Low walls constructed of concrete blocks with matching capstones are the perfect landscape accents. If youre building a small wall (short and low) then going with concrete could be the least expensive DIY method. Layering rooms with each other as well as circulation galleries, insures seclusion while allowing stunning downtown views. Then, you can build the wall up to four feet high. Wood: Wood is a relatively affordable material. Interlocking concrete block is ideal for DIY retaining walls. This deceptively simple retaining wall creates an area of even ground in landscaping that might otherwise be unusable. The stone columns of this modern home blend well with the limestone retaining wall, part of the front entrance of the property. Minneapolis Interior Designer Brandi Hagen used the tabletops living edge to create this stunning table which retains the trees original shape. However, you do need a base or footing, but use a porous material such as a course stone aggregate or gravel to allow the wall to naturally shift with the ground. This tall, beautiful curved wall found at a construction site is built from interlocking concrete blocks. 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. The disadvantages are a chemical odor when superheated by summer sun. Cost: Fieldstone, $11 per square foot uninstalled; The Stoneyard. Exquisitely crafted new masonry, built from an authentic palette of local reclaimed materials, gives the garden a unified, established feel. This has reduced their frequency in raised bed food gardens. A gravel path in front of the wall will also help control soil erosion. 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. The resulting design is a sustainably balanced, visually pleasing home which reflects the lifestyle and needs of the clients. An interesting wall installation in the backyard gives the landscaping a clean, natural look warm natural stone contrasts with green grass. This hillside home was built through a phased sequence of extensive excavation and site work, complicated by a single point of entry. Walls with weathered wood finishes give landscaping a rustic appearance while lighter stained wood walls have a modern, contemporary feel. Wood retaining walls are beautiful if you like the natural look. Arts and Crafts Woodland Home Gardens, Phoenixville. Retaining wall ideas for a rustic landscape include distressed timber and knots in the boards. Note that the small tree has been planted further back to allow for roots to grow without potentially damaging the wall. Browse photos and get retaining wall ideas, How timber retaining walls are used in the landscape. Basalt Retaining Wall, Bluestone Stairs + Path. These retaining wall blocks, sold at stone yards and home centers, have a rough face for a quarried look and come in a variety of gray, tan, and red hues. Copyright 2022 This Old House Ventures, LLC. The basic parts of a mortared-stone wall. The cheapest types of retaining walls are ones made of wood and concrete blocks. Three-way split block corners are split off to give a rounded surface ideal for curved designs. Types of retaining wall drainage include: A drainage system consists of a base of crushed stone or gravel, filter fabric, and perforated pipe. There is the problem of finance. The use of simple shapes and the combination of grass and cement make this wall low-maintenance. After all, youve had a beautiful outdoor living space for all this time, the way it is now. Then boost its curb appeal by applying a natural flat stone veneer. A gabion wall is made of a wire cage, basket, or mesh frame, filled with materials such as rocks, concrete, or even slag glass rocks for artistic and decorative walls. You have time for upkeep. A series of short terraced retaining walls constructed of natural stone in a home garden. Extensions behind the wall known as deadmen extend back into the slope and provide additional reinforcement against bowing. A terraced wall can transform a steeply graded property into an aesthetically pleasing and usable front yard. Each corner uses two posts to connect the sides of the wall. This beautiful large wall with its architectural elements makes a stunning focal point. Cost: Approximately 3.2 thousand to 8.65 thousand dollars total. Types of Patio Doors by Operating Style, Top 40 DIY Fire Pit Ideas Stacked, Inground and Above Ground Designs, 13 DIY Cooler Table Plans to Build for Outdoor Beer, Drinks or Patio Picnic (Free), 14 Square Planter Box Plans Best for DIY (100% Free), Magical Outdoor Fire Pit Seating Ideas & Area Designs. The terraced garden beds utilize what might otherwise be wasted space. 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. No, they dont. A starburst mirror hung on the wall is a blast from the past. As you can see the cost range is very broad so call around for your own estimates. VERSA-LOK products for building concrete block retaining walls similar to Versawall blocks; available in the US. The beige tones of the new stones will eventually weather, matching the color, quality, texture, and surface of the older natural rock. Using standard-sized treated pine, this retaining wall encloses the corner of the property. You have to choose what natural stones you want to use and then lift them. Reverse Shed Eichler The cinder blocks arent too heavy. Lay the first course of blocks by starting in the middle use a level to ensure the first row is flat and even. But great hardscaping isnt just about looks its about your enjoyment. A sandstone retaining wall leans into a steep slope near a cemetery. Natural materials predominate, with fir ceilings, limestone veneer fireplace walls, anigre veneer cabinets, fir sliding windows and interior doors, bamboo floors, and concrete patios and walks. Overall costs: Around 75 dollars per sleeper. The rich stain of the wood top nicely contrasts with the mix of natural colored stone. This huge long wall is constructed of gabion baskets placed side by side to create length. Photo Credit: Blind Dog Studio. Theyre rustic and homeowners have used them throughout the ages, with good reason. Mortared masonry and poured concrete ones are usually best left to a mason. 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. If you have waterfront property or landscaped area near a stream or river, gabion walls are ideal for bank stabilization. The accumulation of moisture speeds the decomposition of wood, so drainage structures are very important as is the overall grades both at the top and toe of the wall. You can buy these materials at stone yards and home centers, but youll likely need a mason to install them. 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. When you have a loose knob on a dresser inside your home and the means to fix it, do you leave it loose? 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. They are the first thing you imagine when you think of a retaining wall since they are so popular. In general, treated for ground contact wood is cheap and can be readily purchased at a lumberyard or home improvement store. Some of them have what looks like horizontal wooden slats all the way across, supported by vertical wooden posts. Gabion designs are structurally different from other types of retaining wall designs. There is a concern for the chemicals in railroad ties leaching into the surrounding soil. Image source. Could that be true? I can elevate my outdoor haven with any regular Home Depot retaining wall?. Blocks made from cement, crushed stone, and sand tend to be of a higher density than blocks constructed of fly ash or bottom ash. Could your yard benefit from one but need some DIY ideas? In recent years the demand for raised bed food gardens has brought a lighter version of this retaining wall into many new landscape projects. Cost: 1 thousand to 2.8 thousand dollars total. But with maintenance, they last for years. Design ideas for a mid-sized rustic backyard stone retaining wall landscape in Milwaukee. Read this DIY guide to hinges, their design, style, and purpose. Proper drainage is important: a good drainage system keeps the wall strong, healthy, and durable. Rock wall landscaping with pink phlox. Read this guide to compare four different materials and approaches to decide how to build your retaining wall. Wood retaining walls must be straight they cant be shaped into curves like stone or brick. The total cost of building a retaining wall is mostly determined by the following four factors. 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. Flat-face block has an even flat surface that is versatile and easy to use, which makes them perfect for all types of landscaping projects. Be creative install lengths of wood horizontally or vertically for maximum visual impact. Cost data sources: Google Search, Home Depot, Home Advisor. The backyard was also long and narrow, sloping side-to-side and toward the house. A property defines its perimeter with a large boulder wall landscaped with inkberry holly and daylilies. 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. Your contractor will select the best construction method for your landscape application. This is an example of a contemporary retaining wall landscape in Austin. A timber wall, if well built with proper materials, waterproofing and preservatives can last for about 20 years or more. when you build a retaining wall. The term cinder block is often used interchangeably with concrete block.. It will be green or brown in color and rated for earth-to-wood contact. Our comprehensive collection of 70 designs includes low cost, inexpensive ideas and also more expensive decorative and creative ideas. The basketweave pattern will need boulders that are similar in size and shape; the random pattern can use different sized boulders; a boulder wall combining the two previous patterns is constructed of selected random boulders mixed in with mostly regularly sized boulders. Terraced walls made from concrete blocks are landscaped with a variety of shrubs and plants. Over 380 landscape timbers were used on this project. Scenario: You need a load-bearing wall for your landscape. Ultimately, the decision was made that they would hold off on the project until they could budget for the original design, rather than compromising the vision. Then your other cheaper option is Cinder Blocks (concrete blocks with holes). It is a beautiful structure that keeps soil or any piece of earth strong and in place. This design can also be considered multi-level seating. While the steps provide access to the existing landscaped garden, the overall design maintains its privacy and creates a little mystery. Why do you need a retaining wall at all? New additions at the back of the house add several sliding wall planes, where interior walls continue past full-height windows to the exterior, complimenting the typical Eichler indoor-outdoor ceiling and floor planes. Native plant colonies stabilize the site, regenerate habitat, and reveal wildlife patterns. Landscape design places low-lying bushes in the front, while taller shrubs add height to the low wall. Commercially Available Concrete Blocks for Building Retaining Walls, General Steps for Building a Retaining Wall from Blocks, Concrete Block Retaining Wall Ideas (cinder, cement), Stacked Stone Retaining Wall Ideas (also called Dry Stack walls). Smooth finished concrete, colored to match the 'Leuder' limestone coping, has a subtle saw-cut pattern aligned with the edges of the recessed fire pit. Thats why you should consider a retaining wall. The durability of the sturdy log posts combined with the horizontal timbers helps keep the grassy slope in place while providing more stability. But because of their size, you need help building one if you want one that is taller than four feet. Even though the wood is treated to prevent rotting, it will eventually need replacing. A wall of old tires is built by laying tires side by side on flat, cleared ground. A solar generator gives you backup energy from the sun should your electricity fail. In this review, the This Old House Reviews Team researched the five best solar generators on Amazon to help you find the product thats right for you and your home. A modern retaining wall is made of smooth concrete cylinders. There are so many ways to go about it. The natural stone appearance of the wall perfectly works with the raised patio. Still, its probably the most aesthetically appealing one, especially as a landscape feature. Photo of a large rustic partial sun backyard stone formal garden in Philadelphia with a fire pit. A wall higher than 4 feet typically requires a permit and adherence to local restrictions, regulations, and/or guidelines. 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). You choose the design, pattern or color that works best for you. To landscape it without risk of damage to it, select low-growing plants, small bushes, and medium-height flowering plants. That means you need someone with experience who goes through the whole process according to strict guidelines and planning. For more fun ideas like these, head over to our blog. Poured concrete is the strongest and most durable retaining wall material there is. If you find your retaining walls have some more serious damage, follow this guide to help you with the repair. And the walls dont have to be at a 90-degree angle. Buy concrete dry, in bags from the home center, or wet, delivered by a ready-mix operators truck. Similar to shown: Rust-Oleum concrete stain, 15 cents per square foot. The products included in this article are available at various home improvement stores, local home centers, and online retailers like Amazon. This design (see photo above) is built on a gentle slope, prone to soil erosion. Versawall has a remarkable interlocking system that makes these concrete blocks straightforward to stack; mimics natural stone and rock. The wide stone steps are the perfect partner for oversized sandstones. They also work well with a small space, but you can build on them if you need to. All exterior lighting by Bega. The terraced walls have been landscaped with flowerbeds. Well-constructed and using quality materials, they are strong and long-lasting. Nothing beats the beauty of the natural stone. Theyre rectangular, small and greyish. The second most common cause is improper construction methods. Tire walls have known to be as high as 25 feet. A residential garden retaining wall forms a nice and easy curve see image above. A landscape timber retaining wall is ideal for a backyard or garden. Image source. But you cant go at it alone here. But you get to choose its shape and it works for small, medium or large outdoor spaces. The main challenge of the site was elevation. It might be tempting to remove the old logs and replace them with newer materials. Compact the soil with a hand tamper or a vibrating plate compactor it will even out the soil and provide a stable base for the wall. Do you need drainage behind a retaining wall? This terraced installation for a steep sloping yard is made of wire gabions filled with rocks. Wed love to speak with you. If you can build yourself a raised garden bed using wood you can sure build a retaining wall from wood, just make it sturdier. Does a retaining wall sound like something you and your landscaping might need? How to Whitewash Brick with Masonry Supplies, How to Repair a Crack in a Concrete Foundation. This concrete block retaining wall incorporates steps. You can show them any of these five unique retaining wall ideas for a top-of-the-line outdoor living space. But most people opt for the same standard materials. She started small with product descriptions and buying guides for beds, dressers, cribs, and office desks. Typical ones are square or rectangle, but you can have almost any shape you can think of. A lot of landscaping businesses love to build these ones. Gravity walls: A gravity wall is a type of retaining wall that stands up on its own. In the right setting, a timber retaining wall blends into a landscape more naturally than any other material. Wood retaining walls are affordable and can be very attractive. Believe us when we say: theyre heavy. But keep in mind that old rotten logs often attract mice. 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 structurally sound boulder wall in the front yard of a house is constructed of large rocks cut to look like granite. Pros and cons: You get what you pay for, so a top-tier one is pricey. Like timber and dry-stacked stone walls, they rest on a crushed-stone footing. Like mortared masonry, these walls are supported by a reinforced concrete footing and require to weep holes. Walls made of concrete blocks or poured concrete walls have been known to last anywhere from 50 to 100 years. They are more porous, allowing runoff to travel through instead of around, eliminating damage to the structure. Yes, its very labor-consuming. Fieldstone, also known as Pennsylvania Wallstone, was the type of stone found by early settlers as they plowed their fields in northeastern Pennsylvania. There are two basic construction methods, each one suited to different conditions. The multi-tiered garden design is very versatile, providing plenty of space for a variety of landscaping options. You like the organic look of crushed stone but you researched the price and it was way too high. An ideal natural stone for retaining walls, limestone is hard-wearing and sturdy. Image, Pavestone Charcoal Blocks are used to build convex shape terraced landscaping retaining walls (shown above). Different wood types can be used. Multicolored stones give this staircase and retaining walls texture and decorative appeal. Chambers & Chambers, Local Architect Clean and inspect your retaining walls at regular intervals. The pine log wall (shown above) is remarkable for its simplicity and clean lines. Lets discuss them. The number one cause of retaining wall failure is poor drainage. Boulder retaining walls can be one of the cheapest types if boulders are sourced locally. To enliven a bland surface, adhere thin slices of brick or stone, or concrete molded to mimic stone or brick. Intimate Spaces turns unusable area into functional and beautiful spaces. This is the only wall type that isnt battered (leaned back) against the earth. Theyre also cost-effective. They can become pricey very quickly. Sometimes, you cant do it alone at all because of laws and regulations. Timber and interlocking concrete-block walls are great DIY retaining wall ideas.