What’s the Right Height for Your Retaining Wall?
Retaining walls do increase the curb appeal of a property, in addition to being practical for landscapers. To discover how high your walls have to be, you should follow the examples listed below.
Being Clear About the Wall’s Purpose
The first thing you must take under consideration is how you intend on using the area you are creating. Is the wall being installed for aesthetic purposes or to create privacy, garden space, or a play area? Once done, you will be able to determine how tall your retaining wall has to be.
Determining the Height
Take a good look at the grade of the area and what it will end up being once you have finished. If the finished grade is going to be 4 feet lower than the pre-existing grade, your retaining wall must be 4 feet high. If there is a 6-foot difference, then the wall will need to be 6 feet.
Solid Base
It is critical that your retaining wall has a solid base, especially if you are planning on building a stacked-stone one. For example, make the base 12 inches deep and 6 inches wide, and use material such as compacted gravel. This allows for good drainage, which will reduce the pressure on the wall.
The Ideal Height
The ideal height is approximately 5 feet in optimal conditions. The best conditions for building a retaining wall are on sandy soil that drains well. Soil that is high in clay will place more pressure on the wall, and it gets even heavier when wet. Some landscape experts recommend 3 – 4 feet as the best height, as this is not only the safest height, but it also looks good with most landscaping designs.
If you would like to make an appointment to discuss retaining walls on your property, please contact A1 Custom Concrete LLC at (910) 302-7850 now. We’re happy to help if you live in the Fayetteville, NC region.