Hardscapes - Building Retaining Wall
About Building Retaining Walls
Introduction
Homeowners nowadays are always looking to improve the appearance of their residential properties both inside and out. Landscaping is the greatest feature of a property and it features many different elements which are stunning and create individual character to the home. Gardens featuring: flowers, trees and plants offer beauty and color. Water features and landscaping accessories also create a unique and fantastic appearance. Homeowners can protect their properties and its landscaping features by building retaining walls. Retaining walls are used for structural purposes and to tame a sloped area, but they can also be used to frame a property, create privacy, protect garden beds and prevent erosion from occurring on the property. There is a wide range of materials which can be used to construct a retaining wall and homeowners have the choice of building their own retaining wall or hiring a professional as the installation process is very simple and effective.
Things to Consider
Before beginning to build a retaining wall there are a few considerations which should be thought about carefully. Homeowners under some circumstances they will need to obtain council approval before beginning their building retaining wall project. Homeowners will also need to consider the type of material they would prefer to use. Stone is commonly used for retaining walls which are decorative and functional. Timber is a cheaper alternative and it is very strong and offers great support. Bricks and pavers are the most commonly used retaining wall material for their inexpensive cost and their superior durability. Homeowners should also consider what the actual retaining wall will be used for whether it is only a decorative wall or it is needed to create privacy or protect the landscaping. This consideration will greatly help determine the height and width of the wall which will need to be installed.
Installation
This Simple Installation Guide Offers General Information On Building Retaining Walls Using Pavers Or Retaining Wall Blocks.
Step 1: Once homeowners have considered all their options and they have chosen building retaining walls themselves then installation can begin. The retaining wall installation site should be carefully marked out either with string or spray paint. Excavating the installation site where the wall will be installed is very important. The excavation depth should be approximately 2.5cm for every 100cm of the height of the wall.
Step 2: Base material should be laid out in the excavated area being of approximately 3 to 6 inches deep. Crushed stone, gravel or poured concrete are all option for base materials depending on the walls material and height. If crushed stone is used then it should be compacted to be level. Poured concrete should be set and also leveled off. For a retaining wall which is going to be used for structural purposes, steel reinforcement elements need to be installed onto the base material before the bocks are being laid.
Step 3: Begin to lay out the first row of retaining wall blocks in a straight and even line. The blocks should be touching and directly installed onto the base material. In order to keep the retaining wall straight and level it is a good idea to guide you by using a string or a level as each block is laid. Step 4: Once the first line has been laid then it should be filled in with the preferred backfill material of your choice. This can be crushed gravel or cement. The purpose of the backfill is to keep the wall strong, durable and long lasting and it also provides great structural support to the wall itself. Continue on laying lines of retaining wall block and backfill until the wall has reached the height desired.
Step 5: The retaining wall should now be complete and left to set. Wall caps and other features can now be used to enhance the features of the wall and if required the wall can be painted or rendered accordingly.
