Landscaping can transform your dull exterior into an exciting place. Building retaining walls in your space is a sure way to improve its appeal. But retaining wall does more than aesthetics.
Put simply, a retaining wall is a structure holding soil behind it. It is commonly used in sloppy lands to prevent erosion. Most people understand the need for a barrier holding soil in their yard. However, the problem often lies with ideas to build a befitting barricade.
We’ve consulted the experts and come up with numerous fascinating retaining wall ideas. You no longer have to waste time looking for creative designs, as we’ve compiled it all in one list.
Retaining Wall Ideas
These barricades holding soil behind prevent erosion and improve the yard’s appeal. There are many ways to make this partition, depending on your needs. If you’re struggling with ideas, you’ll find our list of various retaining wall designs educative.
1. Natural Stones Barricade
Natural stones may be expensive, but they offer more class and appeal. Extra focus is placed on cutting these stones to deliver an exciting design. First, most stones are cut into large pieces with flat edges.
Although natural stone partitions may seem basic, you can create even more variations and styles through stone placement. Combining the right stone pieces is another way to achieve an impressive finish. You embrace the imperfections in this design, which makes it unique.
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2. Cost-Effective Timber Walls
Exquisitely cut and finished lumbers like the ones used for this idea make the wall stand out. It is perfect for paved or tiled subsequent floors. Previously, we considered an expensive option; seeing an affordable design next is only fitting.
Wood is generally cost-effective compared to many other materials used for retaining walls. Cutting the wood to size from the store will save you a lot of stress.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind. The wall features a shorter lifespan as it is made from an organic material. You can improve its longevity by using quality materials like pressure-treated lumber.
3. Rocky Barriers
Rocks have always been impressive retaining wall materials, but their usage varies, as you’ll notice in this project. The aim is to create an uneven and unique rocky barrier. Combining different rock sizes is the best way to achieve a finish that pops.
Make the bed using smaller rocks before arranging larger, more distinct pieces. Carefully tack boulders and stones, so they have balance and remain in place. There’s no need for binders, as it can affect the natural rustic setup.
The design is suitable for desert areas and places with many greens. Either of these creates a balance necessary for this rock combination.
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4. Curvy Yard Barricade
If you’re looking to accentuate corners in your yard, using the appropriate walls can help you achieve this. Making curvy barricades with certain materials is challenging, but small stones with flat surfaces are ideal. Binders are applied to keep the structure in place and avoid falling off.
You can use this idea to flush on paved grounds or areas covered in greens; its versatility is never in doubt. The curves are often located around walkways, driveways, and front yards.
5. River Rock Veneer
Set up this retaining wall in your yard to keep your visitors in awe of its beauty. River rocks are naturally stylish, with their curvy and smooth surfaces the most prominent feature.
Carefully laying these curvy stones and binding them with concrete is tedious. However, the result is worth the time invested. Apart from its stylish look, it is highly durable due to the concrete binder between the rocks.
6. Matching Retaining Wall and Walk Path
Can you match your wall and walkway with similar material and style? Creating a semblance boosts the appeal of a simple design. However, you need to be careful with this arrangement as it is easy for the style to get lost within itself.
Create contrasting borders so the walk path and wall are visible and appreciated. You’ll notice in this idea that the white pavers and stone bricks are set around gravel floors and beds.
7. Render Wall
There’s a unique ring to the name: render wall. But don’t let the word confuse you; wall rendering is simply coating a wall with concrete to become water-repellent. It also makes a good retaining wall, as shown in the attached picture.
You can build a brick or block wall with a planting area and then render it. Rendering improves the wall’s durability and longevity. You can even paint it to your desired hue, but you must wait at least four weeks for the render to dry.
8. Two-tone Paver Bricks Barrier
The two tones used for this design are earthly reddish brown and dark grey. Combining the paver bricks of varying but complementing hues can create a stylish design. However, you must have suitable flooring for the wall to stand out.
Cemented floors are simple and help keep the attention on the wall. To get the best out of this two-tone paver bricks barrier, build it at the center of your yard rather than in a hidden corner.
Some designs stand out, while other features help accentuate it. This two-tone arrangement is one such idea. The top is lined with more comprehensive bricks to form an attractive surface.
9. Popping Bricks and Mortar Wall
Allow your partitioning to pop by using bright colors like these orange bricks. It is a brick-and-mortar barricade, hence the name. Since bricks are already made in a structured manner, it is simple to build. Securing with mortar keeps it from falling apart.
You can build a fairy garden right in the soil behind the wall. Of course, it makes sense, considering bricks are warm and inviting. Your kids would love a brick retaining wall and a fairy garden idea.
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10. Terraced Garden Beds
Steep surfaces are difficult to plant on, with erosion wiping off the surface soil in no time. However, by employing this terraced garden bed, you get an extensive planting space and prevent erosion. Talk about the ideal retaining wall for a slopping ground over an extensive area.
Consequently, using materials that will not trap water behind its walls is vital. The force of trapped moisture will increase the pressure on the wall, which can cause it to break open. This is why brick stones are the go-to materials. The stone bricks are durable but allow excess water to leave through the sides.
11. Using Irregular Flagstone
This irregular flagstone barrier is a massive project best suited around your yard’s ends. It can hold much soil in steep slopes with cement binders keeping the wall in place.
The flagstones used here are of varying sizes, but all feature flat faces, so the wall sides are straight. This flagstone structure is ideal if you’re interested in a highly appealing design. However, the size of the project puts many off. With some helping hands, you can build this wall in a weekend. Of course, this timeline is dependent on the length and height of the partitioning.
12. Multicolor Mosaic
How about a mosaic retaining wall to stand out from the crowd and draw attention? Here comes an aesthetically pleasing design that you cannot turn down if you love an artistic feel. The multicolor Mosaic is made of natural pebbles in various hues.
The tall walls and stairs require an expert touch to get its artistic finish. Leaving it to the professionals will be best if you lack the necessary skills. The mosaic design automatically makes the area colorful, even without charming flowers.
FAQ’s
We’ve established the importance of retaining wall variety and the need to match certain qualities in your yards. But we’re not done, as we’ll answer a few popular questions about the topic.
Ans: You can use cinderblocks, rocks, stones, bricks, pavers, and wood to make soil barricades.
Ans: Rendering the partitioning has many benefits, like providing an appealing surface for painting and water-proofing. However, its water-proof surface can quickly become a problem in areas with a lot of water. The water is trapped behind the water-repellent wall, exerting pressure that can ultimately pull it down.
Ans: Wood is one of the most effective materials you can use. However, the availability of materials can affect the cost. It’ll be affordable using materials where they’re easy to access.
Summary
Barricades used to hold soil, stop erosion, provide structure, and improve landscaping do not have to be boring. You can explore your creativity to form beautiful designs. Or choose from our list of expert-led ideas that’ll make your neighbors jealous.
We hope this guide was helpful in adding to your knowledge about retaining walls. All the ideas discussed here help you make an informed decision about your house decor.
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