Retaining Walls

From large highway projects to simple drainage jobs, retaining walls are a widely used solution to hold back soil. They are crucial in the fight against soil erosion and drainage problems, which are natural occurrences in the Chattanooga area due to the rolling terrain from the surrounding mountains. They can also help to create level areas of the yard for patios or walkways. Retaining walls come in various shapes, colors, and sizes. Choosing the proper type of wall is very important. Moreso, improper installation techniques can lead to disastrous consequences. Before we get into which type of wall you might need, let’s first review the benefits of retaining wall installation.

Benefits of Retaining Walls

1. Adds Space: If you have a yard that is sloped and difficult to use, a retaining wall is a great solution. By either cutting into the high side or building up the low side of your yard, a retaining wall can make an uneven section of your yard more usable. This is especially helpful if you are wanting a patio or walkway in an unlevel part of your yard.

2. Reduces Runoff: A retaining wall can mitigate damage to your property by redirecting or slowing down stormwater runoff, known as erosion control. Many properties in Chattanooga experience a lot of runoff damage due to the elevation changes in our region. A retaining wall can help prevent your soil from being washed away by reducing the amount and force of stormwater runoff.

3. Prevents Flooding: If you notice puddling near the foundation of your house or in your yard, contact us to see if retaining wall installation would help protect your home and property. Often, a wall built at the source of the problem can redirect excess amounts of rainwater or help to repair inadequate grading.

4. Enhances Aesthetics: A retaining wall can add curb appeal and increase your property’s value. It will also help with your outdoor living experience by creating multi-functional spaces throughout your yard. Whether it’s built out of natural boulders or faced with stone veneer, retaining walls aren’t just functional but beautiful as well.

Types of Retaining Walls

There are several different types of retaining walls that we can build at Full Circle Land Design. But before we decide the type of wall to build, we need to know why it’s needed and where it will be located. Are we adding a patio on a sloped part of the yard? Are there drainage issues throughout your property? Once this first step is determined, we can then select which type of wall is optimal for you based on aesthetics and budget. Budget tends to be the main factor when deciding on the type of retaining wall is most fitting. Timber walls are very cost effective, but they have a shorter lifespan than stone walls. Finally, how the retaining wall ties in with your property, aesthetically, needs to be considered. The wall should fit the style and feel of your house and yard. For instance, if you have a house with a stone façade and natural landscaping around it, a wall with boulders or stone veneer would be a good fit. Often, we can match the stone on your house for the retaining wall.

Here are 4 common types of retaining walls that we can build:

1. Railroad Ties

   These walls are made from wood products and can be installed fairly quickly, which save on costs but don’t last as long as other options. They offer a rustic, natural look for outdoor spaces and help to soften the landscape. The chemical used to treat them (known as creosote) can be harmful to the environment and to humans. Railroad ties typically last about 20-25 years before needing to be replaced. To add extra support, tiebacks (aka Deadman) can be installed into the hillside which requires extra excavation.

2. Masonry

   Cinder blocks are used to build masonry walls. They are lightweight and easier to work with than railroad ties, making them ideal for walls that are more complicated in design. Rebar and concrete can be added inside of the block cavities to provide more strength and durability. Proper drainage behind the wall is very important when building masonry walls. An advantage of building masonry walls is that they can be faced with different materials depending on the style and look you are wanting, such as stucco, stone veneer, or brick. Stone veneer, either real stone or manufactured stone, is a popular choice since it coincides with our natural landscape in Chattanooga. For examples of stone veneer, go to https://stonecenterofchattanooga.com/products.

3. Interlocking Concrete Blocks

   They have come a long way with interlocking (or segmental) wall blocks, as there are a lot of different sizes, colors, and styles to choose from. These types of walls offer the most bang for your buck. Compared to masonry retaining wall installation, segmental walls go up fairly quickly, have excellent freeze-thaw resistance, and require very little maintenance. Furthermore, interlocking concrete blocks can flex as the earth shifts which prevents cracking. This type of wall is best for a more formal or modern look.

4. Boulders or Stacked Stones

   If you prefer a more natural look, we can construct a wall using real boulders or stacked stones. These walls are cost effective and last longer than other wall types. Boulders require a machine to set in place, which can be challenging. And due to their shape, the boulders don’t always fit tightly together. Some customers have mentioned that snakes, chipmunks, and other critters like to hide in the crevices. So be aware! Stacked stones are much smaller and flat. They are better for shorter walls since they are light and can’t support a lot of weight. If needed, mortar can be used to create a stronger hold when installing stacked stone retaining walls. Even though boulders and stacked stones only come in buff or grey colors, their natural appearance can significantly enhance the overall aesthetic of your property.

Surrounded by mountains and ridges, Chattanooga offers its residence with beautiful scenery, but challenging landscapes as well.  Therefore, retaining wall installation is an essential part of what we do at Full Circle Land Design. Whether you need to add more lawn space in the yard or divert water away from your house, retaining walls can be a functional and appealing aspect of your property. It can even increase its value! Full Circle Land Design is well-equipped for installing walls that fit your needs and budget, while ensuring it ties into the rest of the landscape. With that said, we do not build engineered walls that are taller than 4 feet. Instead, we can consider terracing your yard by constructing multiple retaining walls.

Let us help you decide if a retaining wall is necessary to enhancing your property; and if it is, which type best fits your needs. Contact us today for a free quote!