4 Smart Strategies to Slash Retaining Wall Costs in Your Garden Design
Photographed by Marnie Hawson
Retaining walls can be one of the biggest unexpected expenses when landscaping your new home. They often consume a large portion of your budget and may not always enhance the aesthetic appeal of your garden. However, with some clever planning and design strategies, you can significantly reduce the cost of retaining walls while still creating a beautiful outdoor space. Here are my expert tips to help you save money on retaining walls.
1. Rethink Site Cut
One of the most common mistakes homeowners make is accepting the site cut as-is after the house construction. This often leads to unnecessary retaining walls. Instead:
Reassess your site cut after building completion
Look for ways to manipulate soil levels
Aim to eliminate or reduce the size of retaining walls
2. Embrace Natural Solutions
Consider alternatives to traditional retaining walls that can be both cost-effective and visually appealing:
Use rock batters with plants to soften the look
Create planted slopes where plant roots help stabilize the soil
Implement terracing for larger spaces
3. Keep Retaining Walls Low
If you must use retaining walls, keep them as low as possible:
Aim for terraces under 1 meter in height
This approach often reduces costs and may eliminate the need for council permits
4. Material Selection Matters
Explore different materials that can be both practical and attractive:
Consider Corten Steel for its strength, durability, and aesthetic appeal
It often out performs timber retaining walls and is termite-resistant
Corten steel is ideal for sites with limited access
By implementing these strategies, you can save money on retaining walls without compromising on the beauty of your garden. Remember, the key is to start planning your garden design early in the home-building process to maximize cost savings and create a harmonious outdoor space that complements your new home. If you would like to learn more watch my free 15min Training.
Need help choosing the best retaining wall solution for your garden? Join my Design Your Dream Garden online course it really does pay for itself!
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