Retaining Walls in Idaho Falls
Retaining walls are the perfect addition to many outdoor spaces as they preserve the natural environment and add extra curb appeal. There are several types of retaining walls and Grover Landscape & Design is happy to help guide you towards the best option. Want to learn more about your new retaining wall?
What Are Retaining Walls For?
A retaining wall is both a design feature and a structural necessity. In some situations, it is truly decorative, but usually, it serves to prevent erosion in a landscape. For example, a home with steep yard might need a wall at the base of the property. This will help keep all the soil in place, which will preserve the home’s landscape. There are several types of walls but all serve the basic purpose of keeping soil where it’s supposed to be regardless of the weather.
Are Concrete Blocks Good for Building Retaining Walls?
Block concrete is an excellent choice for building retaining walls because it’s highly durable and resistant to environmental conditions like water, temperature changes, and pests. It’s also a cost-effective option that’s straightforward to install and enhances your home’s value as soon as our installation work is complete.
Concrete blocks create solid and stable walls that require minimal maintenance. You can customize a garden wall to different heights, lengths, and designs or have us shape it to follow the natural contour of your land.
How Long Do Block Concrete Retaining Walls Last?
Unlike wood and other materials, your block concrete retaining wall isn’t susceptible to rot and can last 50 to 100 years or more. The secret to giving your wall a long life is maintenance and a regular inspection and repair schedule. Be sure to check your wall for cracks and make sure drainage pathways are working to prevent water buildup.
Grover Landscape & Design’s Retaining Wall Services
Whether you want to create a garden wall, an accent that defines certain spots in your yard, or something custom to your space, you can trust that our retaining wall services will bring your goals to life.
Look to us for block paver hardscaping service options, including:
- Project planning and permitting assistance
- Retaining wall design
- Block concrete retaining wall installation
- Block concrete landscape wall repair
- Concrete retaining wall maintenance
- Retaining wall replacement
Bring Your Custom Retaining Wall Design to Life
Our retaining wall designers help you create the perfect addition to your yard. Whether you're looking for a functional solution to prevent erosion or a stunning focal point to enhance your landscape, we work closely with you to bring your vision to life.
From helping you choose the right materials to customize the shape and layout, our team ensures every detail matches your preferences and complements your outdoor space. With expert craftsmanship and a commitment to quality, we listen to your design goals and create durable, attractive retaining walls that meet your needs, comply with building and safety codes, and enhance the beauty and value of your property.
What’s the Right Material for a Retaining Wall in Idaho Falls?
The best material for your wall will depend on your budget and tastes. There are three basic material categories for a retaining wall:
- Mortared Walls: This option can incorporate veneers, bricks, flagstones and similar materials. You have plenty of freedom over the design style and theme. Because pieces are fused together, this is perhaps the sturdiest option, but it’s also the most expensive.
- Segmental Retaining Walls: This process utilizes segmented bricks designed to fit together for an incredibly quick installation process. This method was used to build the Great Pyramids, so the end result is strong enough to stand the tests of time.
- Wood: This is the cheapest option, but it also has the shortest life span. The look and feel of wood can be incredibly attractive and fit well in many garden spaces. However, your wall may require some extra maintenance.
What Types of Retaining Walls Are Available?
You have two basic options for your retaining wall:
- Gravity Wall: This option depends on its own weight as a structural support. These are usually fairly short walls. The Segmental Retaining Wall is perfect for this type of wall because of the interlocking design. The wall supports the soil pressure behind it without any need for external support.
- Reinforced Wall: You probably guessed that this option requires a little help to withstand and support the pressure of the soil behind it. For segmental walls, we use a special product called geogrid to reinforce the bricks.
What Are Some Signs It’s Time To Replace an Old Retaining Wall?
Even the most durable block concrete retaining walls can show signs of wear and tear that indicate it’s time for a replacement. One of the first red flags is leaning or bulging, which happens when your wall can no longer handle the soil pressure building up behind it.
Cracks in the blocks or mortar joints are also signs of structural weakness, especially if they continue to widen over time. When you notice significant erosion at the base of your wall or pooling water behind it, this could signal drainage failure, undermining your wall’s foundation. These are all signs your wall is no longer performing and could become a safety hazard.
Do You Need a Permit for Retaining Wall Construction?
When your plans include retaining wall construction over four feet high, you’ll need to apply for permits before getting your project underway. No permits are required for landscape walls under four feet tall. When you partner with us, we’ll apply for permits on your behalf (when needed). It’s another thing our team does to help keep your build on schedule.
Can You Build a Retaining Wall on a Slope?
Retaining walls are often used to manage sloped landscapes, prevent soil movement and erosion, and create leveled areas for gardening or outdoor living spaces. We consider the slope angle, soil type, and drainage setup to build you a wall that looks good and lasts.
How Much Will the Wall Cost?
The cost of each project varies depending on the demands of the situation. When we consult with you about the project, we will answer the following questions:
- What soil type do you have?
- How tall does the wall need to be?
- Is your yard sloped or no?
- How much pressure will be on the wall?
- How wide and long should the wall be?
Call Us Today to Schedule Your Consultation
Do you have some questions and want to speak to a professional? Give us a quick call or if you’d prefer we contact you with more information, fill out our quick contact form. We’ll be happy to answer your questions and schedule your consultation on a day that works for you.