Concrete Retaining Wall Archives

You have been staring at your landscaping and have come to the conclusion that it needs some work. For residences it could be children grew up or arrived or grandchildren now come to visit. Your tastes have changed. Your lifestyle is different by retirement or remote working. Your pastimes are different. For commercial operations, the plants are looking bedraggled or it is just time for a change.

Whatever the reason, it is always best to work with a professional landscape design company here in Calgary.

At Project Landscape we always start with a plan. We discuss the ideas and dreams of our clients and spend time looking at the site. We will probably take measurements and assess the plants and hardscaping that currently exists. From that information we begin to develop the appropriate plans. This usually involves a sketch.

We also start talking about plants and how they will integrate with the current architectural design, utilities and property lines, terrain and how you want your property to look when the work is done. We discuss budget and offer alternatives.

If you are not sure what you would like to have in your garden, we usually suggest that you drive around the neighbourhood and make notes of what you do or do not care for. The color palate you prefer. In Calgary we have a number of different trees, shrubs and perennials that will thrive in our climate and soils. We can help you decide so that you have varieties that will do well through the growing season. Large items like trees should be considered for decades rather than a season and to plan for their growth and spread.

At Project Landscape we are professional landscapers in Calgary. Each crew is supervised to provide our clients with the best possible outcome. We have built our reputation on following through with our commitments and quality workmanship.

For either commercial or residential clients, walkways and patios are a popular option. There are a number of materials to choose from like pave stones, exposed aggregate, and stamped concrete. We work with you to decide the amount of traffic the area will take and how the materials will coordinate with the plants. We can replicate or harmonize those materials with seating areas, retaining walls, and other surfaces.

Another area we concern ourselves with is the edging around the planting sites. Defining the edges of your garden and blooms is very important to the overall appearance of the landscape. We have options like a natural edging or creating berms with wood mulch. There is also stack stone or natural stone that will tie into the paths or driveway. One of the most popular choices is mowing pavers. These are nice because your mower can just travel across them without harm to the paving or the mower blades.

So, if you are ready to embark on a new landscaping adventure, just contact us at Project Landscape. We are happy to come and see your area and discuss all the possibilities. Our rates are reasonable and competitive and we have lots of ideas to share with you.

Retaining walls serve two purposes. The first is structural to provide support to a vertical or steep slope. The retaining wall will shore up the soil and prevent further erosion. The second is the aesthetic of a landscape. It can create a small garden or quiet area for respite. It can coordinate or enhance the current landscape by providing a hardscape contrast.

Retaining walls can be constructed using a number of colors, dimensions, styles and materials. They can be incorporated into raised patios or bridge gaps between levels of a yard. Constructed correctly they are able to resist the lateral pressure of the soil and prevent damage to trees and structures.

One good choice for a retaining wall is one made from concrete. There are, of course, advantages to other material usage, but here are some specific to concrete.

Strength – Concrete is incredibly strong, which is what you are looking for when you are trying to hold back a hill of dirt. As the concrete completes the curing process, it will become even stronger.
Durability – A concrete wall can last for decades or longer. This is important because you really don’t want to have it rebuilt every few years.
Resistance to the Elements – A concrete retaining wall won’t burn, rot, or rust. Precast concrete can also withstand the freeze and thaw cycles found in Calgary’s winters.
Installation – Masonry will take time and the additional labor will mean additional cost.
Flexibility – Using concrete means you can create curves and angles with very little trouble. It gives the ability to contour to the land and to create an area that will be harmonious with the other surroundings.
Appearance – Concrete is no longer the boring, smooth, gray rock. You can color the concrete to whatever shade you want. It can be finished to look like stone or a natural stone veneer added to the face.
Low Maintenance – There is not much to cleaning. About once a year just tidy it up a bit. Periodically check for any cracks or wear. Patching is simple with some mortar.
Eco-friendly – Concrete does not emit any off gas allergens or dangerous chemicals. It is largely made from natural materials like clay, limestone, or other mineral. Normally the raw products are sourced locally.
Affordable – As compared with other building materials, concrete for a retaining wall is in about the middle of the price range. That means you will be getting the best value for the money you spend.

There are three basic types of concrete wall construction. There are concrete blocks, precast panels, or traditional poured in place. You can choose the method that fits your situation and pocketbook.

If you would like to learn more about concrete retaining walls, just contact us through this website or give us a call. We will be happy to discuss your situation. If you like, we can come to your home or business to view the space and offer our opinion and estimate.