Building a retaining wall can be a complex and time-consuming project. Here’s how to know when to reach out to a professional...
So you’ve decided to build a retaining wall as a part of your backyard landscaping or home renovation project and you’re thinking of potentially doing it yourself. It may sound fairly easy at first, but sometimes a fun hobby or project like this can easily turn into a bit of a nightmare if you don’t know what you’re up against.
Building a DIY retaining wall appeals to people for a few reasons, those being that sometimes the cost can be lower, there is an ability to completely control the design process (although many professionals do provide this freedom), as well as having a gratifying project to complete. Although, this process may not be as simple as it seems, it can actually be quite complex. Ensuring you choose the right materials, correct placement, and type of drainage can be difficult if you are a novice builder, as well as discovering the disadvantages of using certain materials that may require more expertise to work with, including timber and poured concrete.
The first recommended step would be to do your research, look at other examples and determine the purpose and process of installing the retaining wall. Once you have gathered this knowledge, it will be easier to decide whether you think you’re capable of completing the project or if you need to call in a professional for help. It’s a good idea to have an attempt at drawing up a preliminary plan that should include these basic features to identify if you have made any errors before beginning the building process:
- The wall should lean or stair-step inward
- Account for and create proper drainage
- Take compaction of the soil into account
- The bottom of the wall should be buried to a depth of one-tenth of the total height of the wall.
If you choose to seek out assistance when building your retaining wall there are some definite advantages, including that the speed of installation will usually be a lot faster than if you were to do it yourself. Professionals also have access to high-quality materials, as well as knowledge of soil mechanics and relevant building codes. The only main disadvantage to hiring an expert is cost. Although, many would argue that if you want something done properly, you should hire a professional to do it.
Wonder Walls is the oldest established manufacturer and installer of precast reinforced concrete panel and post retaining walls in Western Australia, with 30 years of experience under our belt. We provide the lightest, thinnest and strongest panel and post retaining walls throughout the state and also have a 5 year guarantee. If you have any further queries about retaining walls and when to call in a professional to help, please don’t hesitate to give us a call at (08) 9472 1148, or head to our website for more information.
