Any ideas about alternatives to retaining walls?
by
Sara Sexton
+1
We just built a house and will need 3 retaining walls in the spring. The cost is staggering! Any ideas?
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You may found a less expensive idea here. https://www.pinterest.com/explore/wood-retaining-wall/
First off, congrats on the new house! Second, have you thought about using wood? Wooden retaining walls constructed from high quality wood can stand more than 20 years. Since the material will contact directly to earth, it will need a waterproofing treatment to prevent damage from moisture. But it is a cheaper, valid alternative. Good luck!
There is a wall construction using a heavy guage of wire fence panels and filling it with rocks, making it about 12" thick. I would go for 18" tobe sure it will stand, but I always overdo things. After it has been up for a couple of months and has settled, you might even be able to plant trailing plants on the top.
If your retaining walls are over 3 ft high, you need a professional that knows what they are doing. There is a lot of pressure behind high retaining walls, especially in rainy weather and if not constructed properly that wall could collapse and fill your house with mud! Post a picture, including how far away from the house it is, and we can offer more ideas. In the meantime, plant crown vetch seed on the bank (usually available at a farm supply store). The roots will hold the dirt and keep it from eroding.