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Photos: Adoptable Friends from PAWS Atlanta

Benz is a 2.5-year-old, male, Boxer Mix available for adoption at PAWS Atlanta. For more information, please visit http://www.pawsatlanta.org or call 770-593-1155.

http://www.ajc.com/lifestyles/pets/photos-adoptable-friends-from-paws-atlanta/8dy8I7vg0w8Ia7Xxs5nZqJ/

Benz is a 2.5-year-old, male, Boxer Mix available for adoption at PAWS Atlanta. For more information, please visit http://www.pawsatlanta.org or call 770-593-1155.PAWS Atlanta

Photos: Adoptable Friends from PAWS Atlanta

Bagheera is an 8-month-old, female, Chihuahua Mix available for adoption at PAWS Atlanta. For more information, please visit http://www.pawsatlanta.org or call 770-593-1155.

http://www.ajc.com/lifestyles/pets/photos-adoptable-friends-from-paws-atlanta/8dy8I7vg0w8Ia7Xxs5nZqJ/

Bagheera is an 8-month-old, female, Chihuahua Mix available for adoption at PAWS Atlanta. For more information, please visit http://www.pawsatlanta.org or call 770-593-1155.PAWS Atlanta

Photos: Adoptable Friends from PAWS Atlanta

Baxter is a 2-year-old, male, Shih-Tzu Mix available for adoption at PAWS Atlanta. For more information, please visit http://www.pawsatlanta.org or call 770-593-1155.

http://www.ajc.com/lifestyles/pets/photos-adoptable-friends-from-paws-atlanta/8dy8I7vg0w8Ia7Xxs5nZqJ/

Baxter is a 2-year-old, male, Shih-Tzu Mix available for adoption at PAWS Atlanta. For more information, please visit http://www.pawsatlanta.org or call 770-593-1155.PAWS Atlanta

Photos: Adoptable Friends from PAWS Atlanta

Beefcake is a 2-year-old, male, Boxer Mix available for adoption at PAWS Atlanta. For more information, please visit http://www.pawsatlanta.org or call 770-593-1155.

http://www.ajc.com/lifestyles/pets/photos-adoptable-friends-from-paws-atlanta/8dy8I7vg0w8Ia7Xxs5nZqJ/

Beefcake is a 2-year-old, male, Boxer Mix available for adoption at PAWS Atlanta. For more information, please visit http://www.pawsatlanta.org or call 770-593-1155.PAWS Atlanta

Photos: Adoptable Friends from PAWS Atlanta

Berlioz is a 6-month-old, male, Domestic Shorthair Mix available for adoption at PAWS Atlanta. For more information, please visit http://www.pawsatlanta.org or call 770-593-1155.

http://www.ajc.com/lifestyles/pets/photos-adoptable-friends-from-paws-atlanta/8dy8I7vg0w8Ia7Xxs5nZqJ/

Berlioz is a 6-month-old, male, Domestic Shorthair Mix available for adoption at PAWS Atlanta. For more information, please visit http://www.pawsatlanta.org or call 770-593-1155.PAWS Atlanta

Photos: Adoptable Friends from PAWS Atlanta

Benz is a 2.5-year-old, male, Boxer Mix available for adoption at PAWS Atlanta. For more information, please visit http://www.pawsatlanta.org or call 770-593-1155.

http://www.ajc.com/lifestyles/pets/photos-adoptable-friends-from-paws-atlanta/8dy8I7vg0w8Ia7Xxs5nZqJ/

Benz is a 2.5-year-old, male, Boxer Mix available for adoption at PAWS Atlanta. For more information, please visit http://www.pawsatlanta.org or call 770-593-1155.PAWS Atlanta

Photos: Adoptable Friends from PAWS Atlanta

Calvin is a 2-year-old, male, Domestic Shorthair Mix available for adoption at PAWS Atlanta. For more information, please visit http://www.pawsatlanta.org or call 770-593-1155.

http://www.ajc.com/lifestyles/pets/photos-adoptable-friends-from-paws-atlanta/8dy8I7vg0w8Ia7Xxs5nZqJ/

Calvin is a 2-year-old, male, Domestic Shorthair Mix available for adoption at PAWS Atlanta. For more information, please visit http://www.pawsatlanta.org or call 770-593-1155.PAWS Atlanta

Photos: Adoptable Friends from PAWS Atlanta

Dojo is a 2-year-old, male, Pitbull Mix available for adoption at PAWS Atlanta. For more information, please visit http://www.pawsatlanta.org or call 770-593-1155.

http://www.ajc.com/lifestyles/pets/photos-adoptable-friends-from-paws-atlanta/8dy8I7vg0w8Ia7Xxs5nZqJ/

Dojo is a 2-year-old, male, Pitbull Mix available for adoption at PAWS Atlanta. For more information, please visit http://www.pawsatlanta.org or call 770-593-1155.PAWS Atlanta

Photos: Adoptable Friends from PAWS Atlanta

Eggo is a 4-month-old, male, Labrador Retriever Mix available for adoption at PAWS Atlanta. For more information, please visit http://www.pawsatlanta.org or call 770-593-1155.

http://www.ajc.com/lifestyles/pets/photos-adoptable-friends-from-paws-atlanta/8dy8I7vg0w8Ia7Xxs5nZqJ/

Eggo is a 4-month-old, male, Labrador Retriever Mix available for adoption at PAWS Atlanta. For more information, please visit http://www.pawsatlanta.org or call 770-593-1155.PAWS Atlanta

Photos: Adoptable Friends from PAWS Atlanta

El Diablo is a 3-month-old, male, Domestic Shorthair Mix available for adoption at PAWS Atlanta. For more information, please visit http://www.pawsatlanta.org or call 770-593-1155.

http://www.ajc.com/lifestyles/pets/photos-adoptable-friends-from-paws-atlanta/8dy8I7vg0w8Ia7Xxs5nZqJ/

El Diablo is a 3-month-old, male, Domestic Shorthair Mix available for adoption at PAWS Atlanta. For more information, please visit http://www.pawsatlanta.org or call 770-593-1155.PAWS Atlanta

Photos: Adoptable Friends from PAWS Atlanta

Jake from State Farm is a 2-year-old, male, Chihuahua Mix available for adoption at PAWS Atlanta. For more information, please visit http://www.pawsatlanta.org or call 770-593-1155.

http://www.ajc.com/lifestyles/pets/photos-adoptable-friends-from-paws-atlanta/8dy8I7vg0w8Ia7Xxs5nZqJ/

Jake from State Farm is a 2-year-old, male, Chihuahua Mix available for adoption at PAWS Atlanta. For more information, please visit http://www.pawsatlanta.org or call 770-593-1155.PAWS Atlanta

Photos: Adoptable Friends from PAWS Atlanta

Killer Croc is a 3-month-old, male, Domestic Shorthair Mix available for adoption at PAWS Atlanta. For more information, please visit http://www.pawsatlanta.org or call 770-593-1155.

http://www.ajc.com/lifestyles/pets/photos-adoptable-friends-from-paws-atlanta/8dy8I7vg0w8Ia7Xxs5nZqJ/

Killer Croc is a 3-month-old, male, Domestic Shorthair Mix available for adoption at PAWS Atlanta. For more information, please visit http://www.pawsatlanta.org or call 770-593-1155.PAWS Atlanta

Photos: Adoptable Friends from PAWS Atlanta

Jake from State Farm is a 2-year-old, male, Chihuahua Mix available for adoption at PAWS Atlanta. For more information, please visit http://www.pawsatlanta.org or call 770-593-1155.

http://www.ajc.com/lifestyles/pets/photos-adoptable-friends-from-paws-atlanta/8dy8I7vg0w8Ia7Xxs5nZqJ/

Jake from State Farm is a 2-year-old, male, Chihuahua Mix available for adoption at PAWS Atlanta. For more information, please visit http://www.pawsatlanta.org or call 770-593-1155.PAWS Atlanta

Photos: Adoptable Friends from PAWS Atlanta

Louise is a 3-year-old, female, Lab/Hound Mix available for adoption at PAWS Atlanta. For more information, please visit http://www.pawsatlanta.org or call 770-593-1155.

http://www.ajc.com/lifestyles/pets/photos-adoptable-friends-from-paws-atlanta/8dy8I7vg0w8Ia7Xxs5nZqJ/

Louise is a 3-year-old, female, Lab/Hound Mix available for adoption at PAWS Atlanta. For more information, please visit http://www.pawsatlanta.org or call 770-593-1155.PAWS Atlanta

Photos: Adoptable Friends from PAWS Atlanta

Manchester is a 2-year-old, female, Domestic Shorthair Mix available for adoption at PAWS Atlanta. For more information, please visit http://www.pawsatlanta.org or call 770-593-1155.

http://www.ajc.com/lifestyles/pets/photos-adoptable-friends-from-paws-atlanta/8dy8I7vg0w8Ia7Xxs5nZqJ/

Manchester is a 2-year-old, female, Domestic Shorthair Mix available for adoption at PAWS Atlanta. For more information, please visit http://www.pawsatlanta.org or call 770-593-1155.PAWS Atlanta

Photos: Adoptable Friends from PAWS Atlanta

Mowgli is a 4-month-old, male, Labrador Retriever Mix available for adoption at PAWS Atlanta. For more information, please visit http://www.pawsatlanta.org or call 770-593-1155.

http://www.ajc.com/lifestyles/pets/photos-adoptable-friends-from-paws-atlanta/8dy8I7vg0w8Ia7Xxs5nZqJ/

Mowgli is a 4-month-old, male, Labrador Retriever Mix available for adoption at PAWS Atlanta. For more information, please visit http://www.pawsatlanta.org or call 770-593-1155.PAWS Atlanta

Photos: Adoptable Friends from PAWS Atlanta

Piper is a 9-month-old, female, Border Collie Mix available for adoption at PAWS Atlanta. For more information, please visit http://www.pawsatlanta.org or call 770-593-1155.

http://www.ajc.com/lifestyles/pets/photos-adoptable-friends-from-paws-atlanta/8dy8I7vg0w8Ia7Xxs5nZqJ/

Piper is a 9-month-old, female, Border Collie Mix available for adoption at PAWS Atlanta. For more information, please visit http://www.pawsatlanta.org or call 770-593-1155.PAWS Atlanta

Photos: Adoptable Friends from PAWS Atlanta

Prince Roger is a 9-month-old, male, Domestic Shorthair Mix available for adoption at PAWS Atlanta. For more information, please visit http://www.pawsatlanta.org or call 770-593-1155.

http://www.ajc.com/lifestyles/pets/photos-adoptable-friends-from-paws-atlanta/8dy8I7vg0w8Ia7Xxs5nZqJ/

Prince Roger is a 9-month-old, male, Domestic Shorthair Mix available for adoption at PAWS Atlanta. For more information, please visit http://www.pawsatlanta.org or call 770-593-1155.PAWS Atlanta

Photos: Adoptable Friends from PAWS Atlanta

Rhubarb Pie is a 5-month-old, female, Hound Mix available for adoption at PAWS Atlanta. For more information, please visit http://www.pawsatlanta.org or call 770-593-1155.

http://www.ajc.com/lifestyles/pets/photos-adoptable-friends-from-paws-atlanta/8dy8I7vg0w8Ia7Xxs5nZqJ/

Rhubarb Pie is a 5-month-old, female, Hound Mix available for adoption at PAWS Atlanta. For more information, please visit http://www.pawsatlanta.org or call 770-593-1155.PAWS Atlanta

Photos: Adoptable Friends from PAWS Atlanta

Rickey is a 2-year-old, male, Domestic Shorthair Mix available for adoption at PAWS Atlanta. For more information, please visit http://www.pawsatlanta.org or call 770-593-1155.

http://www.ajc.com/lifestyles/pets/photos-adoptable-friends-from-paws-atlanta/8dy8I7vg0w8Ia7Xxs5nZqJ/

Rickey is a 2-year-old, male, Domestic Shorthair Mix available for adoption at PAWS Atlanta. For more information, please visit http://www.pawsatlanta.org or call 770-593-1155.PAWS Atlanta

Photos: Adoptable Friends from PAWS Atlanta

Rudolph is a 2-year-old, male, Whippet Mix available for adoption at PAWS Atlanta. For more information, please visit http://www.pawsatlanta.org or call 770-593-1155.

http://www.ajc.com/lifestyles/pets/photos-adoptable-friends-from-paws-atlanta/8dy8I7vg0w8Ia7Xxs5nZqJ/

Rudolph is a 2-year-old, male, Whippet Mix available for adoption at PAWS Atlanta. For more information, please visit http://www.pawsatlanta.org or call 770-593-1155.PAWS Atlanta

Photos: Adoptable Friends from PAWS Atlanta

Saul is a 4-year-old, male, Coonhound Mix available for adoption at PAWS Atlanta. For more information, please visit http://www.pawsatlanta.org or call 770-593-1155.

http://www.ajc.com/lifestyles/pets/photos-adoptable-friends-from-paws-atlanta/8dy8I7vg0w8Ia7Xxs5nZqJ/

Saul is a 4-year-old, male, Coonhound Mix available for adoption at PAWS Atlanta. For more information, please visit http://www.pawsatlanta.org or call 770-593-1155.PAWS Atlanta

Photos: Adoptable Friends from PAWS Atlanta

Spain is a 1-year-old, female, Yorkie Mix available for adoption at PAWS Atlanta. For more information, please visit http://www.pawsatlanta.org or call 770-593-1155.

http://www.ajc.com/lifestyles/pets/photos-adoptable-friends-from-paws-atlanta/8dy8I7vg0w8Ia7Xxs5nZqJ/

Spain is a 1-year-old, female, Yorkie Mix available for adoption at PAWS Atlanta. For more information, please visit http://www.pawsatlanta.org or call 770-593-1155.PAWS Atlanta

Photos: Adoptable Friends from PAWS Atlanta

Suzy is a 4-month-old, female, Labrador Retriever Mix available for adoption at PAWS Atlanta. For more information, please visit http://www.pawsatlanta.org or call 770-593-1155

http://www.ajc.com/lifestyles/pets/photos-adoptable-friends-from-paws-atlanta/8dy8I7vg0w8Ia7Xxs5nZqJ/

Suzy is a 4-month-old, female, Labrador Retriever Mix available for adoption at PAWS Atlanta. For more information, please visit http://www.pawsatlanta.org or call 770-593-1155PAWS Atlanta

Photos: Adoptable Friends from PAWS Atlanta

Tara is a 1.5 year-old, female, Labrador Retriever Mix available for adoption at PAWS Atlanta. For more information, please visit http://www.pawsatlanta.org or call 770-593-1155.

http://www.ajc.com/lifestyles/pets/photos-adoptable-friends-from-paws-atlanta/8dy8I7vg0w8Ia7Xxs5nZqJ/

Tara is a 1.5 year-old, female, Labrador Retriever Mix available for adoption at PAWS Atlanta. For more information, please visit http://www.pawsatlanta.org or call 770-593-1155.PAWS Atlanta

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DeKalb County GA neighborhood page | AJC

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This drawing shows a cross-section of a 4' retaining wall.

A retaining wall is a specially designed structure that holds soil on one side and is free standing on the other. They help to accommodate changes in grade in a landscape with uneven topography. These walls often allow steeper cuts to a slope to yield more usable space on a cut-and-fill hillside lot. Hard working retaining walls can be key to creating a level sports lawn or driveway too.

Retaining walls are also used on level ground to raise living spaces above the surrounding ground plain. A well designed retaining wall can elevate planting areas for improved drainage while at the same time creating a seatwall. There is no end to the benefits of these heavy barriers, but they can be costly and must be strictly constructed to prevent failure.

What makes retaining walls so challenging is their strength, which is best illustrated by the incredible loads they carry, known as lateral earth pressure. This is created by more than just the weight of soil. Water behind the wall causes buildup of hydrostatic pressure which is the reason for most wall failures. Only through adequately designed drainage structures and waterproofing can the best designed wall survive over time.

Retaining walls are divided into two types divided by their height. Walls under four feet are designed and built by your contractor or per a landscape architect's drawing. Retaining walls over four feet require much larger footings due to the increased lateral earth pressure. It must be designed by an engineer who will specify the size and extent of footings and the amount of steel reinforcement required according to strict loading calculations.

Building permits often require these structural calculations due to the damage caused by retaining wall failures. This not only destroys your investment, it can cause significant damage to people and property, which puts the homeowner at serious liability. This is particularly important where slopes are unstable and the climate suffers periods of heavy rains that can lead to super saturated soils and catastrophic mudslides. California communities may require additional earthquake related design criteria.

Retaining walls can be a do-it-yourself project when constructed of wood. These short timber walls are an affordable solution to erosion and runoff control. Concrete block retaining wall systems are growing in popularity due to their improved aesthetics and single wall construction that requires less surface area to achieve optimum strength. Dry stone walls are a regional art form and those from colonial times can still be functional today.

The time tested veneer wall is the landscape architect's choice for high end landscaping. With its functional concrete masonry unit (CMU) core, there is no end to the options for swanky stone or brick veneer. This choice offers the designer unlimited options for making each retaining wall unique to a homesite and allowing it to lend style to outdoor living spaces.

Always remember that however beautiful these walls may ultimately be, they are a powerful structure that must function as designed. This can only happen when they are composed of the proper materials and constructed by quality contractors. Get these things right and youll be able to count on your financial investment maintaining both beauty and integrity for many decades to come.

Read this article:
Retaining Wall Design - Landscaping Network

Photo: shutterstock.com

Retaining walls offer aesthetic as well as practical benefits: In addition to beautifying the home, they inhibit soil erosion and provide privacy to outdoor living areas. Retaining wallseven boosthome value, rewarding homeowners with a favorable return on investment more often than not.

MATERIALS If you are planning to build a retaining wall, you may choose from a wide range of materials. Which material is best for your wall depends on a few variables: your personal style sense, the project budget, and the nuances of the site in question. Homeowners who are building a retaining wall often use one of the following materials.

Interlocking concrete blocks. Available in many shapes, textures, and colors, interlocking concrete blocks are mortar-free, cost-efficient, and highly durable, offering both fire and water resistance.

Railroad ties. An inexpensive option, railroad ties have a significant downside: they are clunky to work with, requiring a labor-intensive degree of sawing and drilling.

Natural stone. This is the most expensive of allat least initially. Over its very long life span, however, a natural stone retaining wall needs little maintenance.

Brick.Very durable, brick delivers a refined look, but at a pricethe cost of materials is higher than for most other options, and for best results, its recommended to hire a professional.

Cinder block. The primary selling point of cinder block is its low price. Although its not very attractive on its own, cinder block can be painted or surfaced in stucco.

Concrete. Unadorned concrete can look pretty utilitarian, but it can be beautified with paint or even stone veneer. While retaining walls of this type are relatively inexpensive, they can be difficult to repair or remove.

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INSTALLATION For the average do-it-yourselfer, building a retaining wall is easiest when using masonry blocks that will be stacked no taller than three feet, with no mortar binding the stones or concrete members. Certainly, experienced amateurs are capable of completing more complex masonry installations or of building retaining walls using other materials, but novices with such ambitious goals are encouraged to work with an experienced landscape design contractor.

Start by marking out the site where you intend to build the retaining wall. For this task, use wood stakes and a masons line. (For a curved wall, mark instead with a garden hose or spray paint.) Remove all loose debris and plant material, including grass, from the designated area.

Photo: shutterstock.com

With a shovel, dig a trench to accommodate the bottom of your first masonry row. The trench must go down one inch for every eight inches of planned wall height. So if you are building a retaining wall that is three feet tall, then four and a half inches of the initial masonry course should sit below grade.

Line the back and bottom of the trench with landscape fabric, then set a perforated drain pipe along its length. Add four inches of gravel, leveled and tamped down, followed by one inch of bedding sand.

Up to this point, youve been making the base upon which the retaining wall is going to stand. Now its time to build the actual wall, one tier a time. Fit the stones or concrete members together as closely as possible. As you finish each row, shovel in gravel as backfill; doing so not only strengthens the wall but also promotes drainage. (Another way to prevent moisture buildup is to add weep holes at the foot of the wall.)

Stagger succeeding courses of masonry so that the wall leans slightly toward the hill against which you are installing the wall. By building the wall on a backwards slant, you counteract the effect of gravity.

Further stabilize the wall by planting flowers and small plants along its top. The roots help hold the soil together, and the vegetation offers the peripheral benefit of blending the retaining wall with its surroundings. Avoid planting trees and bushesclose to the masonry, as their migrating roots can easily weaken the wall you worked so hard to erect.

Read the original post:
Building a Retaining Wall - Bob Vila

Retaining Walls Are Great For Yard Protection and Outdoor Style/

While a retaining wall works great to protect your yard and home from soil erosion and other elemental damage, retaining walls can add style to your exterior living space, and complement your outdoor dcor in a functional and aesthetic way.

Retaining Wall Ideas: How To Select the Best Wall For Your Home

When selecting a retaining wall for functional purposes, you'll need a wall that has reinforcement components that are durable, and can withstand weather conditions such as heavy wind, rain, and snow.

If you live in an area that's subject to extreme weather conditions such as flooding as a result of heavy snow and rain, you'll need to make sure that your retaining wall(s) can handle these occurrences, and will protect your landscape, as well as your home, from foundational damage.

If you live in an area that doesn't experience harsh weather but rather a calm climate, building a retaining wall is still important for structural reasons, as well as decorative ones. Retaining walls are not the concrete slabs of yesteryear; existing just to keep soil, rocks, and water in place. Retaining walls today are decorative landscaping additions that can add value to your home.

Building a Retaining Wall: The Best Areas For Outdoor Living Spaces

A retaining wall is ideal to highlight and elevate a garden, while it can also function as a terrace wall to create living space for patios, courtyards, and BBQ areas. If you have a sloping landscape, a retaining wall is great to line flights of stairs, and keep plants and other flora from dominating walking areas.

Retaining walls are also great for outdoor water features, as they allow fountains or waterfalls to be raised above the ground with protection. Man-made ponds can also benefit from retaining walls for structural protection, as well as decoration.

Our Retaining Walls Are Engineered For Strength and Durability

At Rick's Fencing, our high-quality retaining walls offer the following:

For more information on our retaining walls, and building a retaining wall yourself, call us or come in and visit one of our 5 store locations in Hillsboro Oregon, Gresham Oregon, Vancouver Washington, Salem Oregon, and The Tri-Cities in Kennewick, Washington. And, be sure to ask aboutour convenient financing options!

Request a Quote for our Retaining Wall

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Retaining Walls | Rick's Custom Fencing & Decking

Creating a retaining wall is not only aesthetically pleasing and can add great curb appeal to your home, but it also helps keep your landscape orderly and preserved. The retaining wall allows roots and soil to stay in place, even during harsh rains or extreme exposure to moisture.

Retaining walls can come in various designs, using different materials. Moneypit.com has 5 important tips you should keep in mind when building your retaining wall.

A well-built retaining wall has many benefits: structures are protected from soil eroding either away from or toward their foundations, the integrity and features of the landscape are preserved, and new outdoor rooms for leisure and recreation are created.

The style, materials and construction you choose for building aretaining wallwill depend on the terrain youre dealing with, but the basic ingredients and considerations stand solid across most types of retaining walls.

Heres where to begin:

Scale.The higher and broader theretaining wall, the more complex the construction and planning of the retaining wall will be, so consider hiring a pro to help with anything over three feet set in a complicated soil situation. The retaining walls cap-to-foundation dimensions will also depend on the climate you live in. Frost is one element that has a real knack for making retaining walls buckle and pop, so if your retaining wall will experience harsh winters, youll need to excavate and anchor the retaining wall well past the typical point of underground freezing.

Codes.If youre building a retaining wall project on your own, do some research before you start digging. Local building codes may require permits and other documentation for any structure over a yard tall, and some pretty important utility lines could be running right through your retaining wall project area. So be sure to get your retaining wall plans approved and the utilities literally staked out.

Materials.Several retaining wall material options are available to you and your property, depending on the considerations above.

Reinforcement.Any retaining wall you build should lean into the earth its retaining at the rate of one inch for every foot of height. The retaining wall should be further reinforced and stabilized by ties and anchors that reach deep into the earth behind the wall, the style and size of which will vary according to wall materials used. A timber retaining wall over four feet high, for example, calls for 6-foot-long, T-shaped anchors for excellent reinforcement; other systems have anchors integrated into their construction.

Draininage.When building a retaining wall, proper drainage around the retaining wall keeps soil and sediment from clogging up the works and allows water to escape in such a way that the retaining walls integrity remains intact. Start by lining the cavity behind the wall with landscape fabric, and replace part of the native soil youve removed with gravel. Then lay in a system of perforated PVC pipe, and cover with well-tamped gravel and topsoil. This method will keep your retaining wall properly drained.

While a DIY project might save you some labor costs, it is important to seek professional help. If not done properly, a retaining wall can fail during harsh rains and cause damage to your landscape.Hiring professional masonry services will help to ensure that your retaining wall is installed successfully.

Read the original here:
5 Tips to Build a Strong Retaining Wall - Camosse Masonry Supply

A retaining wall holds back earth. While this goal is significant, it should not be the only design consideration. More important, a retaining wall must be designed to allow a passage for water to drain away from the wall. We strongly suggest you hire a professional engineer or landscape contractor specializing in retaining walls to design and build a reliable wall more than 3 feet high.

Any number of retaining wall design options may be just what your landscape needs. For instance, a stone retaining wall that cuts into a slope frees space unsuitable for a patio or walkway. A wall that cuts into a level lawn and forms a sunken garden room creates a microclimate that extends the growing season. Or a series of low terraces can be used to create level playing fields in a once-sloped backyard.

As a major focal point in the landscape, a retaining wall should be attractive and suit the setting. Keep in mind that the overall size of the completed wall will affect the impact of its presence. A series of low terraces will work in much the same way as one massive retaining wall to tame a slope but will look completely different.

A wide range of stone works well for retaining walls, from hefty boulders holding back a hillside to distinctive stone veneer mortared to reliable concrete block. If you're interested in the look of stone but not its price, consider the options available with stone-look interlocking concrete blocks. Learn more about shopping for landscape stone here.

Retaining walls also can be constructed out of wood. Wood does not offer the longevity that stone does, but its unique texture is appealing to some homeowners. Learn more about building a wood retaining wall here.

Never underestimate the engineering required to build a retaining wall. The lay of the lands and soil type have heavy bearing on a wall and must be considered. Building a low retaining wall to form a raised planting bed at the foot of a gentle slope is much different than building a 4-foot-wall to hold back the cut left after excavating a driveway through a steep hill. You'll need professional advice and assistance, as well as a building permit, to build a retaining wall higher than 3 feet. A low wall can be accomplished by most do-it-yourselfers.

Any retaining wall includes a varied selection of stone sizes, with the most substantial ones at the base and smaller stones filling in behind the wall's face. A dry-stacked retaining wall must be built so each course, or horizontal layer of stone, staggers backward into the slope. Staggering adds strength and will keep the wall from bowing or collapsing. The bank behind the wall should be cut away to angle backbottom to topminimizing any pressure it might place on the wall. Perforated drainpipe, laid in gravel behind the wall's base, will help carry water away. For stability, each course of the wall will be set back slightly so the wall angles back at least 6 inches for a 3-foot-high wall.

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All About Retaining Walls - Better Homes & Gardens

Retaining walls are usually used for sloping backyards. Sometimes a retaining wall is used to add more room for the pool by cutting into a small hillside, or to allow for perimeter space all the way around the pool. Some home owners incorporate a retaining wall into a water feature, such as wall spouts or rock waterfalls - but that's a topic for another day.

Perhaps your property is level, but you want to add a dramatic backdrop to your pool with a raised wall on the far side. On top of the wall, you can add water features, a raised spa or additional pool deck spaces. Retaining walls can be topped with small bushes to add greenery and act as a barrier to blowing leaves. They can also serve a safety function by restricting access on one side of the pool.

It depends on the slope of your backyard. Remember, you always want water to flow away from the pool, not towards it. If your yard is steep, or there is a hill or drop-off in close proximity to the pool, it will be necessary to build a retaining wall to keep water (and dirt) away from your pool.

This is determined in the planning stage and placement of the pool. With a plat of your property showing elevations, proper placement of the pool and the appropriate landscaping can be determined. We can help with that. If your backyard has hills, slopes and valleys, a retaining wall will most likely be needed.

SLAB: The most durable material would be a concrete slab or poured concrete for a retaining wall. This is not normally used for small backyard retaining walls however. More commonly used is a type of retaining wall known as a "Gravity Wall".

TIMBERS: Many retaining walls are made of timber, usually pressure treated 6x6. Depending on the weight and slope pushing on the timber, this may not be suitable. Timber often doesnt hold up as long as concrete, boulder or slab retaining walls. Wood retaining walls can be made stronger with the use of perpendicular supports, what's called a "dead-man". These are equally spaced behind a wall, every third course to keep the wall from being pushed too easily in the wrong direction.

BLOCKS: A popular option are interlocking concrete blocks, commonly known as a segmented retaining wall. These walls can be easily built, and are engineered to create an extremely strong wall, when properly installed.

STONES: A concrete block wall, mortared in place and strengthened by steel and concrete is finished with a facing of flagstone, or field stone, with cap stones on top. Certainly one of your most expensive options, but also one of the sturdiest retaining walls. Various stone types (and bricks) and several methods of stacking would be available.

BOULDERS: Natural boulders, which allow drainage, can make a quickly constructed retaining wall. The common size boulder recommended is 18 to 24 and they are stacked against the slope to keep them from rolling into the pool ~ Try getting that out with your skimmer net! Boulders and large flat rocks can also be worked into a natural landscape with big foliage and maybe a water feature.

If you can imagine it, you can build it! Wall When you have different elevations, one could plumb their retaining wall for a sheer decent water feature or a natural stream bed, deck jets, water spouts or tall overflowing planters. Anything is possible. Very small fountains can be run off of your filter pump, but if you are planning a large volume water feature, you typically will install an additional pump, which draws water out of a wall intake, and pumps it to your waterfall, cascade or jets.

PLAN: First, plan out what type of material you will use and how long and high the retaining wall will be. With a survey plat of your property, showing elevation, mark the location of your retaining wall.

PERMITS: This will be rolled into your overall construction permit in most cases. For small retaining walls, under 24 inches tall, you may not need a permit in many areas. it is important to try to keep your walls 5 high or less. Over than 5 will require an Engineer's stamped plan which must be submitted with the pool construction application. If you have room, having two smaller retaining walls, terrace style, is usually a better result than one taller wall.

EXCAVATE: The footing or foundation for your retaining wall should be deep and wide. Dig out at least 24 wide and 18" deep. Measure to be sure you have dug or excavated a consistent depth. In many cases, your pool excavator or grader can dig this while the pool is being dug, and can work from the plans and markings made ready for his arrival.

GRAVEL: Make sure that you compact the soil in the bottom of the trench and lay 6 gravel. Begin to lay your first course, directly on top of the gravel. Filter fabric should be used behind the wall extending from the bottom of the base of the wall to the top of the wall. This will prevent soil from seeping through the wall.

BUILD: The first course, or bottom row should be placed at least 6 below the ground level, or about 1/10th of the wall height. Use long rebar pieces, driven through your block or timber with a sledge hammer, to help hold the first course in place. Continue to build the blocks or timbers vertically, leaning towards the slope until you have reached the desired height. As mentioned previously, certain materials are limited as to how high they can be built. Check your local building and zoning website for retaining wall height restrictions.

DRAINAGE: Place drainage tile (perforated black pipe) behind the wall as necessary, depending on the type of soil and height of the wall. Cover the pipe in 6-12" of gravel. The drainage tile should be come through the wall at every low point, or at the end of the wall, or every 10-20 feet.

BACKFILL: Make sure you use free draining material as back fill, behind the wall. Sandy soil or gravel can be used, over top of the landscape fabric.Finally, fill in all areas behind the wall with soil, and compact every 12.

SPP sells DIY Inground Pool Kits. This article, and many others like it under the heading of "How to Build a Pool", are part of our commitment to helping you build your own inground swimming pool. If you have other questions on swimming pool retaining walls, or any part of DIY pool construction - give us a call at 800-893-7665. We can help you plan accordingly.

Bob Arnold SPP Pool Expert

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How to Build a Pool: Retaining Walls - poolproducts.com

This backyard features a series of 2-3 foot tall terraced retaining walls that create a unique look and provide usable outdoor space. Romani Landscape Architecture in Glencoe, IL.

A retaining wall is intended to hold back soil when there is a drastic change in elevation. Often retaining walls are used to terrace yards that originally had a steep slope. Additionally, retaining walls can help create usable outdoor space as well as control erosion, (see Landscaping a Split-Level Home.) Low retaining walls are frequently used as planting beds and can add interest to an otherwise flat yard.

If you are considering hiring someone to build a landscape retaining wall on your property you'll want to have a basic understanding of what goes into proper retaining wall design. This way you'll be sure to get a quality wall that will last for years without problems. An improperly built retaining wall may bulge, crack or lean, creating an unsightly eyesore and a headache for you.

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See how retaining walls made of cinderblock topped with travertine can be used to add structure and beauty to a sloped landscape.

This drawing shows a cross-section of a 4' retaining wall.

Moisture can remain behind a retaining wall long after the runoff is gone. It seeps into the masonry traveling straight through. On the dry side it will evaporate leaving behind mineral efflorescence or discoloring mildew. Moisture is the enemy of decorative veneer such as stucco, stone and tile. This is why it's essential to use a substantial waterproof membrane on the back of every retaining wall just as it is applied to the back of basement walls where the same conditions occur. There are various types of membranes, and your contractor will know the most effective one for your local climate and soil type. Any time you put soil behind a wall, be sure to use membranes to protect the beauty of its face.

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Retaining Wall Basics - Landscaping Network

What is a Retaining Wall?

Retaining Wall Planter

A retaining wall is a structure that holds or retains soil behind it. There are many types of materials that can be used to create retaining walls like concrete blocks, poured concrete, treated timbers, rocks or boulders. Some are easy to use, others have a shorter life span, but all can retain soil.

Several questions must be considered in order to build the proper type of retaining wall. For example, is the soil sand, clay, or something in between? What is above the wall: a driveway or something heavier like a pool? Will the ground above or below the wall be level or sloped? What is the height of the wall? All of these factors will determine whether you will need a Gravity Retaining Wall or a Geogrid Reinforced Retaining Wall.

Gravity retaining walls are walls that depend on their own weight and setback to retain the soil and are typically shorter in height. Allan Block retaining walls are ideal for this type of wall, because as they are stacked together they lock into place to form a setback. This setback helps the wall support the pressure from the soils behind it.

Reinforced retaining walls are walls that use some type of reinforcement to give more strength to the retaining wall structure, thus improving its ability to retain the soils behind it. For SRWs (Segmental Retaining Walls), we refer to this reinforcement as geogrid or grid. Geogrid is placed between courses of blocks in the wall and rolled back into the slope or hillside during installation to create a stronger and more stable soil mass. In laymans terms, the blocks, the geogrid and the reinforced soil mass work together to make one large, heavy retaining wall structure. Sometimes grid is not a usable solution on a project due to space or other site conditions, so alternative reinforcement materials need to be used such as no-fines concrete, soil nails or earth anchors. These types of reinforcement typically require a local engineer for the design and a certified contractor for the installation

Retaining Wall

Over the years many different retaining wall materials have helped to alter the landscape in which we live. Common retaining wall products include railroad ties or treated timbers as well as wall stones, natural stones, bricks and concrete block.

While wood is often an inexpensive and simple choice for a retaining wall, its short lifespan makes it a relatively poor choice. As the wood decomposes, so does your retaining wall and the integrity of your usable space. Stones, rocks or boulders can create beautiful retaining walls, but the installation of these materials can be expensive and labor intensive. Furthermore, maintenance of stone walls can be difficult, because over time or they may erode or become home to rodents and weeds.

Cast-in place or mortared retaining walls are another option. These walls can be installed with a variety of veneers, bricks, flagstones, etc. which add texture and style. However, these structures are rigid and do not move and flex with climate changes, earthquakes and other natural forces, and can be very expensive to build.

SRWs (Segmental Retaining Walls) like the Allan Block products, offer concrete masonry blocks that are modular and interlocking for ease of use. Simply stack the mortarless blocks together using our installation information, and create a maintenance-free retaining wall that will add usable land, fix a grading or slope issue, and solve many other site problems. These SRWs use similar construction techniques as found in the mortarless construction of the Great Wall of China and the Pyramids of Egypt and will stand the test of time. SRWs come in a variety of sizes, shapes and colors as well as different facing textures. Some of the more common textures offer a hard-split or soft-split look, a tumbled look, or more recently a stamped face. Concrete blocks made out of recycled materials are also available. Once you build a wall with an SRW you can be sure it is built to last.

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What is a Retaining Wall - Allan Block