Retaining Wall Drainage Material

As with a concrete block wall build a firm gravel base and ensure good drainage.

Retaining wall drainage material.

Walls fail because the builder did not use enough class 5 fill. By definition a retaining wall is a structure that is used for supporting the soil mass laterally so that the soil on different sides of the wall is retained at. The interlocking retaining wall block can be used to build walls up to 24 to 36 inches high depending on the size of the block. Without the right amount of base material water builds up underneath the wall and pushes the base layer out.

Epic retaining wall guide setting out the 11 different materials you can use to build a functional durable strong and beautiful retaining wall as well as 8 retaining wall designs. Here is a comparison guide discussing some of the most popular choices for retaining wall materials. Retaining walls can be constructed using a variety of materials from poured concrete and large timbers to natural stones even bricks. A retaining wall is built to hold back a certain amount of soil.

Often retaining walls are used to terrace yards that originally had a steep slope additionally retaining walls can help create usable outdoor space as well as control erosion see landscaping a split level home low retaining walls are frequently used as planting beds and can add interest to an. Why proper drainage is important for retaining wall performance. An unlevel base layer allows areas for water to wash away certain sections more than others. You don t need mortar with a stone retaining wall.

Retaining walls can be a landscape necessity or a decorative addition designed to add visual interest to a landscape design. To create a solid foundation dig a trench for the first course of your interlocking retaining wall blocks to sit in and make sure the ground remains even throughout. Either way a sound hardscape design solid craftsmanship and high quality retaining wall materials are the key to building attractive walls that will last for decades. The design of a properly built retaining wall resists the force of the soil behind it and prevents caving buckling or leaning.

Using a tape measure decide the length and the width of your retaining wall then mark off the area with the garden stakes and string. Follow the block manufacturer s instructions for wall height limits. Simply stack them in rows or mix heights within a row for a random look. Regardless of the reason why a retaining wall is used it is typically constructed of a material such as brick concrete stone or wood timbers.

However retaining walls are built with a certain capacity in mind. Avoid having downspouts pointed at the retaining wall and if it s against the house keep soil and mulch well below the siding. Wide and at several lengths and heights. They weigh 40 to 100 lbs.

The success of your retaining wall depends on a level base. A retaining wall is commonly used in landscaping to either make better use of a slope or create a decorative statement. Do choose a material you can easily work with.