Benefits of Retaining Walls
The main benefit of a retaining wall is that it helps expand your outdoor space by keeping soil in place. This is very useful if your outdoor space has hills or uneven grounds because it helps act as a barrier to prevent the soil from taking up space in your yard, allowing you to have more functional space. There are a few other ways that retaining walls can also be used, some of which we will discuss below.
Types of Retaining Walls
When choosing the type of retaining wall that is right for you it is important to consider the amount of soil that needs to be retained, and the overall purpose for your wall. Here are some of the different materials to choose from when planning your retaining wall.
Concrete Retaining Wall
Timber Retaining Wall
Interlocking Blocks Retaining
Block Retaining Wall
Stacked Stone Retaining Wall
Cost of Retaining Walls
Cost for retaining walls can vary depending on the size, material, and specifics of your property. Starting costs per square foot are about $5 for concrete, $6 for interlocking concrete blocks, and $11 for stone. It is also important to note that permits may be necessary especially if you are building a retaining wall over 4 feet tall in Los Angeles. It is recommended to talk to a professional and have a professional design made specific to your home to ensure that you meet all of your city’s requirements, and wont encounter any issues with your wall in the near future.
Controllers
Controllers are another excellent tool for irrigation management. You can use one with sprinklers or drip irrigation through a valve system. With a controller, you’re able to set up zones for plants with similar water requirements.
So if you have a mix of succulents, edible gardens, and grass, a controller will allow you to meet the needs of each one easily.
Other Factors to Consider
Every yard is unique, and there are other factors at play when it comes to selecting one of the systems mentioned above.
Here are some other things to keep in mind when planning out your irrigation management system:
Design Ideas for Retaining Walls
Retaining walls can also be used for aesthetic purposes, by adding interesting heights and textures to your outdoor space.
They can be used to carve out spaces in your yard making for different sections. For example differentiating the lounging space from the playing space by creating two different levels of your yard with a retaining wall.
You can also use retaining walls to create and level out driveways, or to define the definite beginning/end of your property. For example, adding a retainer wall in the front of your property to keep people/pets passing by from stepping on your front lawn. These can also be turned into flower beds to make them more aesthetically pleasing.
Things to Consider
If you decide adding a retaining wall is right for your outdoor space, making sure that it is properly planned and installed is essential. Retaining walls will likely remain a part of your outdoor space for a very long time and it is important for you to be fully satisfied with the results. Finding a contractor who is experienced and knowledgeable in building retaining walls will make the process much easier. Here at Picture Build, we employ professional designers and builders with years of experience in the industry, and are ready to help you transform your outdoor space. If you are in the Los Angeles area and are looking to install a retaining wall or need any help with your landscape contact us for a free consultation at 818-751-2690.
