This includes vertical walls that don’t slope toward the contained earth, as well as walls higher than three feet. Some types of retaining walls require additional structural support to keep them from toppling over. Step-back walls can be built by anyone with a strong back and basic construction knowledge, as long as they have blocks designed for retaining wall assembly. ![]() ![]() This design, known as “step-back construction,” creates a sturdy wall structure that pushes back against the lateral pressure of the soil behind it. When building a retaining wall, landscapers often slope them slightly toward the earth they’re containing. You’ll also want to call DigSafe (811) to have representatives from local utility companies come out and check whether any buried electrical lines will be in the way. Local building codes and ordinances vary between communities, so don’t skip this step. Retaining walls can alter water flow and affect your neighbors, so you may need to obtain either a zoning permit or a building permit. If you’re planning to build a retaining wall, check with your local building authority beforehand. The contractor may also charge more for labor and materials if he has to pour a deep frost footing (explained below) or remove tree roots that are in the way of the footing. A natural stone or brick retaining wall laid by a mason can cost upwards of $20 per square foot, and a poured concrete retaining wall will set you back $13 to $18 per square foot. A small retaining wall less than three feet in height will cost an average of $5 to $8 per square foot, if you build it yourself. Larger retaining walls, which are not DIY-friendly, are pricier due to the labor costs involved. These blocks cost between $1.25 and $4 per block, depending on their size and texture, and they feature locking flanges that attach each row of blocks together. But, if you’re looking to undertake a do-it-yourself job, retaining wall blocks (available at most home improvement stores) are your best bet. Retaining walls are often constructed with concrete, stone, or bricks. You’ll also find retaining walls in parks and public gardens, where they act as retainers for plants, statues, and decorative landscaping elements. They’re indispensable in the creation of sunken patios, walkout basements, and any other hardscape with an abrupt separation of ground elevation. ![]() Retaining walls have a wide variety of uses around the yard, all of which involve keeping earth from spilling off a steep slope.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |