Retaining walls can be made out of many different materials. The pictures on this page are examples of different types of walls installed by Artistic Landscapes in the Atlanta area.
We recommend using stone or modular block walls for your home to maximize its value. Wood retaining walls are less attractive and last approximately 20 years.
It is very important that the wall be built correctly the first time. Poorly constructed walls are very expensive to fix, or remove and start over. This is very important to consider when accepting the cheapest quote from a contractor. Often, the cheapest quote turns out to be by far the most expensive when the cost of repairs and replacements are added in.
Modular Block
Modular block walls are great for creating level planting areas on a sloped terrain. Modular blocks come in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and textures. Block walls are useful for incorporating curved walls into your landscape.
Properly installed, block walls will last much longer than wood walls and don’t require painting or maintenance.
Block walls higher than 30″ should have a gravel drainage system installed behind them. The blocks should be installed on hardpan clay or concrete footings, if necessary.
Stone Walls
Stone Walls are not only the most elegant, but the longest lasting. While they are more expensive than wood or modular block, the extra cost is justified when the investment is spread over the life of the home. When you consider that a wood wall will need to be torn down, hauled off and replaced in 20 years, a stone wall is actually less expensive over time.
Stone walls can be dry stacked, stacked and mortared, or used to surface a cinder block or concrete wall. The beauty and long life of the stone wall contribute greatly to the value of the home and the owner’s satisfaction. Stone walls should always be installed on concrete footings. Walls in excess of 3′ should have a gravel drainage system installed behind the wall.
Stone Patios
A well built stone patio has a concrete slab underneath. The stones themselves are pieced together like a jigsaw puzzle. Many of the stones are chiseled to achieve a proper fit. When the work is complete, the stonework and mortar are cleaned to deliver a polished appearance.
Paver Patios
Paver patios are built with colored bricks that come in many shapes and colors. The patio is built on a crush and run stone surface which has been compacted. A sand surface is then used for leveling and to also interlock the completed paver patio. The edges of the paver patio must be secured with an immovable edging. Plastic edging anchored into the soil with ten inch metal spikes is the most common method. The brick pavers may be cut to fit attractive curved edges.