A retaining wall is a frame made of concrete and used to retain earth, water or other material that is not flowing. Retaining walls generally have a polygonal cross section with straight edges. There are many different types of materials that can be used in constructing retaining walls. The concrete used in making these walls is usually set on top of the earth and is then supported by wooden posts.

Construction Techniques Wooden posts are used to build the framework of the retaining walls. The earth behind the posts is channeled through steel rings so as to keep the earth secured. Wooden beams are fixed on the edge of the frame. Screws and nails are used to fasten the posts into the earth. Once the posts are fastened, concrete is poured and the frames are leveled out.

Materials Wooden beams can be constructed using both horizontal and vertical systems. They can also be used to support the concrete. Aluminum and cement are commonly used for this purpose. Steel is also used for the frame of the retaining walls. Concrete is used to completely surround the earth behind the wooden posts.

Types Of Reinforcement Various methods of reinforcement are available to hold the soil in position or provide additional strength to the retaining walls. In some cases soil can be compacted with the help of hydraulic presses. When compacted the soil is given extra weight which is transferred to the retaining walls. The extra weight provides a firm support to the walls. For retaining walls with metal posts the steel reinforcements are used.

Additional Materials Walls built with concrete require a reasonable amount of digging and a professional engineer is required to plan the work. This means that good drainage patterns need to be planned. Good drainage patterns allow water to flow freely through the walls without getting stagnated at the back of the wall. This will increase the life of the retaining walls.

Cost Effective With modern technology these days building a retaining wall is not very expensive. It costs less than the price of traditional concrete block retaining walls. This is one reason why more people are making use of these walls.

Height Of Garden Walls Landscape designers nowadays prefer increasing the height of retaining walls to beautify the garden. Retaining walls which have an appropriate height for the type of garden they are built in add to the beauty of the garden. Retaining walls which have a low height allow lush green trees to grow on them. Higher height gives the impression of the wall being thicker. Garden walls which are not in accordance with the garden’s height reduce the beauty of the garden.

Types Of Landscape Stones Different types of landscape stones can be used to create retaining walls. These include landscape stone, slate, concrete block, sandstone and flagstone. Sandstone is the best choice of these because they are very flexible and easy to move. They also help control erosion and can be used to increase the height of the walls.

Slope Of Slopes Generally, retaining walls are built on slopes. The sloped surface helps prevent erosion by stabilizing the weight of the soil behind the wall. This is usually done by using flat beds of landscape stone. The use of this material reduces the slope of the soil behind the retaining wall. Flat beds often used in the case of flat beds of landscape stone are often used in commercial properties.