Retaining Wall Materials: Concrete vs. Natural Stone

retaining wall materials Retaining walls are an attractive and functional addition to any landscape design. Whether you have a naturally sloped property, or are contouring your landscape to create visual interest, retaining walls will create a clear delineation between property levels, can be used to create flat, usable terraces and will help to prevent erosion.

There are a variety of retaining wall materials available. Two of the most popular are interlocking concrete and natural stone. Each has its own pros and cons so the key is to choose the retaining wall material that will work best, based on your landscape plan.

Here are some of the pros and cons of interlocking concrete vs. natural stone retaining wall materials.

Pros and Cons of Concrete Retaining Walls

These stones have become an increasingly popular retaining wall option due to their affordability, ease of use and versatility. In most cases, concrete blocks have an interlocking lip at the base, allowing them to fit together and stay together easily. Sometimes they are secured via nylon pins. Because they are man-made, concrete blocks can be formed into virtually any shape, size or color. They can also be used to create rounded retaining wall borders. If you have a retaining wall that is higher than 4-feet tall, you will want to explore other options involving a civil engineer. Interlocking concrete blocks don’t have footings, which are necessary to stabilize taller retaining walls.

Pros:

Affordable
Easy to install
Can be found in multiple color options
Available in a wide range of shapes
Can create round borders and edges
Excellent for drainage
Can be modified easily

Cons:

They can’t be used solely in walls 4 feet or higher without proper engineering and permits
While the designs are versatile, they don’t replicate natural stone
The actual material cost per square is more expensive than natural stone, but you save money in installation costs

Pros and Cons of Natural Stone Retaining Walls

Natural stone retaining walls have been used for thousands of years so there is an inherent element of tradition in their appearance. Because stones can be found in a variety of shapes, colors and textures, there is also a creative element involved in using natural stones. The best natural stones are those made from heavier, denser rocks such as granite or field stone. Natural stones are more expensive, and can be more labor intensive to set correctly. They are best used for shorter and narrower sections of retaining walls to maximize stability. Drainage is always an issue since moisture can infiltrate the spaces and gaps between stones, compromising the integrity of the wall.

Pros:

They’re Beautiful
Traditional
Ideal for a more rustic/country setting
They don’t require special connections or mortar to hold them together
Stones are a natural solution for inherent grade transitions

Cons:

Expensive
Drainage can become a problem over time
Labor intensive
Not as effective for taller or larger retaining walls

Best Retaining Wall Materials for Your Project

If you are deliberating about which retaining wall materials to use for your landscape design, it is best to consult a masonry supply store. A masonry supply store can make recommendations depending on the type of walls you will be using. In many cases, interlocking concrete and natural stone can be used in different areas of the same project. Both products are guaranteed to provide attractive and functional retaining walls that will last for years to come.

How Much Base Material Do I Need for Walkways, Patios and Driveways

base material amount Brick pavers, when properly installed add considerable beauty to your home and are very functional as well. Without the proper walkway base material laid beneath the pavers you will run the risk of them sinking or settling unevenly.

When installing pavers it is essential to install a layer of the correct walkway base material at the right thickness. This base material serves a multiple purposes, like stability and drainage as well as a level surface to install your pavers on.

How Much Base Material Do I Need?

Deciding the correct amount of walkway base material is actually quite simple. For sidewalks and patios or any other light duty areas you will only need a 4 inch base of 3/4 inch quarry process or RCA beneath a 1 inch layer of concrete sand.

To correctly figure out how much base material that you will need you will first need to know how each material is measured. Crushed stone, which is what is recommended as a base material for a paver base is measured in cubic yards.

First measure the square footage of the project area. This is achieved by simply multiplying the width times the length. Next, multiply your square footage by .01235. This equation will give you the amount of stone that you will need for your base in cubic yards. Another way of figuring this out is that 1 yard of crushed stone will get you 80 square feet at 4-inches thick.

Figuring out how much sand that you will need is done much the same way. Since you only need a 1-inch bed of sand to set your pavers on just take your square footage measurement from the stone and this time multiply by .00309.

How to Install Walkway Base Material for Driveways, Patios and Walkways

Before you begin any project that involves digging, it is highly recommended that you contact your local utility companies so they can mark off where there are any underground lines. This is most often a free service.

First, you will need to prepare the area to be paved by removing any old pavement as well as enough soil to lay your stone base (4 inches), then sand bed (1 inch) and finally your pavers. Be sure to add the thickness of the pavers that you will be laying to the depth that you dig. Also, remove an extra 8 inches of soil beyond the planned edge of your pavers.

Once you have removed the soil you will now need to run the “sub-base” with a plate compactor overlapping each pass by 4 inches. Now evenly spread the stone over the the entire area at an approximate thickness of 2 inches and go over it with the plate compactor again overlapping the previous pass by 4 inches, lightly wetting the stone with a garden hose between layers.

Wetting the stone will make it compact faster and make it easier to rake. Repeat the last step with another 2 inch layer of stone. Next you are ready to lay the bed of sand.

The easiest way to do this is by laying down parallel 1 inch diameter pieces of conduit four to six feet apart and using a 6 to 8-foot screed board, run it along the length of the conduit. This will give you an exact 1 inch depth of sand. Any voids left by the conduit can just be filled in once you remove them.

When done correctly a paver walkway will bring you and your family years of worry free enjoyment while adding beauty and character to your home. Plus you get the satisfaction of knowing that you have accomplished this task yourself (and the bragging rights that come with it).

Sand for Paver Joints: Complete Online Installation Guide

best sand for paver joints Using pavers to install a walkway, patio or even a driveway may seem like a relatively easy project. The truth is that unless the pavers are installed correctly with the right materials and methods, the project is not likely to hold up very well.

Pavers are usually formed of stone, concrete or brick, and are available in a variety of colors and styles.

How to Install Pavers

The first step in your project will be to choose the style and color of pavers to buy. Using more than one color to create an attractive pattern or design is a popular option.

Before actually purchasing the project material, the area must be accurately measured to determine the amount needed. Once all the planning and preparations have been done, the hard work begins.

Approximately 8-1/2 inches of earth should be removed before the installation process can begin. The best way to make sure the hole is deep enough is to place a long 2 x 4 or pipe across the area and periodically measure from the bottom edge to check the depth. Digging a little too deep is better than not digging deep enough because any depressions can be filled in if necessary.

After the hole has been dug deep enough it is time to begin filling it with a 5-inch layer of crushed stone. As the stone is added and tamped down, use the same method used to check the depth of the hole to make sure the crushed stone layer still allows 3-1/2 inches of space for the remaining material.

The next layer you need to install is 1 inch of sand that will serve as a bed to set the pavers in. Since most pavers are 2 3/8-inches thick, set up 2 x 4s exactly 2 3/8-inches below the ground level to function as a guide when installing the sand. Spread the sand as evenly as possible and use a long 2 x 4 as a screed to level the layer. Screed the sand a few times in each direction and do not walk in the area when it is finished.

With all the preparation done, you can finally begin setting the pavers. Using a straight edge as a reference, place the pavers close together with only a thin joint line between them. Use a rubber mallet to level any high pavers and add sand beneath any that are too low. Once you are finished setting and leveling all the pavers, it is time to add joint sand. You will want to make sure to purchase the best paver joint sand to ensure the stability of your project.

Best Paver Joint Sand

Polymeric sand is very effective at stabilizing pavers over time, and Flexlock is highly recommended. Flexlock polymeric sand is a type of paver joint sand containing additives that bond the paver joints when exposed to water. Although there are other brands of paver joint sand available, Flexlock uses water to create a strong bond suitable for use with new pavers or to repair a deteriorating project.

Flexlock sand is engineered with polymers and colorant. When applied to the joints of your pavers, it will harden. There are many theories on how this product should be installed, but you should talk to a certified installer for the proper installation method. Installing sand on a damp or moist paver can result in a number of complex issues.

Flexlock sand will prevent ongoing weed issues but will not prevent them from completely occurring. It will also help compliment new or existing paver installs.

Benefits of a Retaining Wall in New Jersey: Materials and Insight

retaining wall benefits Although they can be found in many private yards, businesses and schools, many people fail to notice retaining walls until they’re faced with the need for one.

Don’t wait until nature takes its toll on your lawn to start giving some thought to constructing a wall on your property.

By taking the time to learn about their construction and functions, you can enjoy numerous retaining wall benefits and avoid a lot of stress in the years ahead.

Retaining Wall Benefits

Retaining walls are located in the areas of a yard that require extra support in order to stop earth from being forced downhill with erosion. As such, the core function of a retaining wall is to counteract the forces of gravity.

In order to accomplish this, the wall must be substantial and sturdy enough to both withstand and redistribute the lateral pressure that is placed on it as a result of sloping ground. But a retaining wall can do more than preventing a landslide on your property. They can also be used to:

Provide usable land – Many people use retaining walls to create terraces of usable land on inclines. By using a wall (or layers of wall) to create level areas of land, you have the option to plant flowers or even construct a patio area in the space.

Manage water runoff and divert groundwater – Retaining walls are able to effectively reduce the speed and flow of rainwater runoff. This is both beneficial in protecting your lawn and garden against torrents of water, and in preventing flash flooding in the streets which can eventually deliver polluted water to local New Jersey streams and rivers, or even to the Atlantic. Retaining walls and the drainage that goes behind it helps to divert the groundwater behind it to the planned and desired location.

Retaining Wall Design

Although you want your wall to be sturdy and durable, you still have several options for making it look attractive within the scheme of the rest of your property. You may choose to construct with:

Interlocking blocks or poured concrete – Blocks and concrete are the most commonly used materials in the construction of a retaining wall. The sheer strength of these materials ensure that homeowners can enjoy retaining wall benefits for years without any problems. Layering blocks can add a sophisticated appeal to both traditional and contemporary lawns. Though interlocking concrete is user friendly and efficient to install, there is much more to retaining walls than meets the eye. Certified and experienced installers are extremely recommended, to ensure the safety and longevity of a quality-built retaining wall.

Natural stone – Natural stone is generally the most expensive option for the construction of retaining walls, but is also considered the most attractive. In the grand scheme of things though, it’s important to remember that your properly-constructed retaining wall should last for a lifetime. The cost may be higher initially, but the appeal and function will pay you back in full.

You May Consider Building a Retaining Wall if…

Your sloped yard creates the threat of downhill erosion.
Your home’s foundation is threatened by a sliding hill.
Your sloped property makes gardening and landscaping difficult or impossible.
You’re looking to create additional yard space with a current uneven yard or patio space.

A skilled do-it-yourselfer may be able to construct a wall themselves, but you must be aware that absolute precision is essential. Retaining walls must be completely level, and each layer must be backfilled in order to provide substance and promote proper drainage. If you’ve got any doubts about your ability to construct a sound wall, it’s best to work with a professional installer.