Quickscrews
Quickscrews Cabinet Install Screws
Built for strength and precision, Quickscrews Cabinet Install Screws are the go-to choice for professional cabinet installers. Designed specifically for cabi...
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What is a Retaining Wall?
A retaining wall is a rigid wall-like structure designed to support soil laterally (from side to side). The main objective of retaining walls is to keep the soil at different levels on the two sides of the walls while stopping the natural erosion process on steep slopes. Retaining walls have been used for thousands of years by farmers who grow crops on steep slopes. The picturesque terraces of Machu Picchu or the curving contours of Asian rice fields are examples of retaining wall technology that has been in place for thousands of years. Today, retaining walls are regularly used in large projects, such as in building highway overpasses.
For residential homes, retaining walls generally serve two primary purposes:
- Protecting the foundation of a home when built on a steep slope, and
- As a beautiful compliment to the yard, garden, and property.
Who Needs a Retaining Wall?
Any homeowner can build retaining walls, even with a relatively small yard with slate, decorative brick, or other natural stone types. Retaining walls can accentuate the façade of your home, add value to your property, and give you a beautiful and functional space to experiment with your permaculture garden.
However, retaining walls are necessary for homes built on sloping lands. For example, your yard might require a retaining wall if any of the following three conditions occur:
- You notice substantial erosion occurring "downstream" from your home. If gullies and small ravines begin to form, the erosion can increase quickly, especially in areas where heavy rains are frequent. Even if the gulley seems to be far enough from your home, building a retaining wall to fix the gulley and stop further erosion can protect your foundation.
- Your home is downhill from the fault lines of soil. During heavy rains or earthquakes, landslides or mudslides tend to occur where soil fault lines naturally happen. Even if you don't notice any current erosion above your home, a landscaping contractor can tell you where the soil fault lines above your home might be. You should invest in a retaining wall if your home is directly below a soil fault line.
- Your home foundation is becoming exposed. Erosion around your home can occur due to dysfunctional gutter systems or inefficient landscaping. If erosion is exposing your foundation, this could lead to severe structural problems requiring significant renovation costs. A small retaining wall built around your home's foundation is an excellent way to protect it.
What Types of Retaining Walls Are There?
Retaining walls for residential homes and properties can be made from different materials, both synthetic and natural. For a more aesthetic quality, choose natural stone, slate, or decorative brick. For homeowners wanting to maximize the retaining wall's strength on a steep slope, concrete blocks reinforced with steel rebar are another option. In some climates, retaining walls made from timber might also be an option worth considering.
Pros and Cons of Different Types of Retaining Walls
Below, we offer a quick rundown of the pros and cons of the most common retaining walls on the market today.
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Wood or Timber Retaining Walls
Retaining walls made from timber will generally be the least expensive option. You can expect to pay around $15 per square foot installed. They can also be beautiful and complement homes that have similar exterior cladding. On the downside, timber retaining walls will generally not last as long because of rotting issues. In areas with prolonged wet seasons, the wood will decompose faster. It might not offer enough structural strength for heavy, water-logged soils. In yards with timber retaining walls higher than three feet, proper bracing will also be required to provide sufficient structural support. Wood retaining walls are generally best in areas with relatively dry climates.
Rise Writer
Expert. Practical. Sustainable.
Article by
Tobias Roberts
Tobias runs an agroecology farm and a natural building collective in the mountains of El Salvador. He specializes in earthen construction methods and uses permaculture design methods to integrate structures into the sustainability of the landscape.
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