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Custom Retaining Wall Design and Installation
A retaining wall is a solid structure made from concrete, bricks, stones, or wood, designed and installed to retain and prevent erosion. A retaining wall is a crucial part of a landscape design. A properly constructed custom retaining wall increases the usability of a sloping lot for gardening, landscaping, and other purposes. There are various types of retaining walls, each with benefits and drawbacks.
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Property owners consider adding retaining walls to their landscapes for both aesthetic and functional purposes. A retaining wall acts as an excellent decorative feature in a landscaped yard. It makes a slope more functional by preventing water and soil from flowing downward. Retaining walls reduce yard maintenance needs resulting from erosion.
Additionally, retaining walls can prevent flooding and protect the surrounding structures from the elements.
Retaining walls are complex structures, and property owners in Monticello, MN, can rely on Anderson Bros Outdoors for complete retaining wall solutions.
Popular Retaining Walls In Residential Landscaping
Gravity Retaining Wall
Gravity retaining walls use their weight and mass to hold soil in place. They are the most basic retaining wall type, made from bricks, pavers, dry-stacked stones, and unmortared stones. Although very thick, gravity retaining walls are easy to install. Usually, these retaining walls do not need additional reinforcement, but many landscaping contractors dig a small trench to ensure a sturdy foundation for longer walls.
Cantilevered Retaining Wall
A well-engineered cantilevered retaining wall can hold back a significant amount of soil. It is the most common type of retaining wall used as a landscaping feature by homeowners due to its rigidity and strength. These comprise a stem and a base slab constructed from pressed, precast, or prestressed concrete. A cantilevered retaining wall creates an L-shape. The soil’s weight holds the slab down while a smaller part called the toe sticks out.
Sheet Piling Retaining Wall
This retaining wall type is a perfect addition as a visually appealing landscaping feature in landscapes with limited space. A sheet piling retaining wall is rather basic and perfect for soft soils. The material used—wood, steel, or vinyl—is thin and driven directly into the soil. These walls often feature a vertically corrugated structure for additional reinforcement. For maximum support, one-third of the system of this retaining wall should be beneath the ground’s surface for every two-thirds that is above.
Anchored Retaining Wall
Anchors, usually mechanically driven deep into the ground, support an anchored retaining wall. These anchors are behind the walls and attached using strips or cables. Anchored retaining walls allow for proper use of the available space. They are economical and can endure pressure for longer durations without any problem. Anchor retaining walls can support the other retaining walls and are often used for structurally thinner walls or expect a higher load.
Factors to Consider for Retaining Walls
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Location: The location is a primary factor when building a retaining wall. Thorough information about the property lines and factors like slope, natural drainage pattern, underground utility, surcharge load, and soil texture is necessary when choosing the most suitable spot to construct the retaining wall. Depending on the retaining wall size and material, where the wall is built will impact the property and the surrounding environment.
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Soil: The soil acts as the foundation for the retaining wall. The soil type and quality play a significant role in determining the retaining wall functionality. The soil characteristics are crucial in dictating the construction time frame, retaining wall material, and construction technique. Firm and strong soil provides maximum support, while moist and wet soil or soil in freezing areas can damage the wall as it can expand or contract. The contractor can inspect the soil to recommend the retaining wall best suited for the soil type.
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Drainage: Poor drainage is among the leading causes of retaining wall failure. An efficient drainage system is essential to prevent excessive water accumulation behind the wall and preserve its structural integrity. Professional retaining wall contractors inspect the construction site to understand the impact of water flow on the wall. Based on that, they design and construct an appropriate drainage system to protect the wall from damage.
Retaining walls are an aesthetically pleasing functional addition to any landscape. Anderson Bros Outdoors designs and installs a wide array of custom retaining walls for homeowners in Monticello, MN, and surrounding areas.
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Our professional team possesses the skills and resources to handle all retaining wall projects, big or small, and add beauty, style, and support to the landscape. We perform installations quickly and carefully, ensuring our retaining walls look great for many years.