Tips for Building a Retaining Wall

Installing a retaining wall can be beneficial in properties with elevations or slopes. It helps prevent erosion and mudslides, as well as increase the visual appeal of your residential or commercial space. You can choose from different designs and materials for your retaining wall, but we suggest you do it right. Depending on your location and the size of the retaining wall, you might also need to obtain building permits. Read further for helpful tips on constructing a retaining wall for your property. If you have questions, don't hesitate to get in touch.

Check if You Will Need a Permit

Before building a retaining wall, check whether a permit is required or not. In most cities, any residential or commercial property owner (or the authorized person) who intends to construct, repair, move or alter a retaining wall must obtain a permit. Additionally, the design and construction of retaining walls should be designed by a professional engineer licensed to practice in the state.

Plan for Proper Drainage

Planning for proper drainage is crucial when installing a retaining wall. Otherwise, the wall can fail. Without an efficient drainage system, rainwater can damage the soil, compromising the stability of your structure. It will lead to cracking or bulging, and eventually, the retaining wall could fall over. If you want to avoid costly repairs, carefully plan the drainage system. An experienced professional should be able to help. You can also minimize or prevent hydrostatic pressure by including a layer of gravel backfill and geotextile fabric when installing a retaining wall. Installing a perforated pipe may also help.

Look at Other Area Retaining Walls

When looking for retaining wall design ideas for your outdoor space, check out other retaining walls for inspiration. You can look at terraced garden walls, concrete block walls or a clean-lined look. Some residential and commercial property owners may even install lights to make the structure more appealing.

Checking out other retaining walls also helps you decide which one is suitable for your space. You can construct it from different materials, including limestone, granite, basalt, and sandstone. We recommend consulting with an experienced and licensed professional when designing the retaining wall, as it might be required in your state.

Think About Weather Conditions

Thinking about the weather conditions when constructing the retaining wall is as crucial as choosing the right materials and design. One factor that affects the service life of your retaining wall is the weather conditions when it is being constructed. The temperature, rainfall and seasonal changes can negatively affect your retaining wall, compromising its safety and reducing its longevity. The climate also helps you decide which material to choose for your retaining wall. For example, if you live in an area with a lot of rain, choosing untreated wooden materials will not be the best option. You may be better off with concrete or stone walls, too, if you live in an area that gets freezing temperatures. The latter can withstand contraction and soil expansion.

Consider the Size of Your Area

One factor to consider when building a retaining wall is the size. Constructing a retaining wall over four feet may require you to obtain a permit, which can take time, depending on your location. However, for less than four feet high, a permit may not be required. It's also important to consider the area size to ensure the retaining wall is suitable for your space. You don't want a towering retaining wall for a smaller space, as it may look a little out of place. Also, larger retaining walls may need a more efficient drainage system, which may cost you more money and other problems when not addressed. We recommend consulting with a professional in designing the retaining wall for your outdoor space to avoid problems down the road.

Have the Retaining Wall Serve a Dual Purpose

Retaining walls are designed to hold the soil in place, preventing mudslides and soil erosion. This should be the top priority when designing the retaining wall to ensure the safety of your property and to avoid accidents. Having proper drainage and hiring licensed professionals for the design and installation can prevent problems. While functionality is important, we recommend also considering the visual appeal of your retaining wall. You can enhance its look by choosing the right design and materials. For example, if you want a unique landscape, going with multi-level gardens with different retaining wall sizes may be ideal. Do note that you may need to require a permit especially when the retaining wall is over four feet.

Make Sure You Have a Solid Base

It's crucial to create a solid base for your retaining wall so it doesn't fail or fall over. The base should be made with compacted soil and set below ground level. We recommend having at least 150 mm of compacted gravel and sand. To add a layer of protection to your retaining wall, installing a geogrid can help stabilize the soil. A solid base helps ensure the wall stays stable and flat, preventing costly repairs or replacement. When building a higher retaining wall, a general rule of thumb is that one-tenth of the retaining wall's height should be set underground.

Make Sure the Wall Is Level

To ensure the retaining wall structure can withstand the elements, ensure the first layer of blocks and the base material is level. If it isn't level, expect the subsequent levels will be uneven, resulting in an unattractive wall. You can avoid this by hiring the right professional when designing and installing the retaining wall.

Contact Us Today

Are you planning to install a retaining wall on your property, enhancing its appeal and making it more functional? Our retaining wall systems at Gabion are designed to prevent soil erosion that leads to more problems. We also sell geotextile fabric to help stabilize the soil behind the retaining wall. Please get in touch with us today.