They come in many shapes and sizes and can be constructed from various materials. The color choices are endless, and the patterns they create range from utilitarian to exquisite. The one constant is this, retaining walls play a vital role in maintaining our landscapes here in Northern Virginia. To passersby, this hardscape feature appears to be just another part of the outdoor design, and at Stone Age Masonry, that is one of our goals. However, the true function at play is to hold soil in place on one side while keeping an open space on the other. In Virginia, water can be retained in the soil for up to 2 weeks. Consistent rain can create pooling and cause the soil to erode. They can also be used to turn otherwise unusable sloped land into a flat surface for a patio, deck, or driveway. Creating a proper earth-retaining wall (ERW) may seem a simple task; dig a hole and stack some bricks one on top of the other. It's not that simple, and the Virginia Department of Transportations lists two categories, fill walls, and cut walls, and within each of those, there are a combined 16 different types.
For residences and businesses, there are four common types:
- Sheet Piling - These can be constructed from steel, vinyl, or wood planks. They are used when the soil is soft or needed in a particularly soft spot.
- Anchored -These are used on properties that need a very large area contained. Steel cables are anchored into the ground for the necessary support.
- Cantilever -Also used to hold back large amounts of soil, this type sits on a slab foundation. They work by transferring the horizontal pressure created by the soil into the vertical pressure the wall creates on the ground.
- Gravity-We can use concrete, pavers, bricks, and rocks to create an aesthetically pleasing hardscape feature while retaining the necessary load-bearing qualities. Perhaps one of the most beautiful types of gravity wall, dating back nearly 7000 years, is the Gabion style. The name comes from an old Italian word meaning big cage. Here a mesh cage can be filled to create a beautiful mosaic. They are making a comeback and are a popular "green" choice.
One of the more popular features we create by using a retaining wall is a raised garden. We can design a beautiful, elevated, circular centerpiece full of breathtaking flowers or make the home vegetable garden easier on the knees. In a business setting, the first impression the detailed stonework can make is like an open invitation for new customers and can also serve as additional outdoor seating. On top of the visual appeal, these features can also net a positive return on your investment.
When choosing a company for an important project like this, look no further than Stone Age Masonry. We are the area's #1 rated hardscape service, and for a good reason, we are true stonemasons. Contact us today for an estimate and ask about our 5-year warranty. Our creativity, experience, and dedication separate us from the rest.
