How Retaining Walls Can Create a Larger Yard

Retaining walls help to create more functional and expansive yards on properties across the country. Are your outdoor activities limited due to a steeply sloping yard? Could you use more garden space or would you like to enjoy a neater yard? Properly designed retaining walls are an ideal solution to many common grading issues.

Retaining walls are made from natural stone, modular blocks, or wood and professionally installed walls can be built to almost any height. Retaining walls are great to even out a steep slope or to create a tiered yard that’s ideal for planting gardens.

Your landscaper will calculate the new grade and design your retaining walls in the proper height and length to reliably and safely hold in the added topsoil. Sod, grass seed or gardens can then be planted in that area to create the yard of your dreams.

Wood retaining walls use a stepped method and tiebacks for stability. Each tier or layer of the wall sits back  a few inches from the layer underneath. This allows the weight and pressure to be more evenly distributed and prevents the wall from toppling over.

Tiebacks are installed at regular intervals. The end of these 4 to 6-foot long pieces of lumber tie into the face of your retaining wall, as the lumber stretches back into the retained soil and creates a grid-like structure that helps holds up the wall.

Stone retaining walls are usually manufactured to fit together. They may be formed with a lip along one edge or a tongue and groove shape that allows each additional layer to connect with the layer below. Tiebacks aren’t used as frequently with stone retainers, although mortar may be used on irregular shaped stone.

It’s important to hire a professional landscaper to ensure your new yard is completely stable and the retaining walls are durable, safe and strong.