Extra Tips for Building a Stone Retaining Wall That Will Last
Building a retaining wall involves choosing the correct materials, preparing the terrain for the build, and hiring the most qualified experts for the job. Without one of these three factors, you’ll end up with a wall that will last you a matter of months rather than years.
In addition to the above, there are other, more precise factors that can determine the strength, structure, and longevity of your wall. We go into more detail below:
Choose the Best Stones for your Wall
The best type of stone for your wall will depend entirely on the type of wall you want, its location in your garden, and the height you would like it to be. Before we take on a new project, we will meet with you to get a feel for the vision you have in mind. This is the point where you tell us about your dream wall so that we can help make it a reality.
If, for any reason whatsoever, we have reservations or concerns about the types of stones you would like to use, we will tell you straight away. For example, if you want a six foot tall wall made of boulders, we may face some obstacles along the way. As we mentioned above, we operate with the utmost honesty and transparency. Our goal is to always make sure that you go into a project with open eyes and clear and realistic expectations.
The Foundation Is Everything!
The base material we use can literally make or break your retaining wall. While we always recommend broken up stones or a gravel base for proper drainage, there are instances where soil or sand, for example, are the only alternatives. Whatever the project, we will choose the best materials possible to ensure the longevity of your wall.
Additionally, we always use a plate compactor to ensure that we have a level ground on which to build your retaining wall.
Prevent Wobbles
A wobbly wall is a bad one! Our goal as your trusty retaining wall company is to make sure every square foot of your wall is not only built on a solid foundation but, that every course of stone is laid in a level, secure, and precise way. Aside from assuring proper drainage, the position of each block will dictate the quality, longevity, and durability of your wall.
At New Life Rockeries, we use shims to prevent the stones from moving. These stone wedges help prevent the rocks from moving so that the integrity of your stone wall is not compromised.
To find out more about our services, or to compare quotes, give us a call today. Our team of qualified experts can help turn your house into a home, one block at a time!
Don’t Skip Drainage
Proper drainage is another important factor when it comes to your stone block wall. Without the correct system to drain water, your wall will experience significant amounts of wear and tear, leaving it exposed to natural forces that could actually bring it crumbling down before you know it.
Whether we use stones, gravel, sand, or soil, we will make sure to set up the correct system in the foundation or mortar of your wall to drain water and prevent unnecessary stress on your new wall. We will check that each course is laid properly to reduce the risk of any nasty surprises. And, above all else, we will use landscape fabric on the back of your wall to keep it sturdy for years to come.
Attack Multi-Tired Walls Differently
Multi tired walls are their own breed of walls. They require a certain amount of planning and precision to build correctly. Before building a multi-tiered wall, we will plan each course carefully, keeping the length of the wall, and the types of stones in mind throughout the process. Our goal of planning meticulously is to prevent the block wall in the back from adding excess pressure to the front.
Stagger Joints & Make Sure They’re Tight
This may go without saying but, if each block isn’t staggered, your wall will not be as durable. As stone retaining wall experts, we stagger each joint, keeping each block as tight as possible to the next to prevent pathways for water and debris. Each square foot of your wall will be built as such to ensure its integrity and longevity.
Match Your Wall to Your Landscape
Last but not least, design a wall that will stand the test of time in your garden. It should match or complement your home and any other structures you have in your garden. Building something too different or that does not complement your current hardscapes will leave you with a piece that you get bored of very quickly. Your personal taste will determine the type of wall you would like, however, our team of landscape contractor designers can help you make a final choice if you’d like our input.