Borders and retaining walls help frame your garden plots neatly and prevent soil erosion for slopes. It can also raise your garden plots above level ground for better emphasis. In this blog, we list down 4 materials you can consider when building your borders and retaining walls.
Concrete
You can either have a concrete block or poured concrete for your border or retaining wall. Concrete blocks may be cheaper and faster to assemble than a poured concrete, however it can only be used for walls under 4 feet. The end result can fit a house with Spanish architecture. Meanwhile, for modern houses, poured concrete can be finished to match the smooth and sleek appearance of modern homes with its clean lines and sharp edges. Poured concrete also offers a range of design options and can be molded to suit the landscape needs.
Brick
For homes with a brick facade, it naturally follows that a brick border or retaining wall is preferred. Bricks are known for its strength and durability, easily blending with brick homes and traditional landscapes. While it can be labor intensive requiring an expert stonemason to ensure the bricks are installed properly, you’ll end up with an extremely durable and long-lasting retaining wall. To ensure its longevity, a proper drainage system must also be built along with the retaining wall.
Stone or Boulder
For the rugged chic look, stone or boulders are your number one choice. This natural material looks great in any landscape setting and provides a good frame to any landscape. However, stone or boulders aren’t the most ideal material for high retaining walls as heavy water flow can weaken and dislodge it from its place.
Wood
Another natural option for a border or retaining wall, wood needs special treatments such as waterproofing and preservatives in order to last for decades as a retaining wall. It’s easy to install and may be cheaper than the other options. Wood can also fit and blend into any landscape, making it a very flexible material to work with.
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