Tips For Installing Retaining Walls

If you have a sloped backyard, you can maximize the use of space by cutting into the slopes with small retaining walls. Learn more in this LandscapingNetwork.com video:

It’s important to waterproof the backside of the retaining walls in order to stop water from migrating through the walls. If you don’t relieve the hydrostatic pressure that builds up behind the wall, water will weep through the wall, causing delamination of stucco and stone finishes on the face, and you will get an unsightly white mineral buildup called efflorescence.

To waterproof the back of the retaining walls, use an emulsion coating and MiraDrain fabric. This will allow water to get against the wall, go down through the holes and drop down to a French drainage system at the bottom of the wall. This carries the water off of the property and keeps hydrostatic pressure from building up behind the walls.

Coordinating wall materials with other hardscaping in your yard and adding accents that reflect the style of your home will provide a decorative touch. The retaining walls featured in this video were capped with bullnose travertine coping – the same material used on the steps, bands and swimming pool – and decorative curves were cut into the walls to match the hacienda style of the home.