A retaining wall is a structure designed to retain and support soil, rock, and sediment by restraining natural processes that could cause erosion. These structures are most often found along hillsides, as the slope of the terrain prevents the earth from eroding or collapsing onto itself.
Construction of the Retaining Wall Maple Valley WA can be done with a quick DIY guide or a more comprehensive retaining wall construction guide by an experienced retaining wall contractor.
How To Construct A Retaining Wall
To construct a retaining wall successfully, you must know the proper steps.
Step 1: Planning Your Retaining Wall
A retaining wall can be a big project, so planning is essential. You may want to talk to a contractor or engineer before starting construction of the Artificial Grass Maple Valley WA This will help you understand what materials you need, how much space you have available, and how much money it will cost.
Once you have done this, start with a rough sketch of your retaining wall plan. This should include the dimensions of your wall and show where all its components will be placed.
Step 2: Excavating the Area
After you have decided on your wall’s location, it’s time to dig out the area where it will stand. You will want a base of at least 2 feet deep and about 1 foot wide. Make sure to take into account any underground utility lines that may be in the area. A good rule of thumb is to dig out an area at least 3 feet wide, so you have plenty of room for error when laying the foundation.
Step 3: Laying Drainage Piping
Laying drainage piping is a process that requires a lot of care and precision. You can’t just throw it down on the ground and hope it works. The piping needs to be laid out in the right direction, with the correct bends, so that water flows through smoothly and without obstruction.
Step 4: Laying the Gravel
Once your foundation is laid and the soil has settled, you can apply your gravel on top of it. The most important thing to remember here is to ensure that your gravel is level and even. You don’t want any dips or bulges in your retaining wall because they can cause later problems.
Step 5: Setting the Base Block
The height of your retaining wall should be based on how much soil you will be holding back with it and any other environmental factors like wind and water runoff. The easiest way to set the base block is to use a level or plumb line to ensure that it is straight and level with the ground around it.
Step 6: Complete the Construction
Now that you have built your retaining wall, it’s time to complete the construction. This means adding topsoil and a layer of gravel or stone over the entire area. You will also want to add a thin layer of mulch around each plant to help retain moisture and keep weeds at bay.
Conclusion
Whatever type of wall you use, it’s important to remember that a retaining wall is just one part of an overall structural system. To ensure the stability and durability of your retaining walls, integrate them with footings, proper drainage, and support. This can be done by hiring a professional with years of experience designing or building retaining walls or retaining wall systems.