Bay Area Retaining Wall Building Tips
Building a retaining wall isn’t like most backyard projects. A retaining wall is an engineering project that holds back the soil to prevent erosion. Because a retaining wall is always battling gravity, you should always work with retaining wall installers in the Bay Area. Here are some things to keep in mind when using retaining walls in the Bay Area.
Do Check With Local Authorities
In some jurisdictions, you may need permits to build retaining walls. There may be some regulations that you have to follow. Retaining walls can impact how water naturally flows, so if you’re uphill, you may even need to have a survey completed before building.
Don’t Skimp on Materials
Retaining walls in the Bay Area should be built from quality materials that will last a long time and stand up to the pressure. Hire a professional to do the work because you want to make sure that the retaining wall does what it needs to. Spending more initially can save you a lot of maintenance later on.
Do Make Sure You Have a Good Foundation
Unlike decorative walls, a retaining wall needs a solid foundation. You’ll need a deeper trench to support the wall. Your professional installer can help you calculate the depth you need. When you start laying bricks, make sure everything is even and level for the best support. Professional design of your retaining wall will go a long way toward having a wall that will last for years.
Don’t Think You Can’t Be Creative
Retaining walls don’t have to be made of tan bricks just rising out of the ground. You can still get creative with your design to match the style of your home and garden. Choose two tiers if the wall is higher than four feet. Go with different colored bricks to bring more design into your garden. A retaining wall can be aesthetically pleasing as well as functional.
Do Create Drainage Options
As mentioned, a retaining wall can impact water flow. You’ll want to make sure that your wall has options for draining, because the added water pressure can damage the wall and excess water can damage your plants. Drainpipes can easily be hidden using some gravel, so it won’t take away from the design.
Don’t Install a Retaining Walls in the Bay Area on Your Own
Talk to hardscape designers in the Bay Area about your retaining wall. Starting with good design and engineering can prevent a disaster after a harsh downpour. An expert in retaining walls can make your wall stand up to any type of weather. Our team of experts can help you create the hardscaping elements in your yard that fit your long-term goals. We take a holistic approach to landscape design to give you an outdoor space that will fit your family and work with your geography.
