Consider These Things before Building a Retaining Wall

A retaining wall is a versatile piece of landscaping that is both functional and visually pleasing.  On a practical level, these walls are fantastic because they can bolster slopes that might be prone to erosion and they can also create more livable flat space in sloped yards. While these walls often hold back earth, they can also be used in a more decorative manner to accent gardens or highlight hardscape features.

When building a retaining wall, you have to consider several things: durability, materials, and aesthetic elements. 

As with any building project, a bit of planning is necessary to ensure that your retaining wall doesn’t fall down. Take a look at your yard and think about how much weight the wall will hold back, what sort of drainage it might need, and what kind of base you should build.  One way to build an especially strong wall is to level the foundation and pour concrete to provide a solid base.  You should build in a drainage system (a small pipe or a small runoff channel for example), so that water does not build up behind the wall.   Another aspect of making a lasting wall, however, is what materials you choose.

Most retaining walls are built of brick, concrete blocks, or natural stones like limestone; but, you are not limited by these materials.  If you are looking for an earthier retaining wall, you can build out of wood.  Many landscapers recycle railroad trestles for use in retaining walls.  Obviously, building with stones and mortar will make more durable wall, as wood can be worn down by weather and insects.

Whatever materials you choose, there are many things you can do with it in terms of styles and embellishments.  Some people build steps into their larger retaining walls.  Others place lights at varying heights in the wall.  Choosing different types of stone- for example gray stone in the bottom of the wall and red stones for the top of the wall- can also create a visually arresting wall that accents your landscaping design.

Adding a retaining wall to your yard is a smart step- just be sure to consider both practical and aesthetic concerns before building!

Is a Limestone Floor Right for Your Home?

Limestone floors are beautiful additions to any home, but they might not be right for your home. One of the major advantages of using limestone tiles and floors is that is significantly less expensive than marble or other types of stone. They also can create a lovely, natural look that might fit your home’s style. These types of floors, however, are not meant for every room of your house. In a high traffic room like a living room, choose a stronger material or cover the floor with rugs to protect it from wear and tear. Also, for kitchens, this type of stone is not the best choice because it is porous and will easily absorb spilled material. No one wants permanent spaghetti sauce stains! Additionally, limestone floors do need some care and attention to make sure they look new. A simple regular mopping will do the trick, but it should be done on a regular basis.

So, when choosing the material for your floors, consider limestone- it’s affordable, lovely, and versatile, but be sure to use good sense in where you place it in your home.