Retaining walls are a fantastic way to deal with the problems caused by a sloping site, and will provide useful structural support to turn a sloping area into a much more usable space. They are strong and durable, provide flood and erosion control, and what’s more, will make your outdoor area look much more attractive and interesting.
They are many different materials with which you can construct a retaining wall, and each one has its benefits and drawbacks. But if your main concern is budgetary, you should be seeking out the cheapest type of retaining wall material to provide support to your area without breaking the bank. Here are some of the best (and cheapest) choices that will help you save money on your retaining wall, without sacrificing strength and stability.
Also read: https://craftrush.com.au/how-to-avoid-additional-costs-for-your-retaining-wall/ find out how to avoid additional costs for your retaining wall.
Concrete blocks
A very versatile option, concrete blocks interlock to create the retaining wall, providing great support, structure and strength. They will guarantee a long-lasting and sturdy wall, and can often last for a century or more. They can withstand plenty of pressure, and what’s more, they create an attractive-looking wall as well. Concrete blocks come in a wide range of styles, colours, shapes, finishes and textures, meaning you can create just the look you want with ease. And they’re extremely cost effective, coming in well under the price of other materials such as stone or bricks.
Poured concrete
Poured concrete is another very cost-effective option, where the concrete is poured into position on the site and left to set. It creates a solid, stable and extremely strong retaining wall that will last and last.
Although poured concrete is made of the same material as the concrete blocks, it will look nothing alike. Poured concrete retaining walls are plain, functional and utilitarian, giving an industrial look to a project. However, while they may not look very interesting or appealing, they get the job done – and at a fraction of the cost of other materials.
Landscape timbers
Timber is a popular choice for retaining walls – but it comes at a price. The cheaper option is to go for landscape timbers, which are lower grade timbers primarily used for their strength, not their appearance. They are easy to install and the wall can be built quickly. The downfall is that timber won’t last nearly as long as concrete products, and requires higher levels of maintenance to stay looking good.
Your choice
Other types of retaining wall materials, such as stone, brick, gabion and pressure-treated timbers will cost a lot more than the types listed above – and the costs can be significant. If you don’t have much wiggle-room in your budget, stick with the types listed above. And while you may have to sacrifice some aesthetic appeal when you choose poured concrete or landscape timbers, you won’t have that problem when you choose concrete blocks. Concrete block systems are not only extremely cost effective, they are also extremely tough and long-lasting, require little maintenance and look amazing. They are the ideal choice when you need the best of both worlds – they may be cheaper than other types of material, but they certainly don’t look like they are!
But don’t just take our word for it – have a look for yourself. National Masonry’s retaining wall range of concrete blocks delivers a strong mix of style, structure and functionality.