Landscape Retaining Walls
The purposes of retaining walls are to tame a slope, and address the problems of erosion and collapse but they can also create levels within the landscape to give a decorative look, or help to provide a large level area which can then be used for more practical activities.
Type of construction, drainage, style and material strength and colour, all need to be considered so that the design is in keeping with the house and other elements of the garden.
Retaining or freestanding walls can also be used for beautification, privacy and security purposes, perhaps around one end or side of a pool area or garden.
When it comes to walls there is no room for compromise. Walls that have fallen or are falling down are very difficult to repair, and can pose a danger to you, your property and passers by.
Brisbane Home Landscapes are experienced in the landscaping and construction of retaining walls for all kinds of purposes and for all types of landscapes.
Brickwork
Any movement in the ground can cause more damage in a brick wall than a timber or stone one so good foundations are paramount for the use of bricks in a wall, however a properly founded brick wall is long lasting and aesthetically pleasing to the eye in the right landscape.
Blockwork
Blockwork retaining wall variety is huge due to industry advancement in manufacturing and research of new materials.
Available space, property boundary conditions, wall height, soil parameters, loading conditions, foundation conditions, flood level conditions, ground slope conditions above and below the proposed structure, durability, aesthetics and overall budget constraints will dictate the type of block wall best suited, and Brisbane Home Landscapes can guide you to making the right choices for your landscape and garden.
Stonework
Natural stone can add charm to any landscape and is suitable for decorative or structural walls as well as being very durable, lasting as long as the home itself. There are two different methods of construction in stone, wet and dry:
- Dry stone, stone without the use of mortar, often does not require a foundation at all, but may not be suitable as a retaining wall.
- Wet stone is more stable than dry stone and can be used for walls over a metre that hold back larger volumes of earth. It requires foundations and mortar and for high walls and walls which are required to hold back the earth, a wet stone wall is the only option.
Natural stone retaining walls are very effective for enhancing native trees and shrubs to achieve a style of garden unique to Brisbane and our Queensland climate.
