Do I need a retaining wall?

Retaining walls, besides from providing aesthetic appeal to your property and landscape, has many functional purposes as well. Oftentimes a house will be built on a hill, and in such cases a retaining wall is a great way to prevent erosion—which is sometimes very threatening to the foundation of a home. Especially in the rainy Pacific Northwest, rainfall can be very detrimental to areas with sloped soil. With a retaining wall, you can turn a sloped area of your house into more useable, level land. This can also manage water runoff and slow the flow of rainwater, directing water into drainage systems that will often be necessary for proper garden and lawn care.

Retaining walls come in all shapes, sizes, and materials but as always, a professional can help build a wall that will last for life; one that will not bulge, crack, or lean. Before building a retaining wall, a contractor needs to take into consideration how strong it needs to be to hold back the pressure of the hill, and what kind of drainage mechanisms are necessary to direct rainwater flow. Also, it is necessary to meet any city codes and ask for necessary permits (example: Lake Oswego development code).

• Wooden retaining walls are the least expensive of the retaining walls but often will not last as long as the other options because water can weaken the wood over time.
• Brick, flagstone, and poured concrete retaining walls are a little bit more expensive and can provide a modern feel for a home.
• Finally, the most expensive option is a natural stone retaining wall. They are often considered the most aesthetically pleasing but require the greatest degree of skill and experience.

Whichever design you choose, we are here to help. We know that a retaining wall is a big investment and it is an investment that should not need to be made more than once; a retaining wall is meant to be something that should not only look beautiful, but also last a very long time. Also, feel welcome to check out our page about seated walls and fire pits.

Natural Landscape and Irrigation is located in Lake Oswego, Oregon and specializes in retaining wall construction in the Greater Portland Metropolitan Area. Please feel free to contact us for more details.