If you want to create a garden feature on a slope or reclaim a backyard, retaining walls Lismore can be an excellent solution. They can help stabilise the area and give you a usable space that you can transform into your own personal oasis. However, there are many factors to consider when planning for a retaining wall, including its materials, drainage and foundations. You may also need a licensed builder and engineering plans, depending on local regulations.
There are a number of types of retaining walls, each offering different advantages and benefits for your property. Gravity walls are the simplest type, using their own weight to resist lateral earth pressure and prevent toppling or sliding. They can be built from concrete, masonry, brick or blocks and can be designed for retained heights of up to 3m.
A more permanent option is a segmental retaining wall (SRW). These are modular and interlocking block retaining walls that are easy to stack and can be used to create terraced gardens, solve grading problems, add usable land and address slope issues. They can be customised with a variety of face textures and finishes to suit your home and landscape.
The key to a successful retaining wall is the design. Engineers must analyse the lateral earth pressure and design the structure to resist it. Failure to do so could result in the retaining wall collapsing.
Once the design has been finalised, you can choose the material for your retaining wall. A natural-looking stone wall can be a great choice and provides a more organic look for your landscaping. However, it can be costly and can become home to rodents and weeds, so it is important to plan for regular maintenance and cleaning.
Alternatively, you can use concrete sleepers to build your retaining wall. They are a cost-effective option and provide a durable, long-lasting finish. They are also strong enough to resist the lateral earth pressure and are designed with a 60-year design life, detailed in Australian Standard AS4678 which covers earth-retaining structures.
Another option is a geogrid-reinforced retaining wall. These are designed to support a heavier structure, such as a house or car park, on a steep slope. These are a more cost-effective option than a traditional retaining wall and can be made to look attractive with a range of facing materials.
The best type of retaining wall for your needs depends on a number of factors, including the amount of soil to be retained, whether there will be a building above it and its expected load. We can advise on the most suitable retaining wall to meet your needs, and can recommend different construction options and facing types. These include concrete, masonry, timber or steel sleepers, as well as a number of green-faced solutions that incorporate Tensar geogrids. We offer a full design and construct service to ensure your retaining walls are both safe and functional.