If you have uneven ground outside of your house, then it is more likely that you require a retaining wall. It will help you keep soil on one side of the structure, allowing the lower floor level on the other wall side. In the past, retaining walls were usually made from concrete. It works efficiently due to its solid and long-lasting properties. For most people, concrete is not appealing to the eye. The reason for wall retaining is practical, but there is no reason to retain old and simple. To help you with cheap retaining wall ideas, we have prepared this article for you.
What is a Retaining Wall?
Retaining walls are vertical or near-vertical structures designed to retain material on one side. It helps to prevent it from collapsing or slipping or prevent erosion. Retaining walls will help you to provide support to terrain where the soil’s angle of repose is exceeded, and it would otherwise collapse into a more natural form. The characteristic of a retaining wall is that it can withstand the pressure exerted by the retained material, which is usually soil. From wood retaining wall ideas to cheap retaining wall ideas, the list discusses it all.
What Are the Types of Retaining Walls?
There are different retaining wall types, and we will be discussing some of the most common types, such as:
Gravity Retaining Wall
Source: houzz.com
It is the most basic type of cheap retaining wall idea. Since it is mostly about weight, these retaining walls allow for the widest amount of variety when it comes to materials. Bricks, un-mortared, and pavers stones are some of the options that you can choose. Many people also prefer dry-stacked stone, thus making it a very popular choice. While shorter walls do not need additional reinforcement, most will require a small trench to be dug for the wall to fit into.
Anchored Retaining Wall
Source: womentime.hu
An anchored retaining wall allows for various “fronts” of retaining walls to be supported by anchors that are driven into the earth behind them and attached by cables or strips. The anchors of this type of retaining wall are mechanically driven into the ground and the ends expanded by injecting pressurized concrete.
Sheet Piling Retaining Wall
Source: pinterest.com
It is a common type of retaining wall when there is not enough space; it is a thin wall of steel, vinyl, or wood that is driven directly into the soil. Also, it is vertically corrugated which provides extra reinforcement.
These pilings are for only softer soils, and a good rule of thumb is that you have to get 1/3 of the sheet piling driven to the ground for every two-thirds that will be above it. Larger walls will need additional anchoring, such as anchored retaining walls.
Cantilevered Retaining Wall
Source: pinterest.de
The reinforced retaining wall is also known as the steel bars that run through the masonry or concrete retaining wall. It uses a retaining wall affixed to a slab foundation that goes under the soil wall. The above soil weight holds the slabs down so that the wall cannot tip forward.
Retaining Wall Ideas
The type of retaining wall you choose depends on your choice and sometimes the space of the house. There are several types of retaining wall ideas in this article that you can opt for.
Irregular Flagstone Wall
Source: pinterst.com
The wall of irregularly shaped and sized pieces will look spectacular. Rather than being a function retaining wall, this will look more of a dominating feature in the landscape. The natural flagstones will give a rugged look. The lack of uniformity will make it feel more earthy and rustic. The wall will look modern and stylish despite its properties and elements.
The color is a primary factor in this design, as gray color sits perfectly to a contemporary style. The block sizes will look impressive as well as it will become a conversation topic for your property. You may think that you can create this type of retaining wall without the need for an expert, but in reality, you would certainly require a specialist to complete it.
Smooth Concrete Wall
Source: novocom.to
If you want something more modern, you simply cannot ignore smooth concrete. It will give your home the edge you desire. It also works as a blank canvas, so you can add as much greenery or flowers as you like. The great feature of retaining walls is that you can utilize them to create green spaces for flower beds or ponds. Get your creativity flowing with a space you love.
Shotcrete Rock Face Wall
Source: nitterhousemantionary.com
Most people do not know about the term ‘shotcrete’; it is a simple word for sprayed concrete. It is a great material for the retaining wall as it is available in various colors. Moreover, it comes in standard grey to warm sandstone to clay colors, which creates a natural rock look. You can also get creative and choose a bold color or a soft pastel for a palm spring vibe.
Wood Retaining Wall Ideas
Source: pinterest.com
If you want something sleek and nice, treated timber wood retaining wall ideas may be the best choice for you. However, if you want a retaining wall for the long run, then timber won’t be the best choice for you. Naturally durable types of hardwood timber are tallowwood, grey gum, and forest red gum. They are resistant to termites and will last for up to 25 years.
Sturdy Fence Wall
Source: photofoco.com
It is amongst the cheap retaining wall ideas for building or replacing a retaining wall. If you are low on budget, a wooden fence will be the best wood retaining wall idea for you. Timber fences also look tidy. This idea will give a uniform look to the landscaping. Ensure that the construction of the fence must be especially robust to withstand the weight of the soil on one side. It is better to consider that fences have a shorter lifespan than stone retaining walls, so you may find yourself having to replace the retaining wall frequently.
Sandstone Retaining Wall
Source: cjonline.com
Pale sandstone in a consistent block pattern will be the perfect balance of a modern design with a hint of heritage and history. It induces the vibes of a feeling of old-world luxury without seeming pretentious or fussy. This type of retaining wall may be quite costly, so expect a large retaining wall to come with a high cost if you like this style. However, these bricks will last a lifetime, so if you’re keen on quality and longevity, then a retaining wall like this would be a sound investment.
Concrete Cylinders Retaining Wall
Source: pexels.com
You can use this clever
use of cylindrical concrete palisades to give a modern and industrial style to the landscape. This design will fit best with unusual minimalist homes that are architecturally individual and contemporary. This retaining wall ideas design is versatile as you can use it in more mainstream properties. It is so simple that it does not need to be a key feature and will work with a plain background in a landscape.
Camouflage Wall
Source: speedpavingtexas.com
If you own a retaining wall, but you are not that fond of that look, you can improve its look without doing anything to the wall. Growing plants in front or on the retaining wall will help you hide the wall and draw attention away. You can use large decorative plants like tropical varieties or shrubs. Climbing plants are also a good option as these tend to grow quickly and cover the surface of the retaining wall.
Render Wall
Source: pinterest.com
Rendering a wall gives a sleek and crisp look to your landscape, especially if you paint it white. This type of retaining wall ideas design is popular in Mediterranean countries, such as Spain, and warmer climates in the US. For this reason, this type of design will give a tropical-style garden to your design. However, there’s no reason to paint the render white; instead, you could make a statement by choosing a bold paint color. You can choose a more natural toned paint color that would help the wall blend into the background.
Keep in mind that painted walls also demand maintenance. You will have to paint these walls with a new coat in a year or two to make them look good and appealing.
Gabion Wire Wall
Source: alibaba.om
It is an affordable, sustainable and unique retaining wall solution. You should keep in mind that this retaining wall ideas design will take a large amount of space on your land. This type of design is best if you have a big yard.
Curved Retaining Wall
Source: pinterest.com
You can add details to your yard with these cheap retaining wall ideas. It is extremely helpful for creating raised garden beds. All you need to do is create a brick or stone retaining wall in the shape you would like the garden to flow. You can then add and fill it in with your favorite colorful flowers.
Image Source: pinterest.com
Source: Concretesleepers.sy
Image Source: fixr.com
Source: staconsultingengineering.com
Image Source: pinterest.com
Source: moderni.com
Image Source: 525w52nd.com
Source: carrieresducharme.com
Conclusion
These retaining wall ideas designs are best and will sit well with your house. When you create a nice-looking retaining wall, it will increase the property value. Suppose in the future you decide to sell your house. It will only benefit you with the increased property value.
For more information on home improvement, visit HouseDecorationTip.
