Keen green thumbs or those who enjoy spending their downtime outdoors will soon notice if the garden retaining wall has seen better days.
As with all parts of a house or garden, these walls require regular maintenance to stay in the best shape.
It is wise to remember that retaining walls are usually a safety feature for both gardens and buildings as they keep large masses of soil in place, preventing erosion from floods and other bad weather.
These walls also help soil drain properly and in doing so, can prevent damage to property foundations.
They are particularly important in sloping gardens and in areas where the soil is already of dubious quality or is prone to flooding. It is wise to research local soil and weather issues, which can affect the type of wall that you build.
But retaining walls can also add to the attractive appeal of gardens. Either way, there are plenty of different materials available to do the job.
The cheapest, most often-used material is timber; however, this material will not last long.
The most expensive materials are metal and concrete, using metal posts with horizontal concrete “sleepers”.
An excellent compromise between the two – in terms of both design and price – is that of plastic sleepers, reinforced with metal. This lightweight compromise also utilises a timber grain texture pattern.
Whichever material you decide to use, garden retaining wall prices can vary immensely, as so much depends on the choice of material and the type and size of the structure.
Labour costs will also fluctuate depending on whether you have the DIY skills or need to employ trades to complete the job.
Also remember that, depending on the wall size and design, a council permit and a structural engineer may also be required.