden and patio design. This great tutorial video shows how to install a DIY low, dry stack wall using Pennsylvania fieldstone. The primary weakness is the wood itself, which is subject to rot due to extensive wood to earth contact. Decorative walls add some extra visual interest to the surrounding landscape, whether its for residential or commercial applications. Components can vary for other types of retaining walls. Nothing beats the beauty of the natural stone. The other method is composed exclusively of very large timbers, usually 6 x 6, stacked and reinforced by steel rods inserted through holes drilled through to grade. Using standard-sized treated pine, this retaining wall encloses the corner of the property. Here are some examples of what you can DIY from such blocks. But how? These stones were stacked in rows along property lines. Note how capstones have an overhang for decorative effect. When cracks appear, they should be repaired as soon as possible to prevent more moisture from getting in. You also have to cut and place the stones.