If you’re a homeowner with an yard and are looking for ways to spruce it up, you’ve most likely come across retaining walls as a possible landscaping idea to consider. Retaining walls are one of the most versatile outdoor features and can be used for a variety of different purposes. In this post, we examine what a retaining wall actually is and some of the more popular retaining wall designs you can consider incorporating into your outdoor space.
What is a Retaining Wall?
A retaining wall typically refers to a short wall structure that holds back soil on one side. Retaining walls allow for the creation of slopes and raised beds of earth, and they are commonly found in many households across the country. They are functional landscaping structures that can help you segregate your outdoor space into neatly defined sections.
Some of the most common materials that homeowners use to construct retaining walls include:
- Poured concrete
- Dry stone
- Timber
- Concrete blocks
Let us take a closer look at some of these materials and their qualities.
Poured Concrete Retaining Walls
Poured concrete is a popular material for constructing retaining walls due to the strength and durability of the material. It is much stronger than any other type of retaining wall construction material, especially when it is supported with steel rebar. Moreover, concrete retaining walls also do not require regular maintenance once they have been installed. However, the high cost and craftsmanship required to build a concrete retaining wall can be a put off for some homeowners.
Dry Stone Retaining Walls
Dry stone retaining walls are built using medium to large sized stones stacked on top of one another. These are easy to construct and tend to be relatively stable if properly constructed. However, there tend to be many gaps in these types of walls which may not be ideal if you are looking to control the flow of water. Excessive water flow can also cause damage to the base of the walls and erode its structural integrity over time.
Timber Retaining Walls
Timber retaining walls are typically constructed out of wooden planks held together by steel retaining wall posts. The retaining wall posts are evenly distributed along the perimeter of the wall, before wooden planks are inserted in between each post. Given the modular nature of this type of retaining wall, it is incredibly easy to build and maintain, making it ideal for DIY.
Damage to a timber retaining wall is also easy to repair, as you can simply remove the wooden planks in an isolated section and replace them. This type of retaining wall is also relatively affordable, making it a great choice for budget-conscious homeowners.
RW Steel – Australia’s Leading Supplier of Steel Building Supplies
If you’re looking for steel retaining wall posts for your next landscaping project, RW Steel is here to help. We are the premier supplier of retaining wall steel and many other steel building supplies in Melbourne and the surrounding area. Get in touch with us and let us help you with your steel building needs today!
