Beyond a retaining wall’s aesthetic appeal, it can also be a cost-effective solution to manage flooding and erosion issues. Looking to add beauty, functionality, and value to your home through landscaping? A retaining wall might be the answer. They can be used to transform steeply sloped areas into usable spaces that increase visual interest and expand the usability and functionality of your property.
Retaining walls can dramatically change the look of your property – and solve rainwater drainage issues.
Retaining Walls – Form Meets Function
A retaining wall is most frequently used to address unstable soil conditions or to redirect excess rainwater away from foundations, effectively redirecting and managing water flow to lower areas. Aesthetically, retaining walls can foster creativity in the design of outdoor spaces – transforming embankments into more usable and level property areas – suitable for a new patio or outdoor entertainment area, gardens, open lawn spaces, and more,
They can also be an excellent anchor for new hardscaped areas on a property. With the variety of styles, textures, and colors of manufactured stone materials now available, the number of ways that retaining walls can boost the visual appeal of outdoor areas is nearly endless.
This retaining wall includes a seat-wall cap for extra seating and built-in under-wall lighting to illuminate the space and extend usability well into the evening.
Retaining walls can transform a dated patio into a modern, polished entertainment space. They are an excellent method for defining an outdoor space and adding functionality. By adding smooth flat caps to a retaining wall it can serve a dual purpose – transforming a simple retaining wall into a seat wall, providing more seating around a patio when entertaining a number of guests.
Retaining Wall Design & Construction
Every retaining wall project starts with a thorough site assessment. What are the ground characteristics of the installation area? Soil type, slope gradient, and rainwater drainage are factors that must be carefully evaluated. The hardscape experts at Heinen are thoroughly versed in these requirements and have the knowledge and skill to plan and build a reliable retaining wall safely and effectively.
A major elevation change goes more quickly with the right equipment and the right know-how. A stairway can even be added to facilitate easy access to upper and lower elevations.
There’s quite a bit more to the actual construction of a retaining wall than stacking bricks or stones. Load-bearing capacity must be calculated, the most appropriate material selected, and drainage allowances carefully taken into consideration. The site must be properly excavated, a sturdy base constructed, drainage piping installed, gravel backfill carefully added to allow rainwater passage to the drainage system, and then a topsoil layer to sustain turf and other plant growth.
Work with the Experts
There are numerous reasons to engage professionals to plan, design, and install retaining walls.
The expertise and knowledge that come with Heinen’s 30+ years of experience in creating retaining walls for a wide variety of clients in an equally wide variety of landscape scenarios is exceptional. The landscape pros at Heinen understand the complexities involved in design, planning, and construction, including site assessment, soil conditions, drainage requirements, and structural engineering. Their vast experience allows the team to anticipate potential problems and proactively develop and implement effective solutions that ensure the success and longevity of any retaining wall project.
The hardscape specialists at Heinen excel in determining the best design and materials for client retaining wall projects – while staying on time and on budget.
Heinen’s hardscape team also has access to a vast selection of retaining wall materials to choose from from trusted partners like Techo-Bloc and Unilock. The abundance of colors, textures, and types of manufactured stone options available allows customers to capture the exact look and feel they desire for their outdoor spaces – along with the highest levels of durability.
Working with the landscape pros at Heinen assures your project will be managed professionally and in the timeliest manner possible. The Heinen team works with clients to determine realistic timelines, work within the customer’s schedule, allocate resources responsibly, and communicate openly and regularly throughout the entire process.
