In search of what retaining wall options are available?
Want to learn the boulder retaining wall pros and cons?
If so, you came to the right place as in this guide, we cover the pros and cons of boulder retaining walls so you know if it is the best pick for your yard/property, let us dive on in.
To start, what is a boulder retaining wall, and how do they help to retain soil and keep your property safe and secure?
Boulder-made walls give structure and protection to yards and property, and unlike concrete retaining walls, they offer a natural feel and appeal that truly lets the outdoor vibe shine. Lasting a hundred years or more, one great benefit of boulder retaining walls is their rigidity and longevity as they can last for a century or longer, making them ideal for those that want a one-time investment that will last a lifetime.
Of all retaining wall materials, boulders last the longest and are the most reliable, and their lifespans far surpass those of barns and homes so if you want a wall that stands the test of time, a boulder retaining wall is the best choice to go with. In fact, the oldest rock retaining wall on file, known as Hadrian’s Wall, was built nearly two thousand years ago in 122 C.E., this is a testament to how strong they can really be.
This said, let us cover what a boulder retaining wall is and the reasons to select one for your yard, they are a great wall option for most scenarios.
What is a Boulder Retaining Wall?
As the name implies, boulder retaining walls are made using rocks, stones, and a variety of other kinds of rocks and stones that have unique looks and varieties.
Boulders used in these walls are large rock fragments that measure ten inches in diameter or more, they are one of the best retaining wall materials as they are not only solid and resistant to erosion but highly reliable and withstanding of high-pressure levels, making them ideal for steep slopes with high soil mass.
Boulders are no doubt a great choice for a retaining wall with perks all homeowners and landscapers can appreciate, some of the most notable benefits of boulder retaining walls are there:
- Durability, their size and weight lets them tolerate high levels of pressure and they are highly resistant to erosion and corrosion, making them a great, long-term return on your investment.
- Versatility, all boulders are unique in size and shape so you can let the imagination run wild and create a unique and distinctive wall that truly meets the design and concept you have in mind.
- Visual appeal, the natural style of boulders makes for a sturdy and stunning yard addition with an organic look that blends well with a range of yard goals and styles.
- Low maintenance, boulder retaining walls require the least maintenance of all other materials, and when built right, will require little to no maintenance over the hundred-plus year lifespan these walls are known to have.
- Affordable material, cost has lots to do with location but boulder walls are often the cheapest of all wall materials, and most so in areas and regions where boulders are abundant in supply.
As with most choices in life, there are a few cons/downsides of boulder retaining walls, including their:
- Cost, living in regions where boulders are scarce will make building costs higher and the cost will grow more the larger boulders are as you will likely require the help of skilled experts who have a team with specialized equipment.
- Height, given the size of the rocks in these walls it is best for those that need a higher wall as the large material makes low-sized walls easier to construct.
- Construction, based on size, rocks and boulders are very heavy which means they are not an easy do-it-yourself project for most as expertise, machinery, and heavy lifting is often required.
- Required space, these walls are large given the material used to build them, which means they are not suitable for small yards and properties. Adding to this, construction of these walls often requires large-heavy machinery so before you pick this wall type, be sure there is enough space for passage of wide-sized machinery and equipment.
Thank you for visiting this guide, boulder retaining walls pros and cons are essential to consider and we hope this review served your needs. These walls are large and take up space but at the end of the day, will serve you for years to come with protection, peace of mind, and low-cost maintenance your wallet and property will thank you for.
