There are many reasons why you might be considering a retainer wall for your property, but before you start planting stakes and laying down materials, there are a few things you will want to take into consideration first. A little planning up front can help steer you away from a big investment that you ultimately regret or wish you could do over.

Tips for planning your retainer wall:

1. Consider the aesthetics of the wall. Does the retaining wall match your lifestyle? Beyond being utilitarian, retaining walls can make grand statements and help create a beautiful outdoor living space.
   
   
2. Walls do not have to be in straight lines. If you want to make your retaining wall more interesting or a softer part of your landscape, consider using curves. An easy way to accomplish this is by laying out a long rope to get a sense of the curve you would like for your design.
   
   
3. The bigger the wall, the more you will need to plan. For instance, if your wall is going to be taller than about four feet, you may need to consult an engineer to make sure the height can bear the weight. Also, if your wall is too tall, you might be in violation of building codes. Checking on these two items will save you from costly headaches.
   
   
4. If you want to save time and have an easier installation, consider using manufactured blocks or stones. One of the biggest benefits for using this type of material is that you will have uniform sizes which makes measuring and placement of each piece much simpler. Another bonus is that these materials come in a variety of colors and finishes so your wall can be customized to fit with your landscape.
   
   
5. Like any built structure, a strong foundation is key. Make sure you take the time to properly prepare the base for your wall. If your base is uneven, your wall will be, too.
   
   
6. Plan for proper drainage. When your wall has a sloped surface, more water will collect at the base. To avoid this, make sure you include extra drainage at the base and make sure you include some type of filter so you won't have to dig out any clogs.
   
   
7. Critical to having a long-lasting, steady wall is making sure you keep it level throughout the entire construction process. Just because you measured before you began building doesn't mean things didn't shift as stones or blocks are placed. A good tip is to check your levels with each layer of your wall.
   
   
8. Support is important while your wall is under construction. Imagine building a free-standing wall without support — it won't take much to make it tumble. If you instead backfill as you build each level, your wall will have greater support.
   
   
9. Terracing can help make your wall feel less ominous. Terraces are gradual step ups in height. When you apply this to your retaining wall, you create the sense of a large space and you increase the amount of plantable square footage for a nice variety of vegetation.
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10. Last, but not least, don't be afraid to decorate your new retaining wall. Too often people choose to keep their walls quiet — and that's fine. But, imagine the fun you can have with paint or plants integrated into the final surface. The possibilities are endless.

Of course, you can opt to build a retaining wall on your own. But, if this seems like too much to handle or more than you would like to take on, give your team of experts a call. We have built retaining walls for homeowners across Eugene, Springfield, and the surrounding areas. The professionals at Graham Landscape & Design can be reached by calling 541-729-8029.

There are many options when it comes to adding hardscape features to your landscape. This blog series focuses on a different landscape feature each time and will help you determine the best materials to use for each type of project. In this second blog of the series, we will explore two of the most popular options for retaining walls. This article should help you make a more informed choice when you are ready to pick your materials. 

Blocks
When it comes to building a retaining wall, the most common 'go to' material used is pre-formed blocks. Blocks offer several advantages including lower cost, uniform sizing making planning easy, a variety of colors and finishes, and quicker installation. Maintenance of a retaining wall made from blocks is fairly minimal — you can choose to add a sealant if you'd like and you also add capstones to create seating for lower walls. The only drawback is that while a block wall provides that 'clean' look, it can also be a bit boring if you're into walls with character. Blocks are readily available and can help you get your retaining wall finished and checked off the 'to do' list in short order. 

Natural Stone
Natural stone is another common material for building retaining walls. While natural stone can be a tad more expensive, it's durability and character are second to none. Natural stone, when used for retaining walls, allows for interesting spaces between pieces where you can add moss, succulents, or other crevice-loving plants. Like blocks, you can choose stone in a variety of colors and textures, and you can also arrange them in ways possible to allow for seating. Working with natural stone can be more involved, requiring more planning, but the result is a beautiful, one-of-a-kind wall sure to be a gem in your landscape.

Of course, there are other materials you can consider for your retaining wall, and we're happy to explore those options with you. Our team of experts can help weight the pros and cons of each option and help you choose the material that's right for your application. For more information about retaining walls, please give us a call. The professionals at Graham Landscape & Design are here to make sure you have the tools to make the best decision for your home. 541-729-8029

Graham Landscape & Design in Eugene, Oregon designed and built this cohesive hardscape including the paver patios, pathways, steps, and retaining wall for this Eugene area home. The residents were thrilled to make better use of their hillside yard.

Graham Landscape & Design in Eugene, Oregon designed and built this paver patio, retaining wall, and steps to add more functional space to this Eugene home.