How to Choose the Right Retaining Wall Stone?

While masonry can be a dedicated job requiring years of experience in putting those slabs of rocks to good use to produce a standalone infrastructure, the fundamentals can be picked up quite easily and just as quickly. A good place to start can be a retaining wall stone, simplistic yet enduring structures that can go along with any theme of you’re choosing.

What Is A Retaining Wall Stone Structure?

While keeping a wall upright through the hills is an uphill task, any wall that is built must be durable enough to not buckle under pressure. There are many things that need to be kept in mind:

• The type of rocks that you use. Currently, the options available to us are galore, and one must choose the most appropriate material for the requisite hardness, durability or even flexibility.

• The choice of the base material is also important. While mostly granite in its crude form is made use, there are plenty of other options to choose from.

• Any area near the wall must be a repository of a puddle or a pool, the walls must be kept away from moisture. And this goes not just for the formative stage.

• The wall – its texture and theme – must blend in well with your surroundings, perhaps something that pops well juxtaposed against your backyard.

Choosing Your Base

Since the base lays down the very foundation, it important that you get it right to see your wall through thick and thin. Choose the area well before anything is laid out. Once you are set, you can choose from.

Gravel

Gravel is quite susceptible to draining. Consequently, one must ensure that perforated slabs are put in place to obstruct the draining process and all potential wet spots need to be taken care of.

Clay

Quite unlike gravel, clay can retain moisture and does not drain internally. Thus, it must be sloped away from the wall to keep the wall from weakening over time. One of the many sloping methods can be deployed; another way is to install a drain to keep the moisture away.

Soil

The soil is hardly ever preferred as an appropriate base because it may cause the entire structure to sink down, although it can be acceptable in some cases:

• When the area can be left undisturbed for a substantial amount of time.

• The retaining wall stone is not very tall, and the soil can handle the pressure without sinking.

However, in most cases, it is not the best choice, although it can save you quite some money. 

How Do I Plan the Retaining Wall Stone?

The Ratio of Height to Base Thickness

The ratio is very important to consider as it determines the durability of the wall to a great extent. For a longer wall, you would want a thicker base. The thickness should be between six to seven feet for a wall as high as 8–12 feet. The wall ought to become much narrower as we move towards the apex, where it should not be any more than 2 feet thick. 

Laying Stones

The base stones should be much more durable, and the choice of stones can be based on the type of wall one needs to build. The base stone must go at least 10 inches deeper into the ground for a stable structure.

Backing

The backing should not be adulterated with clay or gravel. Also, consider the use of a geotextile to make sure that the ever-present risk of rainfall is taken care of.

A retaining wall stone can be a challenge, it is only best to consider an expert if you are a beginner. It certainly can be a great project if executed correctly.