Retaining wall products come in many shapes and sizes. These retaining wall products are constructed out of many types of material depending on the application or purpose. Walls can be constructed using engineered concrete products or using natural products. If you wall is for decoration purposes, there is more flexibility in your material selection. If you are constructing a wall for functional purposes, it is best to select an engineered concrete product that is specially designed to retain material. Not all engineered concrete products will perform satisfactorily in certain circumstances. It is important to choose a product that is designed to withstand the material that you will be supporting.
Natural Retaining Wall Products
Natural retaining wall products include boulder or field stone walls. These walls are generally constructed for decorative purposes because each wall is unique. If installed properly, these walls can serve as functioning purposes. With the use of any natural product, you are installing material that will have to be modified to fit. With engineered concrete products, you are using uniform material that fits into place as designed. Another commonly found natural product is limestone. Again this product is generally used for decorative purposes because each piece will require modification to be installed. Some landscapes walls are made out of treated timbers or railroad ties. We do not recommend using these products because they can rot even if they are treated with a product designed to stop decay.
Concrete Retaining Wall Products
Engineered concrete retaining wall products are the best choice when installing a retaining wall. These products are designed to function under certain loads. It is important to choose the best product that fits your project. Some products are designed for small applications of under 2 foot in height and others are designed for large applications. You can install small walls with blocks that are designed for large walls, but you can’t install large walls with blocks that are designed for small walls. Your wall will fail and fall down if the wrong material is used.