Retaining Wall vs. Garden Wall

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Retaining Wall vs. Garden Wall

May 31st, 2013 at 3:07 pm star

Retaining Wall VS Garden Wall

Retaining walls and garden walls are the same thing right? Nope! Not even close! Understandably many people don't know the difference and honestly, why would you? It's not like you work with this stuff every day. Regardless, it is important to note the difference between the two so you choose a product that will be safe and will last.

Wouldn't it be silly to walk into a home and see wallpaper on the floor in place of tile? We both know wallpaper isn't meant for flooring; it is for aesthetics and it certainly isn't going to last like tile.

When considering hardscape features for your landscape, ask yourself the following questions:

1) Is this wall/feature going to be purely for aesthetics?

2) Is the wall/feature going to serve a purpose to retain something?

3) How high does the final product need to be?

4) What is the function of the wall/feature?

Your answers will help you avoid the wallpaper as flooring scenario.

If you are installing a hardscape element purely for aesthetics such as an address pillar, lighting pillar, or a wall to define landscape beds from turf areas under 18”, then garden wall is what you need. This type of stone is typically smaller is size and weight than retaining wall stone and is more appealing to look at. Nonetheless, it does have height restrictions so be sure to check with the manufacturer prior to purchasing.

As for retaining walls, they are made for exactly that, retaining. When you have a large slope or drop off it would be the time to start thinking retaining wall stone. Retaining wall stone is generally heavier and larger than garden wall stone. It can also be built taller. However, just as garden wall has max height restrictions, retaining wall block does as well. So make sure you refer to the resource guides.

Using garden wall material where retaining wall is needed will lead to wall failures. Garden wall, unlike retaining wall, is not manufactured to withstand a barring load thus causing failure when used in a retainage application. Additionally, make sure you are installing the product per the manufacturer's guidelines. Proper base material is essential to the longevity of your hardscape.

So the next time you decide to purchase hardscape system for your landscape, make sure you know what you're getting. Don't be fooled into a garden wall, when you actually need a retaining wall.