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Hardscapes and Retaining Walls

The High Country is an exceptionally mountainous region. Some mountain peaks are as high as 5,964 (Calloway Peak) tower over valley areas such as Valle Crucis, Willow Valley, and Deep Gap. These peaks and valleys create slopes that are buildable, yet retaining walls are imperative. Some properties have numerous retaining walls. We are a Boone based retaining wall builders with decades of combined experience.

A retaining wall is a rigid, strong wall designed to support soil and hold it back on a slope. Slopes in the High Country can be extremely steep, near vertical, or vertical slopes. Without a retaining wall, soil in these types of slopes will always be moved by erosion down towards the bottom of the slope.

How are retaining walls constructed?

Every retaining wall restrains soil, or water (in the case of retaining walls along the coast and on lakes). The soil that is supported and restrained by a retaining wall is called a wedge. Proper design and expert installation of a retaining wall is of the highest importance. Retaining walls will fail if they are not professionally installed and calculated, or if they do not allow for proper drainage.

The most important calculation when designing a retaining wall is to counteract gravity, and thwart lateral earth pressure that occurs behind the wall. The amount of lateral earth pressure depends on the angle of internal friction (known as phi), and the strength of the material retaining the soil (referred to as c). Pressures of the earth will push the wall forward or overturn if a retaining wall is not constructed appropriately.

As a professional retaining wall builder, we take proper care to note any underground water that will cause hydrostatic pressure to build up and destroy the wall. We professionally install drainage systems.

retaining wall

Where is a retaining wall appropriate?

Retaining walls are appropriate anywhere that there is a steep slope that you wish to hold back soil at. We have constructed a series of terraced, retaining walls on extremely steep slopes, providing the property owner with flat stretches of land that can be used for outdoor entertaining, landscapes and gardens. The primary function of a retaining wall is to battle gravity and hold back the soil. In some cases, homes require a retaining wall prior to building the foundation.

What are the different kinds of retaining walls?

Gravity Walls

Piling Walls

Cantilever Walls

Anchored Walls

What materials are used to construct retaining walls?

The type of material used in the construction of a retaining wall depends on the level of strength that is needed in the wall. Some materials are stronger than others. A variety of materials can be used in the construction of retaining walls. Reinforced concrete, timber, stone, and masonry bricks are all materials that are commonly used.

How much do retaining walls cost?

The cost of a retaining wall depends on the type and amount of materials that are used to construct. On average, they can cost between $4,000 and up to $10,000. Some longer or extremely tall retaining walls may be more than this maximum. The cost per square foot will depend on the material being used. Concrete costs more than wall block. Specific types of masonry stone can be expensive, as well. We can discuss a quote for your wall and advise you on the best materials for the type of retaining wall that you will need.

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