Retaining Wall Rundown: Exploring the Top Choices
Ah, the age-old question – what’s the best type of stone for a retaining wall? Well, my friends, as someone who’s been in the landscaping game for a while, I’ve got the scoop on the top choices. So, grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and let me take you on a journey through the wonderful world of retaining wall materials.
The Humble Beginnings: Pressure-Treated Lumber
Let’s start with the cheapest and fastest option – pressure-treated lumber. Back in the day, folks would use actual railroad ties or tar-covered 6×6 lumber to build their retaining walls. I remember those days well, as a young lad, when I could whip one of those babies up in a single day. Ah, the good old days.
Now, I know what you’re thinking – “But Devin, isn’t that stuff full of toxins?” Well, you’re not wrong. Personally, I’d rather not grow any veggies in a garden surrounded by that kind of lumber. Who knows what kind of nasty stuff is leaching out, right? But hey, if you’re in a hurry and don’t mind the potential health hazards, go for it. Just make sure to use plenty of “dead men” (lengths of 6×6 going back into the hill) to keep that sucker sturdy.
Gabion Walls: The Industrial Eyesore
Let’s move on to the next option – gabion walls. These are the wire cages filled with rocks. In my humble opinion, about 10 out of 10 times, these things are as ugly as sin, corruption, and deceit combined. I’m talking industrial-level ugliness here, folks. If you’re going for a post-apocalyptic vibe in your backyard, then by all means, go for it. But for the rest of us, I’d steer clear of these monstrosities.
Segmented Retaining Wall Blocks: The Workhorses
Alright, let’s move on to something a little more practical – segmented retaining wall (SRW) blocks. These babies aren’t as fast as the railroad ties, but they’re still quicker than many other options. And the best part? They can last a good long while if they’re built right.
Now, you’ll often see these SRW walls towering 20 or 50 feet tall next to a supermarket or something. Not the prettiest things, I’ll admit, but they get the job done. The key is to make sure you’ve got a solid crushed stone foundation and that you’re using a geogrid fabric system to tie the wall into the soil behind it. I used to be certified to build these back in the day, and let me tell you, the technology hasn’t changed much over the years, despite what the manufacturers might have you believe.
Poured Concrete: The Cracked and Leaning Giants
Next up, we’ve got poured concrete. Now, these can last a while, sure, but they’ve got a nasty habit of developing huge, ugly cracks. My prediction? You usually get two or three good years, and then BOOM – crack city. The wall might stand for 40 years, but it’ll start leaning out at some point during that span. Not my favorite, that’s for sure.
One thing to keep in mind with these concrete walls is that you better have a good weep drain up in there. And don’t forget to dig below the frost line. But honestly, aesthetically, I just can’t get behind these things. They’re ugly, they don’t last forever, and they tend to age poorly. And let’s not even talk about the environmental impact. No, thanks.
Concrete Masonry Units: The Stucco-Covered Contenders
Alright, let’s move on to concrete masonry units (CMUs), also known as (wrongly) as cinder blocks. These aren’t the best option, but if you stucco them and top them with a nice stone cap, they can actually look pretty spiffy. It’s a more formal look, but it can work.
Now, just like the SRW walls and the poured concrete, you’ll want to make sure you’ve got those weep drains in place. But hey, at least a stuccoed CMU wall with a stone cap has a bit more charm than the plain old concrete.
Dry Stone Retaining Walls: The Timeless Beauties
Ah, now we’re getting to the good stuff – dry stone retaining walls. This is the type of wall that will take you ten times longer to build than any of the others on this list, but it’s worth every minute.
These walls are true works of art, built to last for generations if done right. Sure, the materials might not be the cheapest, but just wait until you see the final result. Beauty is good for the eyes, good for the heart, and the work involved is good for the soul. Turn off the TV, put down your phone, and get out there with your own two hands. Trust me, it’s time well spent.
At A1 Landscape Construction in Temecula, California, we specialize in building these gorgeous dry stone retaining walls that will add both function and timeless charm to your outdoor space. So, if you’re ready to elevate your yard to new heights, give us a call. We’d be more than happy to help you create the backyard oasis of your dreams.
