In the know concerning retaining walls
Retaining wall construction has come a long way... or has it?
The current wall construction used in SRW (segmental retaining walls) like the one above, or almost any landscaping block wall system in this day and age actually started long ago in ancient Egypt. There is a science to the overall structure and design of these walls... or at least there is supposed to be. At first glance it appears the pyramids of Egypt are structurally sound due to the step-like overall design. That is a factor, along with the huge blocks of stone used in the construction. However, researchers and structural engineers were a little more baffled at the sight of some of these structure where time and weather had bested the blocks/stones, leaving only a pyramidal shape of dirt. Why did this dirt stand alone? How did it keep its shape over the sands of time? As curiosity got the better of them, they began to excavate into one of these structures only to find woven fabric covered in a waterproofing agent and compacted soil. These two factors of construction were the essence of the longevity and durability of the structure. Today, we model this very practice in our retaining wall designs. There is a right way, and a wrong way, and not everyone is certified to install these structures.
Bad Install
The problem with a bad install is that it could look good initially. This wall took about 2 years to sink and tilt. The repair would have to be foundation up, so the entire structure would have to come down to the base. It could cost more to repair this old block wall than to install a new one... so make sure your contractor is certified by the NCMA (National Concrete and Masonry Association) prior to hiring.
The Right Way
Harvell Landscaping is certified by the NCMA and the ICPI. We love every aspect of hardscaping and SRW... from the history, to the structural engineering standpoint, and to the design/install that fits your backyard or business. Results that stand the test of time!
"I got a really good deal"
A homeowner once called me about repairing a stone patio that was falling apart. When I arrived, I found one of the worst patio installations I had ever seen. The patio was large—around 600 square feet—and had been built with small pieces of fieldstone that were better suited for stacked stone or stone veneer than for a walking surface. The joints were extremely wide, mortar was breaking loose everywhere, and the adjoining seat wall was failing in much the same way.
The stone had been installed with mortar over a sand base. That combination was never going to provide the stable foundation a mortared stone patio needs. As the base shifted and water worked its way into the joints, the mortar began cracking and separating. By the time I inspected it, the patio was beyond a reasonable repair. The only dependable solution was to tear it out and rebuild it correctly.
The homeowner had already arranged for the original company to return and remove the patio. As we stood looking over the damage, he said something I have never forgotten:
“But I got a really good deal. It only cost me $8,000.”
I honestly did not know what to say. He had paid $8,000 for a patio that now had to be completely demolished, and he had not received any of that money back. I later estimated that rebuilding the stone patio properly would cost around $16,000.
That meant his “$8,000 patio” could ultimately cost him about $24,000: the original $8,000 that was lost, plus another $16,000 to have the work completed correctly. The higher estimate would actually have been the less expensive option from the beginning.
This is why the cheapest hardscape estimate is not always the best value. A properly built stone patio requires the right materials, suitable stone, correct base preparation, proper drainage, and an installation method designed for long-term use. When those things are skipped to lower the price, the homeowner may end up paying twice.
Before choosing a contractor for a stone patio, paver patio, retaining wall, or seat wall, ask how the foundation will be constructed, what materials will be used, and why those materials are appropriate for the project. Also ask to see older completed projects—not only work that was finished last week. A patio may look good when it is new. The real test is how it performs several years later.
At Harvell Landscaping, we believe the least expensive project is the one that only has to be built once. A quality installation may cost more at the beginning, but rebuilding failed work will almost always cost more in the end.
Slope Solutions
Sloped yards can make it difficult to create usable outdoor space, but not every grade change requires a traditional retaining wall. For mild slopes, strategically placed landscape boulders can help hold the soil, define planting beds, and create a natural transition between different elevations.
In this project, we used large boulders around the edge of the patio to manage the surrounding slope and frame the landscape beds. The boulders provided structure without making the area feel boxed in, while the steps created a comfortable entrance into the new outdoor living space.
When properly selected and installed, landscape boulders can provide an attractive and practical solution for sloped yards. They work especially well around paver patios, garden beds, walkways, and other areas where homeowners want erosion control and grade support with a more natural appearance.
