Landscape Retaining Wall For The DIY Landscaper
Segmental retaining wall systems are one of the most versatile tools available to the
do-it-yourself landscaper. Besides traditional walls designed to hold back soil, these innovative systems also can
be used to build a whole array of landscaping features such as a landscape retaining wall.
"Fire pits, outdoor kitchens, seat walls, stairs, columns, tables, even plantable walls that become a part of
the landscape are possible for homeowners willing to invest a little creativity and sweat equity in their yard,"
says Shannon McGregor of Patio Town, a Minnesota landscape supplies retailer. "With the right system, the only
limit is your imagination."
So imagine yourself entertaining guests around a built-in grill in your back yard. Using a landscape retaining
wall system like Versa-Lok, you can create a freestanding kitchen island wrapped around a grill and refrigerator
and topped with a granite slab. The solid concrete blocks can be modified and configured to accommodate appliances
and utility connections.
One of the most popular backyard features for DIY landscapers is a fire pit surrounded by a patio and seat walls
made from
retaining wall units.
"A circular or square patio is built around a cast-iron fire ring, and matching seat walls ring the patio," says
McGregor. "It's a terrific project for someone who wants an affordable, easy-to-install backyard makeover."
Several courses of pavers may be used to encircle the fire ring. The seat walls are simply freestanding walls
built at an appropriate sitting height. These may be capped with bullnose pavers for added comfort.
Freestanding columns constructed from split wall units stacked and glued in a four-square
pattern make an attractive landscape retaining wall feature that can be used to perform a variety of functions.
Standing alone at the end of a driveway or on either end of a freestanding wall, columns can be finished with
natural or cast stone caps. Install wrought iron between columns to create elegant fencing. Columns can be built
around the posts of a pergola to add a touch of class to a garden space, spa or even front entry. Or make a table
from a column topped with a natural or cast stone slab.
"The Versa-Lok system is especially design-friendly because it uses solid units that can be easily cut or split
to fit any application," explains Austin Keay, owner of AKeay Landscaping in North Branch, Minn. "Even stairs can
be built with this system."
Landscape retaining wall units are stacked in tiers to make the stair's base pedestal. Stair treads are
made from wall cap units, pavers or precast treads. The stairs can be fully inset into a wall or exposed on one or
both sides.
"These are
kind of like the building blocks of landscaping. You can do almost anything with them," says Keay. "Hot
tub enclosures, raised paver or natural stone patios, mail box stands -- we've done it all."
Some homeowners prefer the look of greenery to hardscaping but still need a high-performance landscape retaining
wall. The new Versa-Green plantable wall system by Versa-Lok gives them the best of both worlds.
"Versa-Green is a natural option in situations where significant soil retention is required in a
wall but visibility of the wall isn't wanted," says McGregor. "Plantings in each individual wall unit grow up to
conceal the courses above or hang down to cover the wall below. Eventually, the wall appears to grow right into the
landscape, much like a vertical garden. The result is a functional wall that becomes a living part of your
landscape."
Working with segmental landscape retaining wall system doesn't require a lot of expensive
tools. Those that may be needed -- concrete saw or block splitter, for example -- can be rented on a daily basis or
your supplier may have them available.
Many retailers like Patio Town offer DIY seminars on landscape retaining wall and paver installation as
well.
"Investing in landscaping is a sure way to add value to your home," McGregor concludes. "That, coupled with an
increasing trend toward entertaining at home, make a segmental landscape retaining wall system an appealing
solution for the do-it-yourselfer with a bit of imagination."
For further information about Versa-Lok Retaining Wall Systems, visit www.versa-lok.com or call (800) 770-4525.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
See Also
landscape retaining wall in Landscape Yard Tips
Landscape Retaining Wall For The DIY Landscaper
Segmental Landscape Retaining Wall Systems are one of the most
versatile tools available to the do-it-yourself landscaper.
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