Concrete retaining walls are one of the most popular types of landscaping structures. They’re a great way to create a beautiful, long-lasting border in your yard or garden and are relatively easy to install. They can be used in residential and commercial settings, and they look beautiful whether you’re putting them in your backyard or on the side of your business.
However, concrete retaining walls have their advantages and disadvantages. Here’s what you need to know before you start planning your project:
The Advantages of Concrete Retaining Walls
Strength
We’ve all seen how tough concrete can be. This is critical when a wall must withstand the pressures of earth and water. It’s especially useful if you live in a flood-prone area, such as near a hill or anywhere where water flows downhill. A concrete retaining wall, with proper drainage, can keep your property from flooding. Furthermore, once the retaining wall is installed, it will only increase in strength as time passes.
Durability
Concrete Retaining walls are extremely durable and will last for years with excessive upkeep. Additionally, they can withstand more pressure and force than other materials. Concrete is not only long-lasting, but it is also resistant to elements that cause damage is other materials, including fire, rust, and rot.
Design
A concrete retaining wall can be functional and aesthetically pleasing, depending on whether you stain it or choose blocks that look like stone. It can be made to look like a variety of materials, such as stone, or faced with a natural stone veneer—color concrete to your liking with special stains. Concrete allows you to easily incorporate curves, angles, or staircases into your retaining wall design. Concrete can be used to make beautiful, modern retaining walls that can curve and bend to fit your space.
If you want to add value and purpose to your backyard, consider a landscaping project that includes retaining walls.
Low Cost of Maintenance
When you’re done with your retaining wall, the only thing that remains is to take care of the wall and make sure it lasts.
Concrete is a great wall material. It’s sturdy, affordable, and easy to maintain. You can keep it looking new for years to come—all you need to do it to clean it with a simple solution (e.g., soapy water) once or twice a year. You can occasionally check the walls for cracks and simply patch them up with cement.
Functional
A well-built and designed retaining wall is not only visually appealing, but it is also completely functional. Constructing a concrete retaining wall can help to keep soil in place and prevent erosion, sinkholes, and flooding.
Whether you have a large backyard or a small garden, adding a concrete retaining wall not only adds functionality but can also increase the usable space in your garden.
Plants, for example, could be added to a tiered retaining wall, or a vegetable garden could be created within the division.
Eco-Friendly
Concrete retaining walls are non-toxic and do not off-gas allergens or dangerous chemicals, even though they are not made of natural materials. Concrete wall construction uses a high proportion of natural materials, such as clay, limestone, fly ash, and slag, typically sourced locally or recycled from manufacturing processes.
Affordable
A concrete retaining wall is very cost-effective in the long run. Concrete is one of the most widely available and inexpensive building materials. Concrete wall construction can be divided into three types: concrete blocks, precast concrete panels, and poured-in-place concrete. This gives you the freedom to select the method that best fits your budget.
A concrete retaining wall is typically faster and easier to install than a much more labor-intensive masonry structure. Saving labor costs as a result.
The Disadvantages of Concrete Retaining Walls
Permanent or Fixed
So you decide to build a wall in your backyard to keep soil from the hill behind your house. However, after ten years, you decide to move the wall.
Moving a concrete wall, on the other hand, requires significantly more effort, planning, and design than moving a wooden wall or fence. You’ll need heavy machinery to dismantle it and remove the debris.
Thus, before deciding on having a concrete wall, you must ensure that the project is something you want or need to do and that the design and placement are exactly what you want.
Requires a Concrete Contractor to Build
Building a concrete wall is a difficult task. Concrete blocks are very heavy, and if you don’t know what you’re doing, it can be difficult to form and shape the corners and curves of a retaining wall.
Pouring and casting concrete is also not a do-it-yourself project. Hire an experienced contractor who understands how to avoid cracking or bulging, which can weaken the structure and necessitate complex major repairs in the future. If you choose precast panels, you will need special equipment to lift and install the heavy panels.
Design
The design, like the construction, requires careful planning and the services of an expert. It is not advisable to attempt this on your own unless you are well-versed in all aspects of retaining wall construction.
Looking for a Concrete Retaining Wall Contractor?
Retaining walls can be used to create gardens and walkways in your yard. They can also be used as a decorative feature around your home or business premises. If you want to add some extra security to an area where people might want to park cars or bicycles, a retaining wall will be ideal. Retaining walls are also perfect for blocking off areas that need protection from errant vehicles or other hazards (like fallen trees).
If you’re looking for a contractor who specializes in concrete retaining walls in Murfreesboro and the surrounding area, look no further than Bucket City Concrete Contractors. We offer professional services at affordable rates so that you can enjoy the benefits of our service without breaking the bank!
