Retaining walls are generally practical concerns. When you have an area on your property where stark differences in elevation create a danger of soil erosion and collapse, a retaining wall is a necessity. But this doesn’t mean that retaining walls must be purely utilitarian in design.
A well-designed and installed retaining wall has the potential to do so much more than just hold back dirt. It can add a touch of beauty to an otherwise unremarkable area of your property. If you’re searching for ideas for a retaining wall, look no further.
Here are our top five most beautiful ideas for a retaining wall…
1. A Brick Retaining Wall
There’s a reason that brick is so popular for retaining walls. And it’s not because it’s the most affordable option. It’s because brick is a versatile medium that gives you lots of options – different colors, sizes, textures, and more. It’s tried and true. And it’s a reminder that sometimes the simplest option is the best option. If you want to make your brick retaining wall a little more interesting, you can always entwine different colors of brick and seal it to create a design that stands out.
2. A Terraced Retaining Wall
If the difference in elevation isn’t too sheer, a set of stacked retaining walls can add a great deal of beauty to your yard while giving you additional space for greenery. Instead of creating one tall retaining wall, consider breaking it up into three, four, or more terraced ‘steps.’ Each of these steps can then offer a foot or more of space for grass, flowers, or even mini-gardens. And you can choose from a wide variety of materials to build your walls. So, you’ll be able to achieve the feel you want, no matter what environment you’re trying to create.
3. A Wooden Retaining Wall
Though you might naturally think of sealed brick pavers or stone when it comes to building an effective retaining wall, wooden retaining walls can add a touch of rustic beauty. And since wood is so versatile – with an infinite number of paints or finishes to apply – a wooden retaining wall can be tailored to fit any location.
4. A Natural Rock Retaining Wall
If you’re looking for a simpler, more natural look, you may want to consider a natural stone wall. These are especially effective if the slope is less severe. Though it can even work with more stark elevations. By stacking large rocks along the area and then filling them in with ever smaller rocks, you can create a retaining wall that looks naturally beautiful.
5. A Colorful, Cut Stone Retaining Wall
Especially beautiful for retaining walls that are shorter, a colorful, cut stone wall can add some variety to an otherwise bland yard. Thinly cut stone, stacked up to form your wall will create a textured look that includes lots of shadows and highlights – making the wall much more interesting to look at than one that’s built with nothing more than bricks stacked on top of one another. This kind of wall can also beautifully complement a flowerbed or garden that’s situated in the area at the top of the wall.
Would you like to learn more about our paver sealer products? Click here for more information!