Builders: Ways to Make the Most of Your Retaining Walls
Posted on: 12 April 2017
A retaining wall refers to a structure that is incorporated in your landscaping for the primary purpose of resisting the lateral pressure that soil exerts on your property. These structures are especially pertinent on sloping land, as they will function to reduce the risk of soil erosion due to the ground elevation. Since they are part of your landscaping, you will find you have an assortment of materials that you could choose to enhance the kerb appeal of your property. Some of the popular options homeowners consider include timber, natural stone and concrete. However, it should be noted that the material you choose for your retaining wall would also dictate the durability and longevity of the structure. If you would like a long-lasting solution, you should consider concrete retaining walls. Below are some of the ways to make the most of the retaining walls on your property.
Make the retaining wall a multifunctional structure
Although the in function of the retaining wall is to ensure it keeps the soil on your property intact, it does not mean this has to be the only purpose. Your retaining walls can provide you with additional functionality depending on their placement.
For instance, if you have the retaining walls erected right in the middle of your property, you may want to consider creating an exterior living space that will be sheltered by the retaining walls. As one side of the barrier holds back the soil from eroding, the other wall face can be the backing of an entertainment area with seating, barbeque grill and more.
Be creative with the design of your retaining wall
Since retaining walls are supposed to be practical, some homeowners may not pay much attention to their overall appearance. However, a bland wall may actually end up detracting from your kerb appeal rather than fading into the background. To make the most of this structure, you be as creative as possible with its design for instance, instead of having a smooth wall face, you could make use of concrete aggregate to add texture and visual interest to the wall.
Another way that you can be creative with your retaining wall would be by making the area around it decorative. Decorating can be done through the planting of flowerbeds around the wall, constructing a small pond and any other form of landscaping that would make the retaining wall attractive.
Lastly, your retaining walls do not have to be straight. Curved designs or abstract shapes can make your retaining walls a focal point in your yard. Contact local builders for more information.
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