7 Out-of-the-Box Retaining Wall Ideas
Go Beyond Railroad Ties With Stylish Rock, Metal, Blocks, and Poured Concrete
When I first started working behind-the-scenes on home improvement TV shows in 2003, I was shocked at how much a good retaining wall could cost — mainly for the labor and skill involved. Since I grew up in South Florida, the flattest and most humid peninsula ever, retaining walls were kinda new to me.
Now an Atlantan, I tend to see the same exact type of retaining wall again and again: 8x8 railroad timbers stacked about 4-feet high with pine straw at the crest. There are so many other options out there to make your retaining wall a bit more personal. Take a gander at these fantastic ideas, then think about your own retaining wall before running out to snatch those railroad timbers again.
Now an Atlantan, I tend to see the same exact type of retaining wall again and again: 8x8 railroad timbers stacked about 4-feet high with pine straw at the crest. There are so many other options out there to make your retaining wall a bit more personal. Take a gander at these fantastic ideas, then think about your own retaining wall before running out to snatch those railroad timbers again.
Sometimes just a little bit of texture is all it takes. Rust-ridden sheet metal not only contains your planting beds, but its appearance will actually change over time. The patina will continue to change the longer it's exposed to the elements.
Poured concrete is simple, sleek and surprisingly sophisticated. Did you ever wonder exactly how this is made? Perhaps you thought a huge truck schlepped each piece over, then champion strongmen unloaded them one at a time? Nope! Poured concrete is all about molds and forms. Usually, plywood forms are set up and secured in place. Then the concrete is poured between the pieces. After it sets and dries, the forms are removed, a craftsman adds some finishing touches with acid stain and/or sealer, and KAZAM! you’ve got modern retaining walls.
Contact a local concrete professional if you’re interested in this style
Contact a local concrete professional if you’re interested in this style
Stacked concrete blocks can create a linear, mid-century look; however, it doesn’t work with standard, builder-grade cinder block. In this case, each block contains an aggregate of pebbles which achieve a slightly organic aesthetic. Once stacked, the blocks’ color and mortar between takes it to the next level.
Hire a local landscape contractor to complete your vision
These are also easy to work with; many aggregate blocks come in ultra lightweight forms and are readily available in light and dark gray finishes.
Hire a local landscape contractor to complete your vision
These are also easy to work with; many aggregate blocks come in ultra lightweight forms and are readily available in light and dark gray finishes.
Although stacked stone looks super expensive, it’s rather affordable. Each piece is simply a thin, 1-inch veneer often stocked in a 6x12 size. In order to install as a retaining wall, a contractor first builds the structure out either with pressure-treated plywood or poured concrete. The veneer acts simply as a facade. One thing that definitely drives up cost is mitered corners. This involves hundreds of cuts with a wet saw which takes way more time than simply, stacking, staggering and adding mortar.
Here's something you may or may not have come across: wood-look concrete. How does it get that wood plank appearance? It's all about the form, my friends. When the form is created, a contractor can opt for rugged wood planks instead of super smooth panels. As the concrete dries against the rough textures of the wood planks, they leave wood grain impressions which give an entirely different dimension to the otherwise flat concrete.
If you’re a big lover of natural wood, here’s a modern approach. 2-inch wood paneled boxes can contain your planting beds, add warmth and also have somewhat of a furniture look. The only real drawback is upkeep; you’ll probably have to restain and reseal the wood twice a year.
Next: More photos of retaining walls
Next: More photos of retaining walls
Stone pros will know exactly which options are best for you