If you are new to the world of home landscaping, you may be unfamiliar with the terms used to describe common features. However, even if you have no idea what a retaining wall is, you would likely recognize it if you saw one. Retaining walls have a number of potential benefits for you and the beauty of your home. With a little help and planning, you can even build your own retaining walls for your family’s enjoyment.
What is a retaining wall?
There is no need to feel like a naïve homeowner just because you are not an expert in all areas of home improvement. All do-it-yourself ventures have to start somewhere. Simply put, retaining walls bolster up a portion of the garden so that it sits higher than the ground on which you stand. You can build your retaining wall from a variety of materials, including:
- Stone
- Concrete
- Blocks
Whether you want the wall to support a raised-bed garden or you just want to add a touch of class to your landscape, we can help you with the products you need to make your dream a reality.
Are retaining walls useful for my property?
There are a few reasons that you might want to build a retaining wall in the front or back of your property. The first is aesthetics. If you build your retaining wall properly, you will enjoy a professional design. You might even become the envy of your neighbours. When your goal is to sell your home within a few years, you can guarantee that a beautifully-kept retaining wall shows the curb appeal you need to attract prospective homebuyers. Retaining walls can also be useful. If your garden sits on a heavily-graded landscape, retaining walls allow you to build a flower or vegetable garden without worrying that the soil will slowly move its way downhill.
Can I Build One Myself?
Once you check out some of the retaining wall products we feature, you might worry that this is not something you could create on your own, In fact, it is. Follow these simple steps to take pride in the retaining wall you have built yourself.
- First, establish a design for your landscape, and the type of materials you intend to use for the retaining wall.
- Second, you should create a level base for your blocks or stone. That base must include heavily packed material, to protect the wall from shifting. When you place the bricks, put them in a stepped-back arrangement, so that the shifting of one block does not topple the entire wall.
- Third, add a drain tile at the bottom to allow excess water to flow out.
- Fourth, add tightly-compacted soil between the existing land and the wall. Loose soil increases the likelihood that the retaining wall will eventually fail.
Do not hesitate to ask us for more detailed information about building a retaining wall, including a list of the materials and tools you will need to complete the job.
Retaining walls make a graceful addition to your landscape. With a new retaining wall, you will enjoy greater curb appeal in the front, and make better use of your potential garden space in the back. At Lane’s Landscaping Supplies, we understand that you want to have the most professional-looking garden in the neighbourhood, without having to break the bank. With tips from us, you get exactly what you are looking for. Contact us today to request a quote.
