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Landscape Design

Paver Retaining VS Concrete Block Walls

16 years ago

Hello,

We're planning out a raised patio (about 44" high) - we're laying a Travertine and it will be wet laid - grout joints and all - that is for sure (I know you'll try to sell me on dry lay).

We're debating between using paver retaining walls (something like Grinell or Techo-Bloc) or concrete block walls with your regular concrete footings and finishing the wall with stucco or cultured stone and caps.

Does anyone have a reason why I shouldn't use paver retaining (could it be a bad move structurally to mix the concrete and wetlay patio with paver retaining)?

A few more details -- the patio will be built using compacted crushed concrete - then 4" conrete poured with mesh. Also, fyi, we're in NJ and sometimes get cold winters.

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Comment (1)

laag
16 years ago
There is no technical reason not to use modular block (also called segmental retaining wall or SRW - what you are calling a "paver").

If you go with a mortared block wall, you should have a footing below grade down to the frost line which adds considerable work and expense. If you don't, it will crack from freeze/thaw movement.

One benefit of SRW's is that they are designed to move with the freeze/thaw cycle. That eliminates the need to put a footing several feet down in the ground saving on excavation, material (you don't need blocks between the footing and grade), and not having to destabilize a slope with a deep hole at its base while constructing it.

Another benefit is that they do not require a high degree of skill and training to construct, so you have a lot more and cheaper people available to build these. They are an easier DIY project, but not that easy.

Still another benefit is that they are rather easy to drain. Water buildup in the soil behind retaining walls is often the cause of wall failure.

SRW are not universally loved. In some places they are seen as high class and in other places they are accepted as cheap looking suburbia or industrial park looking. It depends what part of the country you live in and the taste of the area.

Stone walls (well crafted) are seen as timeless and universally accepted as high end. They cost 50-100% more than SRWs due to the skill, training, labor time, and availability of qualified people to do the work.

We do not see very many stucco concrete block walls in my area. I don't know that I have seen a new one at all. The SRWs and stone walls have replaced them. Their failure rate has something to do with it since many are not built on proper footings.
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