Retaining Walls

Retaining-wallsRetaining walls can be constructed from timber, concrete blocks or rock. Retaining walls are either built for structural purpose to stabilize soil and rock behind the wall and to stop soil movement, or can be constructed for decorative purposes only.

Before choosing the look of the wall you want, you’ll need to find out which material and the type of wall is best suited to your requirements.  A building permit may be required dependent on the purpose of the wall.  Many homeowners prefer timber retaining walls as they look natural.

Retaining timber is specially treated to make it durable and to give a high degree of resistance to natural elements, so if it’s a timber retaining wall you want, you must ensure the timber or logs are treated.

The Benefits of Timber Retaining Walls:Timber-Retaining-Walls

  • Timber is a natural product
  • Affordable compared to other products
  • It has strong capabilities and durability only if its treated timber
  • It can complement the landscape presentation with natural charm
  • It can be painted if you change the landscape colour decor
  • Only treated timber has resistance to moisture, borer and rotting issues

The Disadvantages of Timber:Block-Retaining-Wall1

  • Timber is only available in straight planks and round logs
  • Limitations when it comes to shape and design no soft curves
  • If the timber is untreated it will have moisture, rot and warping issues
  • It could only last up to 2 decades

Block Retaining Wall:

Block retaining walls have tremendous strength, durability and stability; they have a wide variety of uses including landscaping, elevated garden walls, steps, terrace walls, entertaining areas.  You are not hampered by shape or design and can have curved walls.

Stone Retaining Wall:

Stone-Retaining-WallThese have irregular shapes and so look more rustic.