Considerations for Retaining Walls in Basking Ridge, NJ

by | Dec 21, 2016 | Construction and Maintenance

There are a variety of different structures that a landscaper may suggest adding in your yard. One of these is a retaining wall. There are a number of things that you should take into account when considering adding Retaining Walls in Basking Ridge NJ.

Purpose

There are various reasons you might need to add a retaining wall. Retaining Walls in Basking Ridge NJ help control downhill erosion and manage water runoff. They also provide usable land through creating terraces. This land can then be used for landscaping. If erosion isn’t contained, it could actually start to threaten the foundation of your home.

Design Considerations

These walls tend to be more stable (and more likely to fit with local regulations) if each section of wall is no more than about four feet tall. This will require multiple walls that are staggered to form terraces in some situations. The wall doesn’t have to be straight; you can add interest by making it follow a wavy line or curve. The exact look of the completed retaining wall will depend in part on the material you choose to make it out of. Natural stone can look very attractive, but it can be easier to plan and install these walls if you use interlocking blocks that are all the same size. Don’t forget that there needs to be a drainage system included in the design to help deal with the water running down the hill. The walls alone aren’t enough.

Cost Considerations

The cost of the wall will depend on the size and the material chosen. The least expensive option is to use timber, which costs about $11 per square foot. However, this type of wall doesn’t tend to last as long as some of the other materials and isn’t a good option for curved walls, steep slopes or walls more than 3 feet tall. Cinder blocks cost about $13 per square foot, but still aren’t good for walls that are curved or for gardening or landscaping purposes. Stackable blocks are among the better options for these walls and only cost about $15 per square foot. Natural stone, bricks, and concrete are all more expensive and each has their own drawbacks.s

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