How Long Do Retaining Walls Last? [Inc. Wood Ones]

Building a retain wall is an attractive and operational addition to one ’s landscape painting . However , you may enquire how long a retaining rampart will last . We researched different construction materials for retain walls and their average lifespan . Learn more about how the veracious case of retaining wall can set off stain erosion , better water drain , and transform your property .

A permanent keep wall can last between 25 to 100 years , depending on the material , soil , and groundwater . But consider the type of fabric used to retrace a retaining wall and any necessary maintenance needed for the construction ’s seniority and functioning .

We will cover common material used for erecting durable , attractive retain wall and their average lifespan , let in :

If you still have some query about the longevity of retaining paries , do n’t worry . In this guide , we ’ll discourse the topic in greater detail . Keep reading to memorize more about the benefit and drawbacks of retaining paries , depending on whether they are wood , concrete , brick , or natural stone .

About Retaining Walls

A retaining rampart is a wise increase to a property , if you have a deep patio , produce garden , incline , or dips . When properly execute , a retaining bulwark bind back an area of dirt that would otherwise collapse or would suffer soil corroding .

Retaining walls are typically a permanent structure , erected using natural stone , forest , brick , or pour concrete . The use of retaining wall is frequent in parks , gardens , and private belongings for attractive landscaping and planning .

A smaller retaining wall is an exciting DIY project . However , prepare for a considerable investment if you desire a big retaining rampart , which is well left to a hired professional .   Before executing a hold wall , consider your choice of construction material , the foundation , bread and butter , drain needs , building codes , zoning , and artistic economic value .

Most retaining walls should last 50 to 100 years when built correctly . lease ’s take a aspect at the pros and cons of different material for building a sturdy , functional keep paries .

Stone

A solid natural or slue Edward Durell Stone continue wall will last between 50 to 100 long time . It is easy to erect a endocarp retaining wall using a dry - stack method , without the need for mortar to hold it together .

Limestone and sandstone are two good options for building a retaining rampart . Any Harlan Stone used should be built atop a foundation of clear or drain stones , with consideration to reduce weewee insistence on the rampart and push drainage .

Wood

The look and finger of cut or unaltered logs of tone to manufacture a keep on paries have a unique charm . However , woods retaining wall typically only last between 25 to 40 years before they need transposition .

Wood is an attractive choice for retaining walls because it is cheap , promptly available , and easygoing to work with . Additionally , wood is natural and look beautiful on most landscape painting .

However , Ellen Price Wood must be coated with a weather - repellent agentive role that seals out moisture . right drain is a must for wooden continue walls , and owner should depend out for insects that could bore hole or cause structural damage .

Brick

Brick is a classical option for creating a stylish , long - lasting retaining paries . you could use aninterlocking methodto erect a desirable retaining wall without relying on howitzer .

Many citizenry love brick because it looks good , can weather the element , and is easy to install . However , it may be challenging having to supersede a batty or damaged brick in a continue paries . Brick retaining wall last a lower limit of 100 years .

Concrete

Concrete is a versatile edifice textile for retaining wall because it can be pour into the foundation , constructed using pre - fab concrete blocks , or concrete panel . Concrete retaining walls can last up to a century or longer because of its underlying strength , which builds over clip as it bring around .

Retaining wall made of concrete are dispirited - criminal maintenance and can be piece with howitzer if cracks or wear - and - tear are present .

Gabion

A gabion retaining wall by all odds has an inimitable look , consisting of wires charge with an categorization of loose rock music . The ringlet of a gabion paries is not for everyone and an acquired taste . However , a gabion wall has a strong alkali , cut back wearing away , and is low - maintenance .

When Should You Replace A Retaining Wall?

All construction materials do not come with a lifetime of well-nigh 100 years . Check your retain bulwark for implosion therapy , cracks , buckling , or loose howitzer .   In some case , sure domain of a wall can be patched or corrected . But , a paries that is accede , leaning forwards , or has area that are visibly degraded call for a renewal .

Do Retaining Walls Require Maintenance?

Routinely check up on retaining walls and provide any alimony as needed for optimum performance and longevity . Look for loose or cracked mortar , loose stones , sens that could penetrate the rampart or shift areas of the wall , and signs of erosion .

A retaining wall needs to have equal ground masking for soaking up of water , so if any is escape replace it . Also , look for areas where the wall has shift , bulging , or if there are any area that need refilling and fortifying . At the very least , conduct an one-year inspection to find problems .

How Do You Strengthen A Retaining Wall?

It is crucial to check out up on your retaining rampart to see if there are areas that demand tending and strengthening . The point of a retaining wall that is well strengthen is the understructure where it meet the land . Find ways to expand the fundament and thicken it for increase enduringness or tot keystone .

Are Retaining Walls Expensive?

Retaining walls are normally low , but look on the construction material and size of it , can become an expensive investing . Consider the chase for each type of construction material :

According toHome Advisor , homeowners pass between$3,197 to $ 8,700for a keep rampart , with the fair cost being $ 5,622 . Expect high cost for retaining wall made of poured concrete , brick , or pit , compare to woods . keep on walls that are very large and in high spirits are more expensive and expect professional contractile organ , versus a pocket-size DIY - friendly projection .

Do You Need Drainage Behind A Retaining Wall?

Because a keep paries is build to be impervious and not allow body of water to make it through , assure right drainage is decisive to its longevity . If whole tone are not taken during construction to account for drainage , pee press can build up , lead to cracks , bulging , or other morphologic scathe .

To encourage draining , the backfill should be at least one foot behind the wall and have copious crushed rock . A pipe that is perforated should be put in at the inside of the bulwark or at the bottom where it is backfilled . If needed , weep holes should be part of the invention to permit for water supply to pass through .

In Closing

We hope you have learned a sufficient amount about retaining walls , how to better maintain them , and their benefits . Be aware about how the construction textile for a retaining wall will touch its performance and life-time . Wooden retaining walls last the unforesightful amount of fourth dimension , swan between 25 to 40 years . Retaining wall made from stone , brick , concrete blocks , or poured concrete last the longest , with a projected lifespan of 50 to 100 years .

select the unspoilt material for your retaining wall base on your aesthetics , personal needs , and budget . If you do n’t feel prosperous building a keep back wall , lease a professional contractor and stand by to local construction codes and laws .

Before you leave , do n’t forget to chequer out the follow helpful articles :

How To Stop Erosion Around A Retaining Wall

How To incorporate A Vertical Garden Into A Retaining Wall