What Materials Can Be Used for a Landscape Retaining Wall?

A retaining wall installation can be a functional part of a landscape design, a purely decorative idea, or both.

No matter what the purpose is for adding this element to a landscape design, landscaping contractors can use a variety of different materials to do it.

Depending on factors like home architecture, functional need, plant types, and ground typography, here are some of the options that a landscaping service can use to build a wall, no matter the look, size, and height required for the design.

  • Natural Slate and Stone - One of the more natural-looking and rustic choices, rough-cut slabs of slate and stone stack up to form a beautiful low wall when installed by experienced landscaping contractors. Fitting the slabs together is a bit like doing a jigsaw puzzle, but both slate and stone look very attractive around planted beds, along walkways, and anywhere a more attractive wall is desired.
  • Wood - Whether using boards, ties, poles, or other types of wood, retaining wall installation done with wood as a part of landscape design can be as simple or complicated as necessary. Pressure-treated posts can easily contain mulch to keep planted beds looking neat, and framed lumber can work well for a higher wall, too.
  • Stone Boulder - Boulders are another natural choice when used to support a hill and prevent erosion. Landscaping services can put them in place and backfill them with stone dust, cement, or soil to the desired height.
  • Blocks and Bricks - Probably the most commonly used components to create a simple installation, landscaping services recommend bricks and blocks in various sizes, shapes, and colors. Their uniform shapes and flat tops and bottoms make it possible to stack them as high as necessary while remaining stable.
  • Poured Cement and Stone Veneer - When a taller structural retaining wall installation is necessary, poured concrete is one recommendation, as it can be made to look like stone or have stucco added. Additionally, taller concrete walls can be finished with stone veneer that makes them look like the real thing.
  • Gabion Stone Basket - A wall made of stones and rocks contained in a strong wire basket called a gabion is also an attractive choice when a taller retaining wall is necessary. When filled up with loose rock and stones by landscaping contractors, the wires blend in, making it a more economical option when the look of natural rocks is the goal.

With so many choices of materials available, landscaping services can create a unique look that fits a property just right.

No matter what style, color, or size wall is needed, a skilled landscaping contractor can help property owners decide on the perfect look for great form and function!