Retaining WallsIs your yard a sprawling, hilly mess? Do you have a lot of dips and swells in your property? You may want to get a retaining wall installed to help manage and maintain your land’s terrain. Retaining walls are used in all areas of construction, from residential to commercial properties, and even in municipal construction like highways.
Retaining walls keep the soil where you want it, rather than allowing it to erode wherever it pleases. Managing the erosion patterns of your land is important for maintaining both the appeal and utility of your property. When built with the right techniques and materials, a retaining wall can bring a yard back to life in no time. Before hiring a contractor, give us a call today for your FREE consultation and estimate on a retaining wall. Olympia has the best in concrete contractors, and we’re at your service. |
At Olympia Concrete, we pride ourselves on our knowledge base and top-notch work and know that you'll be happy with our work. Unlike many other concrete contractors in Olympia, we understand how tough it is to orchestrate a project and make the process as smooth as possible. We at Olympia Concrete Contractor work hard to get you the best job done as is possible, with as few headaches as possible.
While another concrete contractor in Olympia may not do so, Olympia Concrete Contractor takes care of you and your project like it’s our own space, and ensure a positive experience getting a foundation laid, a retaining wall put in, or other concrete work. |
Why Do I Need a Retaining Wall?
There are many reasons to put in a retaining wall on your property. They are great at holding back soils that would otherwise run all over the place when it rains. They also help divert water away from your home or building’s foundation, where it can cause erosion and other foundation problems. We work with the natural terrain of your property to design top-notch retaining walls that channel rainwater away from your home.
Of course, you could DIY your own retaining wall, but the cost of blocks alone will add up fast, since they cost between $1.25 and $4 per block. You’ll want multiple courses of blocks, and gaps called “weeping holes” to allow groundwater to escape without slowly tearing down the retaining wall as it flows downhill.
Of course, you could DIY your own retaining wall, but the cost of blocks alone will add up fast, since they cost between $1.25 and $4 per block. You’ll want multiple courses of blocks, and gaps called “weeping holes” to allow groundwater to escape without slowly tearing down the retaining wall as it flows downhill.
Some great reasons to get a retaining wall installed
StabilityNot only will a retaining wall help ensure even soil for raised beds or deck construction, but it will also make the ground more stable. This one-two punch makes your land more even and safe to building on.
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Prevent ErosionRunning water from even light rain can begin to wear away at your yard’s soil. A sturdily built retaining wall will help slow or stop this process.
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Curb AppealWhile functionality is important, so is visual appeal. A good retaining wall can really enhance your yards curb appeal and increase the value of your property. An expertly designed retaining wall will have both functional benefits and visual appeal. |
Types of Retaining Wall
There are four main types of retaining wall that you’ll encounter. Selecting the right one for your property is important, as each ahs a mix of benefits and drawbacks.
Gravity Retaining WallThese walls rely on their own weight to stand up. By balancing setback, leverage, and total unit mass a skilled contractor can build a strong, stable gravity retaining wall. |
Sheet PilingSheet piling consists of sheets of material with interlocking edges that are driven into the ground and supported periodically. These are most often made of steel, but wood and reinforced concrete are also used. |
Cantilevered Retaining WallThese are made of reinforced concrete, and are built in two parts: the stem and the base slab. The base is also divided into a “heel” and a “toe” that help distribute pressure from the soil it’s holding back. |
Anchored WallAnchored retaining walls use anchors that secure the top and bottom of the walls using cables or other materials, increasing load capacity and uphill stability. |
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