Many homeowners find it challenging to properly landscape outdoor spaces when their yards are multi-level, sloped, or uneven. In situations like these, we find retaining walls to be extremely valuable, multi-purpose additions to backyards, front yards, garden beds, and more.
Pavertime specializes in crafting custom retaining walls for outdoor areas of all shapes and sizes in Houston, including retaining walls with integrated steps and stairs.
Let’s review some must-know tips for installing a retaining wall with steps and explore how a custom retaining wall could serve as a functional, aesthetically-pleasing addition to your yard.
Why Install a Retaining Wall with Steps?
There are many reasons why a Houston homeowner may choose to install a retaining wall with steps. Standard walls can add seating to an outdoor space, create a clearer definition between outdoor living areas, and even help prevent soil erosion. However, if your yard slopes, a traditional retaining wall may not be the most suitable solution for your space.
Incorporating steps into your wall design can help create easier pathways through an uneven outdoor area while adding visual intrigue to your space. For example, steps can help guests and homeowners traverse garden beds, pool areas, and walkways, which makes them highly versatile additions to most outdoor living areas.
Key Considerations Before You Start
If you’re thinking about installing a retaining wall, there are a few things you should keep in mind before you begin the process.
1. Planning and Design
It’s important to carefully plan and design your retaining wall based on the needs of your unique space. A professional contractor like Pavertime can help you select the right style of wall and steps, as well as help you map out the appropriate side to side layout for your yard.
The specifications of your yard will determine how many steps you need, so it’s important to have a solid game plan in place before anyone attempts to begin construction. This planning process is also crucial to ensure your final wall complies with any local building codes in your municipality.
2. Base Material Selection
Materials matter to ensure the longevity and durability of your retaining wall. At Pavertime, we specialize in crafting walls from high-quality stone pavers that come in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and finishes.
Unlike traditional concrete blocks, stone pavers do not have hollow cores, which makes them more sturdy, secure, and safe than other low-cost materials. You will also need to select appropriate stair treads that will enhance the safety of your steps while complementing the overall aesthetic of your wall.
3. Drainage
Proper drainage is another crucial consideration for any retaining wall in Houston, particularly for those with built-in steps. Retaining walls without any drainage features can pose a major safety hazard for homeowners and visitors alike.
For example, if water pools on your stone steps, there is a significant risk of slip-and-fall accidents that could cause unwanted injuries. Additionally, if water accumulates behind a retaining wall, it can cause soil erosion and compromise the structural integrity of the wall over time.
To prevent the negative consequences of poor drainage, Pavertime incorporates permeable pavers into our patio designs and constructions. These pavers are specifically designed to improve drainage and mitigate the potential harm caused by excess water during rainy seasons.
When placed into your space, permeable paver surfaces include large gaps that allow water to flow freely through the surface and into the ground below. The result is preventing the accumulation of unwanted water on the surface.
Find Expert Support Installing a Retaining Wall with Steps
If you’re ready to add a retaining wall with steps to your outdoor space, Pavertime is the partner you need to get the job done right the first time. Our high-quality materials, superior craftsmanship, and unparalleled industry expertise all contribute to making Pavertime one of the most praised and trusted patio contractors in the Houston area.
Our work is built to last and designed according to the unique specifications of your one-of-a-kind outdoor space. Reach out today for your free quote, and let’s take the next step on your landscaping journey together.
