Are you looking to add a stylish and functional hardscape to your outdoor living space in Florida? If so, a retaining wall is just what you need! Retaining walls are easily customizable with lots of different materials to choose from. You can decide if you want them to be a focal point of your yard or if you want them to blend into the natural landscaping. However, not only are they stylish and decorative, but they’re also incredibly functional! For example, they can help prevent soil erosion, double as a seating wall, and much more. Continue reading to learn more about why a retaining wall would make a great addition to your property.
How are retaining walls stylish?
Retaining walls are a stylish addition to your property that is easily customizable. One great quality about retaining walls is the ability to make them a focal point of your property or have them blend seamlessly into the landscaping. The materials you choose, plus the location and size of your retaining wall, are all factors when it comes to helping it stand out or blend in. Flashy stones, a taller wall, and a more central location may make it pop out, while earthy-toned materials, a shorter wall, and a more covert location within the natural landscaping may make it blend in more.
Some materials are very bold and conspicuous, while others are more subtle and rustic, so you can choose the perfect material to fit your aesthetic preferences. Here are some common materials you can choose from:
Concrete Blocks: Concrete blocks create a more uniform, subtle look with gray tones and are highly durable against the elements.
Concrete Pavers: Concrete pavers have a lot of variety, as they can be thick or flat, narrow or wide, and tan or gray-toned.
Travertine: Travertine is a tan material that can be smooth or rough in texture and really pops on your property.
- Natural Stone: Natural stone comes in all different shapes, sizes, and colors that give you many different aesthetic options to choose from.
How are retaining walls functional?
Not only are retaining walls stylish, but they are also functional additions to your property! If you have sloped land, a retaining wall can turn it into flat, usable space. That way, you can utilize that space to serve a purpose rather than it going to waste, like adding a patio! A retaining wall will also help prevent soil erosion, which happens rapidly on sloped lawns. Soil erosion is normal, but a retaining wall will keep your soil anchored in place and keep your landscaping beautiful.
Another great function of a retaining wall is that it serves as a raised planter bed. Your beautiful plants will have a place just for them, and you can add a pop of color and flare to your property. A retaining wall can also double as a seating wall and provide some extra outdoor seating so you don’t have to deal with additional furniture. Lots of seating walls are built around or near fire pits as well!