Prevent Your Property From Erosion in Style.
Investing in a retaining wall can be a great way to protect your property and create beautiful outdoor spaces. These walls help keep soil and water from eroding away, while adding visual interest to the landscape.
Not only do they help prevent flooding, but they also provide stability to any sloped areas on your property that could otherwise collapse or become unstable over time. Retaining walls are perfect for gardens, yards, driveways, patios and more.
They can also be used to provide support for structures like pools, sheds and other buildings. With a wide range of materials available—including precast concrete blocks, natural stone and timber—you have plenty of options when it comes to finding the perfect look for your project.
At Bret-Mar Landscaping, we specialize in building quality retaining walls that will last for years to come. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help strengthen your property with retaining walls!
PROTECT FROM EROSION
They provide support to a slope, which helps slow the water flow and reduce erosion of soil. Retaining walls also help divert rainwater away from vulnerable areas of your property, such as your homes foundation or other structures, further reducing erosion and damage to your land.
ENHANCE YOUR LANDSCAPE
Use a retaining wall to expand your outdoor living space and create beautiful seating areas, or use a variety of different materials and colors to create stunning visual accents that add depth and character to your garden. Enhance your landscape today with retaining walls.
EXPERTE CRAFTSMANSHIP
With decades of industry experience, our builders guarantee accuracy, quality, and safety in the construction of your retaining wall. With expert craftsmanship and attention to detail, you can rest assured that your retaining wall will be able to stand up against the elements for years to come.
Which Retaining Wall is Best?
Retaining walls are essential structures used in landscaping and civil engineering to hold back soil and create level surfaces on sloped terrain. There are various types of retaining walls, each with its unique characteristics and design considerations. Here, we’ll explore four common types: wood, stone/masonry, concrete poured, and concrete blocks.
Wood Retaining Walls
Wood retaining walls are a popular choice for their natural aesthetic and versatility. They are often constructed using timber, railroad ties, or landscape timbers. Wood retaining walls work well for low to medium height applications and are suitable for creating a rustic or traditional look in a landscape. These walls are typically used in residential settings and are relatively easy to install.
Design Considerations for Wood Retaining Walls:
- Proper drainage is crucial to prevent wood rot.
- Use pressure-treated wood for durability.
- Regular maintenance, including sealing or staining, is necessary to extend the wall’s lifespan.
Stone and Masonry Retaining Walls
Stone or masonry retaining walls add a timeless and elegant appeal to landscapes. They are constructed using natural stone, bricks, or concrete blocks and can withstand higher pressures than wood walls. Stone and masonry retaining walls are versatile and can be used in various settings, from gardens to commercial spaces.
Design Considerations for Stone/Masonry Retaining Walls:
- Choose appropriate stone or masonry materials for durability and aesthetics.
- Plan for proper drainage and backfill to prevent wall failure.
- Skilled craftsmanship is essential for a visually pleasing result.
Concrete Poured Retaining Walls
Concrete poured retaining walls are sturdy and capable of handling substantial loads. They are created by pouring concrete into formwork on-site, allowing for custom designs and structural strength. These walls are commonly used in commercial and industrial applications due to their durability.
Design Considerations for Concrete Poured Retaining Walls:
- Reinforcement with steel bars (rebar) may be necessary for added strength.
- Formwork should be carefully constructed to achieve the desired shape and finish.
- Proper curing is critical to ensure the concrete’s strength and longevity.
Large Concrete Blocks Retaining Walls
Concrete block retaining walls are a cost-effective and versatile choice. They are constructed using precast concrete blocks designed for retaining wall applications. These blocks come in various sizes, textures, and colors, making it easy to create different aesthetics while maintaining structural integrity.
Design Considerations for Concrete Block Retaining Walls:
- Choose the appropriate block style and size to suit the design.
- Ensure proper drainage and backfill to prevent wall failure.
- Professional installation is essential to maintain structural integrity.
In conclusion, designing retaining walls involves considering factors such as aesthetics, load-bearing capacity, and the specific needs of the project. Whether you opt for wood, stone/masonry, concrete poured, or concrete block retaining walls, careful planning and construction are key to creating functional and visually appealing structures that effectively manage sloped terrain.
TESTIMONIALS
Listen to what our raving customers have to say about working with Bret-Mar Landscaping!
“We have worked with Bret-Mar landscape for several of the projects in our yard and their work is top-notch. The entire team and crew at Bret-Mar goes above and beyond in their attention to detail, professionalism, communication & care throughout the project, as well as ensuring the scope (and price) of the project is honored and maintained throughout. Our yard has become a feature of our property and we are so grateful that Bret-Mar brought our vision to life.
“I have used Bret-Mar exclusively over the last 25 years. They have never disappointed me. I have had them work in both my front and back yard, designing and planting flowers, shrubs, and trees. They have put in a brick paver walkway outside the front of the house, and worked very hard and creatively to make my dream of having a waterfall and pond in my backyard become a reality. My backyard is my sanctuary and Sharon and Ashley need to take a lot of credit for this.
“Bret-Mar just completed landscaping for our home. This is the second home they have done for us. They have the best, most hard working employees. Sharon did our design which we are very happy with. The employees who came out to do the job were very accommodating, very knowledgeable, and answered my many questions. They even encourage you to contact them with any questions that may come up in the future. I would definitely recommend them!
