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The [Best] Retaining Wall Materials to Use in Your Yard or Home
When building a retaining wall, you first must consider the material you will use. Many materials can be used for retaining walls, but not all are equally well suited for the task. In this article, we will take a look at the best retaining wall materials to use in your yard or home.
What is a retaining wall?
A retaining wall is a wall that’s built to resist or stop the movement of soil. They’re often used in landscaping to support embankments, terraces, patios, and playgrounds. Retaining walls are prevalent features in yards, patios, and driveways. But they can be expensive to install, costing anywhere between $2,000 and $10,000 per linear foot.
There are many different types of retaining walls. The three most common are dry-stack, pier, and reinforced. Dry-stack walls are made from natural materials like stone, brick, concrete, or stucco and don’t need to be anchored to the ground. Pier walls are made from wood or concrete and driven into the ground to form a foundation for the wall. Reinforced walls are concrete walls built on top of a pier foundation.
Many materials are used for retaining walls, including wood, concrete, stone, brick, and more. But which materials are best for your project?
The different materials that we can use for retaining walls
To retain walls, you can use concrete blocks, stone walls, and building materials. The most sturdy materials are the most complex and most expensive. The easiest and least expensive materials are the ones that will settle, warp, and crack easily. The key is to find a material that you can afford that will also hold its shape and structure.
The most common materials used for retaining walls are concrete and wall blocks. Concrete blocks are masonry products that are strong, sturdy, and heavy, but they can be expensive. Wall blocks are molded from concrete and are much lighter than concrete blocks, but they can still be quite severe.
Stonewall, or masonry wall, is another common retaining wall material. A stone wall is a solid, sturdy material that you can build to any length and shape. But it is also one of the most expensive materials, and a stone wall will take a lot of time and labor to build.
Many other materials can be used for light, inexpensive retaining walls. Bricks, pavers, and cobblestones are all common materials. Cobblestones are heavy because they are solid but light. After all, they are hollow. Bricks and pavers are heavy and expensive, but they are easy to install so they can be a good choice for a DIY project.
The pros and cons of each material
While there are a variety of materials available for use in retaining wall construction, a few categories of materials are the most common. These materials include concrete, stone, and wood. While they are all fairly common, they each have their pros and cons, and it’s essential to understand these pros and cons before making a decision.
Block Walls
Block walls are the most common type of retaining walls and come in various shapes and sizes. The most common block size is 8 inches square, but you can also find them in 4, 6, and 12-inch sizes.
Pros:
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Blocks are easy to purchase. You can purchase them in bulk from brick and masonry suppliers or buy them in smaller, more manageable quantities from home improvement and garden centers.
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Blocks are easy to work with, and you can create them into a wide range of wall shapes.
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Blocks are easy to install. A single worker can often install blocks up to 8 inches independently. Two or more workers can install more enormous block walls.
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Because they are made of natural materials, blocks are often quite durable. They can also be made fire-resistant.
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There are many block options on the market, so you can find a style that fits your home’s overall style.
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Blocks are inexpensive.
Cons:
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Because blocks are made of natural materials, they are not always watertight. They can move, settle, and crack over time.
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Because they are often placed tightly against one another, block walls can still have gaps.
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There are a lot of gaps between the blocks, so there isn’t much solid material to fill with soil.
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Because blocks are often placed tightly against one another, it can be challenging to ensure that the top surface is level and even.
Natural Stones
Natural stones are another popular option for retaining walls. If you can find a good supply of stones and bring them to your project site, you can create a beautiful and durable stone wall.
Pros:
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Stone walls can be incredibly sturdy and durable. They can be placed so tightly against one another that they seal almost perfectly, creating a solid, stable surface.
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Stone walls can be made fire-resistant, so they are a safe option for fire departments and homeowners.
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Stone walls add beauty, character, and value to your property.
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Stone retaining walls can range in size from a few rocks placed on a ledge for a few feet to massive walls that are hundreds of feet long.
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Stone walls are typically very straight and upright.
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Because they are natural materials, stone walls can have a rustic, natural look.
Cons:
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Stone walls can be expensive because they require much planning and installation effort. The cost of materials is only the beginning of the cost equation. You will also have to consider the cost of your labor and the cost of bringing the stones to your project site.
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Natural stones can be challenging to work with. It is common to lose stones while moving them to your project site. You also have to handle them carefully to avoid damaging them.
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Stones can be challenging to install if you build a wall without help. Even if you have help, getting stones into place without nicking or damaging them can be challenging.
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Stones are also heavy. It can take a lot of effort to get them and keep them in place as you build.
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Soil slopes are two types of soil slopes. Stepped slopes have a series of rows that get successively longer. Conical slopes are straight or curved hills ranging from small mounds to large hills.
The best retaining wall materials to use in your yard or home
The materials you use for retaining walls are the most crucial factor in determining your wall project’s lifespan and overall quality. The best materials are abundant, affordable, easy to work with, and available in various attractive styles.
Concrete blocks and pavers are the most popular for retaining walls in yards and homes. This is because these materials are easy to work with and come in curved or straight blocks or pavers that are easy to install.
Natural stone is another common choice for retaining walls. Rugged, durable, and available in various styles, natural stone is an excellent option for natural-looking wall ideas. But because it is expensive, heavy, and challenging to work with, natural stone walls are often more limited to straight lines.
Wood wall panels are a popular choice for walls that will be visible from the house. These panels are available in a range of rich, natural-looking tones that we can stain to match your home’s exterior. Wood panels are also affordable and easy to install.
Concrete walls are durable but less appealing than other options. They are heavy and difficult to work with. Steel walls are durable and can be made in curved or straight lines or panels. They are expensive and difficult to install.
There are a lot of different retaining wall materials that you can use in your yard or home. Each one has its own set of pros and cons. Your best-retaining wall material will ultimately depend on your specific needs and preferences.
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