Landscaping is not just about planting flowers and trees and making everything look pretty (whether through a natural or a "highly gardened" effect). Often, landscaping is about recapturing or creating liveable space where the terrain currently prevents it. One of the most commonly attempted landscaping projects is to carve out a flat area from a slope. For this, you need to use a retaining wall.
There are a number of different retaining walls that can be used; the choice is usually based on the soil conditions, the amount of available space, and the type of look that is desired (natural stone, wood, textured concrete slabs, or whatever). No matter which type is used, the same basic effect is created.
Gravity walls are perhaps the most basic form of a retaining wall. Simply put, you take heavy stones and stack them into a wall. The sheer mass of the wall is enough to hold back the soil and keep it in place. Although it can be effective (and may have a charming rustic look), the disadvantages of a gravity wall are fairly clear. For one thing, you need heavy rocks, which will likely take up a lot of space (and be hard to maneuver). Also, it is likely that you cannot stack them as high as you can other types of materials, leaving you with a lower wall on average (unless you are willing to give up a lot of room).
A cantilevered wall is a retaining wall that gains a great deal of its strength from a type of "foot" at the base of the wall (under the earth) that creates an L or inverted T shape. This foot allows for a wall that has less bulk (and thus takes up less space) than a simple gravity wall.
Another means of achieving soil retention without resorting to massive stones is to use a sheet piling wall. This again uses the earth to create strength - in this case, by burying the bottom two-thirds of each sheet or plank (typically wood or metal, although thin reinforced concrete might be used) into the ground. Some form of anchoring of the exposed wall is often employed as well for additional support.
Erosion is a common concern for landscaping, and retaining walls can be an important tool in preventing it. This means that drainage and groundwater conditions must be carefully planned for. The walls themselves must be "water tight" or carefully built in order to prevent soil from seeping through (and ruining the flat area on the other side). This may be an important safety issue, as well - particularly in cold locales where ice formation may pose a hazard.
Use Armtec Retaining Walls to achieve your landscaping aims. They come in many shades, textures, and styles - designers are guaranteed to find the look they want in a quality product. Note that professional installation is normally required.
There are a number of different retaining walls that can be used; the choice is usually based on the soil conditions, the amount of available space, and the type of look that is desired (natural stone, wood, textured concrete slabs, or whatever). No matter which type is used, the same basic effect is created.
Gravity walls are perhaps the most basic form of a retaining wall. Simply put, you take heavy stones and stack them into a wall. The sheer mass of the wall is enough to hold back the soil and keep it in place. Although it can be effective (and may have a charming rustic look), the disadvantages of a gravity wall are fairly clear. For one thing, you need heavy rocks, which will likely take up a lot of space (and be hard to maneuver). Also, it is likely that you cannot stack them as high as you can other types of materials, leaving you with a lower wall on average (unless you are willing to give up a lot of room).
A cantilevered wall is a retaining wall that gains a great deal of its strength from a type of "foot" at the base of the wall (under the earth) that creates an L or inverted T shape. This foot allows for a wall that has less bulk (and thus takes up less space) than a simple gravity wall.
Another means of achieving soil retention without resorting to massive stones is to use a sheet piling wall. This again uses the earth to create strength - in this case, by burying the bottom two-thirds of each sheet or plank (typically wood or metal, although thin reinforced concrete might be used) into the ground. Some form of anchoring of the exposed wall is often employed as well for additional support.
Erosion is a common concern for landscaping, and retaining walls can be an important tool in preventing it. This means that drainage and groundwater conditions must be carefully planned for. The walls themselves must be "water tight" or carefully built in order to prevent soil from seeping through (and ruining the flat area on the other side). This may be an important safety issue, as well - particularly in cold locales where ice formation may pose a hazard.
Use Armtec Retaining Walls to achieve your landscaping aims. They come in many shades, textures, and styles - designers are guaranteed to find the look they want in a quality product. Note that professional installation is normally required.
About the Author:
Joan Jaynes is a freelance online blogger who specializes in the building industry and related issues. She has a particular interest in the large-scale projects, such as Armtec Retaining Walls, as well as other precast concrete products.
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