Landscape Fix

Having the perfect driveway is crucial if you want to leave an impactful first impression of your dream home on anyone visiting or passing by. However, many homeowners often overlook their driveway when doing remodeling projects. As a result, they settle for something dull and monotonous as long as it serves its purpose. We’re here to tell you it doesn’t have to be like that.

There is an excellent variety of driveway materials from asphalt to concrete, grass bed to mosaic glass to cater to your preference and design tastes without breaking the bank. This article will discuss the most popular driveway types and some necessary information every homeowner needs to know!

The Importance of Curb Appeal

First impressions are important, and the same applies to your dream home. A beautiful and well-maintained driveway can easily add style and improve your house’s curb appeal.

Different types of driveway surfaces can change the whole look of your home. In contrast, choosing the wrong style could make your house look unappealing, drab, and outdated.

Colors and exterior details need to match the period of your house, and it should be the same with your chosen driveway or walkway, given that it is what leads people to your home. Typically, you would want it to be attractive, homey, and welcoming.

If you have plans to sell your house sometime in the future, chances are any potential buyer will be discouraged to even step a foot inside if your home doesn’t look visually appealing from the outside. Keep in mind that your driveway plays a crucial role in their first impression of the property.

A driveway in poor condition will devalue your home, as potential buyers might see the extra cost involved in fixing the driveway and its needed extra maintenance right away. It is your responsibility to keep your driveway looking at its prime.

Types of Driveways

To give you a brief background, the trend of driveways began in the second half of the 19th century. Before, gravel was the most popular surfacing material, while brick, stone, and flagstone were popular alternatives.

When motorized vehicles became the norm in the 20th century, driveways and back alley access became needed in many homes. Asphalt and concrete grew to be widely popular choices shortly thereafter. Today, homeowners can choose from many types and materials for their driveway needs.

1. Concrete Driveway

Concrete, which is considered one of the most popular types of driveway, is costly, but you can count on its durability for a very long time. This means extra savings on your part as you won’t have to get repairs or have a new one installed for many years to come.

Appearance-wise, it also offers a variety of appearances as it can be stamped or dyed a particular color of your own choice. Concrete can be ground down and top coated to change color or texture in the future.

However, like most solid surfaces, concrete can be affected by the quality of installation. While a properly installed concrete slab will last a lifetime, a thin, uneven pour over a substandard base will be prone to crack and move over time. The base prep is critical in all solid surface applications.

Concrete is prone to staining. If you change the oil in your vehicle while it’s parked in the driveway, you need to be extra careful not to spill a drop. If you spill oil on a concrete driveway, it will leave a stain that is very difficult to remove.

2. Asphalt Driveway

Asphalt is another popular material for driveways as it can be installed relatively quickly by a professional crew, and it is cheaper than concrete. More so than with concrete, asphalt relies heavily on the base prep, so don’t cut corners when hiring a contractor; make sure that the base will be solid or your asphalt driveway will fail in short order.

Their vibrant black appearance also makes your driveway look neat and presentable. But do take note that asphalt only comes in one color, limiting your customization choices. The material needs to be resealed often, at least once every four years.

Fortunately, it isn’t too difficult to do minor repairs and seal an asphalt driveway yourself. If you are handy and don’t mind some outdoor work, you can surely handle asphalt maintenance yourself.

3. Clay Brick Driveway

Brick has been used as a paving material since ancient times and will undoubtedly give your driveway a classic, timeless look. It is available in a wide variety of colors, so you are free to customize it just the way you like!

Homeowners can also count on its durability for a long time, and it’ll look perfect in historical homes and high-end houses. However, keep in mind that bricks may cost you more than other materials.

The downside of brick is that each individual brick can move on its own, so base preparation is critical. Also, brick is not as well suited to freezing climates as freezing temperatures can damage the bricks, and the bricks can catch the edge of snowplows.

4. Gravel Driveway

A popular, inexpensive option, gravel driveways are readily available everywhere. Generally, they can be installed easily and quickly, so you can use them immediately. This rocky surface can also be the base, so installation can often be a one-step process.

Given that this material is available in a wide range of colors, you will have a sense of freedom in customizing your dream driveway. Gravel is dug out of pits and will vary depending on the source and location. It is typically a mix of sizes installed and compacted in the same form as excavated out of the ground.

Drainage is essential for gravel driveways, as is base prep. Any loose soils should be removed before gravel installation, or the soft ground will push up through the gravel over time.

Gravel driveways that are well-drained and compacted over hardpan are durable and long-lasting and will likely only need a bit of topdressing and re-grading over the years. On the other hand, gravel driveways built in wet areas or over a soft base will require regular dressing and grading to eliminate potholes.

Gravel can be problematic in snowy regions as snowplows and snowblowers tend to move the gravel.

5. Dirt Driveway

This is what you get in the absence of a driveway. Many a dirt driveway was started when the first automobile crossed a grassy field to get from the road to the house. It is the simplest and cheapest option as it takes no prep at all.

The only time a dirt driveway will serve you well is if you are out in the country where your neighbors won’t mind the look and if your ground is very firm and well-drained. Dirt driveways are very prone to rutting and erosion, so a light rain can turn your dirt driveway into a slip and slide.

6. Crushed Stone Driveway

While a crushed stone driveway is very similar to gravel in most ways, the stone used is a bit different. A crushed stone driveway is constructed using crushed stone. Rather than using gravel of various sizes and comprised of rounder stones, crushed stone drives are installed using a stone that is mechanically crushed to a particular size, which creates jagged shapes and dust.

Crushed stone driveways can be constructed using any stone that can be crushed, so limestone, granite, basalt of any other stone will work well.

As with gravel driveways, the crushed stone driveway is not particularly well suited for use in snowy areas where snow plows and snow blowers will tend to move the stone around.

7. Cobblestone Driveway

The sight of a driveway made of cobblestone is a tale as old as time. This classic material offers a variety of designs to choose from, which improves your home’s visual perspective appeal.

Homeowners can also count on cobblestone’s durability, given that it is made using natural stone blocks and will last indefinitely. As with other individual stone or brick driveways, the flatness and durability of the driveway will depend mainly on the base preparation.

No matter how good the base, like brick, individual cobbles can move independently of each other, so heaving in the wintertime and general movements can be expected. Also, like brick, cobbles will catch shovels and plows and may make snow clearing more difficult.

8. Green Lawn Driveway

Green lawn driveways are a popular alternative to traditional asphalt or concrete pavers. Typically, when you see a driveway that appears to be grass, it is actually grass growing through concrete or plastic blocks or gridwork that holds the soil in place and allows the grass to grow.

By providing a rigid structure to hold soil and take the weight of vehicles, these blocks will allow the grass to survive when an average lawn would simply turn to dirt.

Grass driveways are only recommended for light use areas, as daily heavy use will result in dead grass.

9. Interlocking Concrete Pavers Driveway

Interlocking pavers are composed of cement or concrete, shaped to fit together with other pavers of the same sort. As a result, they are as strong as concrete yet as easy to install as brick. The interlocking pavers come in a wide variety of colors and shapes and can resemble real stone or natural brick. Some are truly interlocking, which provides more stability, while others are simply brick or block-shaped.

As with brick or cobblestone, the finished driveway is only as solid as the base beneath. And like brick and cobbles, snow removal can be problematic.

10. Tar and Chip Driveway

While this material is not the most common pick, driveways made of tar and chip material are becoming more popular by the day. Also known as chip sealed driveway, this driveway type serves as a cost-effective alternative to asphalt paving, and it also gives homeowners an excellent surface for traction.

This type of paving appears similar to asphalt but with a different installation process. In particular, layers of gravel are arranged in a sequence, with hot liquid bitumen asphalt and more loose stone laid over the surface before being compressed. It also has other names, such as seal chip, macadam, chip-and-seal, or liquid asphalt and stone.

While you’re not required to spend a fortune on this driveway type, it needs more upkeep than other options. Consider covering your tar-and-chip driveway with a thin under-layer of concrete to boost longevity and possibly save money in the long run.

11. Recycled Glass Driveway

While a recycled glass driveway is an odd material choice, this makes for an attractive and handy solution. Don’t worry; it isn’t made of ordinary glass, so it won’t cut up your tires!

The recycled glass material will be professionally altered and resin-sealed, making it as strong as possible. When sealed with resin, your glass driveway can be used for a long time without recurring issues, and this makes it a cost-effective pick for many homeowners.

Given that it is made of recycled materials, your driveway will also be environmentally-friendly. Repurposing discarded glass from a local landfill is a great way to contribute to a greener planet.

Furthermore, this driveway type also requires little maintenance when installed properly. There are also several available color options, giving you the freedom to tailor a recycled glass driveway to your liking.

12. Exposed Aggregate Driveway

One of the biggest trends in modern driveways is exposed aggregate. This material is available in a variety of sizes and hues. With the wide range of choices, you will have a great selection of unique and attractive driveways to complement your property.

It also creates a non-slip sealed surface that requires little to no upkeep and can last for over a decade. Comprised of unique aggregates that are exposed on the surface with particular concrete mixes, the concrete surface has smooth-textured stones and pebbles. This is basically a poured concrete driveway with the aggregate exposed on the top layer to make it more interesting.

In comparison, a smooth concrete finish has a visible surface mostly made up of concrete fines or tiny concrete particles. Also, the typical dark grey of the exposed surface has the characteristic dull grey color of concrete.

13. Flagstone Driveway

Renowned for its distinctive appearance & unique look, this driveway type makes for a great choice if you want to improve the aesthetic appeal of your property. This material, however, requires more time and care to install than concrete or asphalt. Individual stones are placed together in a pattern, or a random puzzle piece look.

When building a driveway out of flagstone, the individual stone pieces need to be large and thick to avoid them moving around and cracking when cars drive over them. These would often be laid on crushed stone bases or can be mortared onto a concrete base.

Shapes of Driveways

Aside from choosing your driveway material, there are various things to consider, including your budget, intended purpose or usage, and the design or shape of your driveway.

Keep in mind that a well-designed and properly installed driveway will significantly improve not only your home’s curb appeal but also your property value.

Your preferred driveway design poses some practical implications. Hence, it’s best to decide after considering all the pros and cons.

Here are some helpful guidelines to help you choose the best driveway shape to fit your needs:

• Straight Driveway – Straight driveways are the most common choice, and they give a direct route to the property. This type of driveway is straightforward to make, and you can even opt to lay and install it yourself as it doesn’t require much planning. It’s suitable for small properties without much room to spare. And when it comes to appearance, this design is geometric, clean, and modern. It’s the perfect choice for modern houses!
• Circular Driveway – If you have extra space on your property, circular driveways may be the best choice! This design will take up a large area, so it’s best to ensure that you have the proper calculations and dimensions. A circular-shaped driveway means a steady flow of vehicles, and there’s no double parking or backing up near the door. The central area within a circular driveway can also be utilized in several other ways or landscaped– the possibilities are endless!
• Semi-circular Driveway – Compared to circular driveways, semi-circular driveways take up less space while providing a stunning look at the same time. Semi-circular driveways are ideally suited for large properties situated on very busy roads. This design also provides a stronger safety guarantee, given that drivers won’t be required to back out right into a busy road. Instead, they can keep a clear view at all times.
• L-shaped Driveway – The bottom segment of an L-shaped driveway can take the vehicle through the bottom and then straight up to the parking or garage area. This design is especially helpful if you have a long, narrow entrance to your property, with a garage on the left or right. Cars won’t be parked right in front of homeowners’ viewpoints, and they won’t take up valuable space that could be used for soft landscaping or a recreation area instead.
• Curved Driveway – Curved driveways are probably the most aesthetically appealing type of driveway and are often necessary for properties with many trees or other obstacles to avoid. A well-planned curved driveway can add character and intrigue to a property. Whether your property is far away from the main road, or you simply want to use a curve for the added curb appeal, this design allows you to be as creative as possible!
• U-Shape Driveway – U-shaped driveways are quite practical for daily use if you have extra space on your property. This design also has the potential to improve and transform the visual appeal of your front yard landscape. Given the driveway’s unusual shape, you will have a lot of room to work on getting creative and building eye-catching elements. Undoubtedly, this driveway shape will make your property stand out in the neighborhood.
• S-shaped driveways – S-shaped driveways are convenient and serve as a safe solution for building a driveway on a gradual incline or downslope. Not only does it slow down the vehicle approach and ensure the safety of any oncoming pedestrian, but it will also create a beautiful approach to the property from a design standpoint. If your house has a sloping entrance, you should seriously consider a “stepped” or winding approach for vehicles and pedestrians. S-shaped driveways are suited to properties with large lots.
• Y-Shape Driveway – As the name suggests, a Y-shaped driveway will take on the shape of its namesake letter. It will have a one-street entrance, with the driveway going two places. This is a less common driveway shape, but it has great use for homeowners. The Y-shaped driveway splits into two ways, one heading to the garage and the other to a walkway going to the front entrance. If you have more than one garage on your property or an extra space to park a boat or an RV, it’s best to consider installing this driveway shape. It could also be helpful if there is a natural or man-made feature in your way or when you need to break the driveway up.

Other Considerations

Aside from the layout and material choices, here are some other considerations every homeowner needs to keep in mind when installing a driveway:

Gradient and Width

The natural geography of your land will heavily influence your driveway’s gradient. If you’re planning to install a driveway, it’s best to strive for a slope that’s neither too steep nor too flat to ensure proper drainage.

A fully flat driveway may have poor drainage, resulting in water accumulating on the surface. On the other hand, a steep driveway may become overly slippery in inclement weather, especially if the surface isn’t properly designed. Curves can help minimize the slope, and filling in the middle of a level driveway allows water to run down on both sides.

Another important consideration is the width of your planned driveway. There are likely minimum and maximum requirements for each, so consult with your neighborhood first but then consider the vehicles that will be coming and going.

Installing a narrow driveway will save space and money, but a narrow curving drive will encourage careless drivers to drive off of the side of your driveway and create ruts.

Keep in mind that the safety of your property’s entrance is determined by the gradient and width of your driveway.

Ease of Access

Ease of access should be among the top considerations when planning a driveway for your home. Typically, you would want to install a driveway that creates a safe, convenient, and easy entry and exit.

Do note that this factor is especially important if your property is located on a busy or narrow street with limited visibility.

The size of your property will also have a significant impact on what you can do to improve access, but your chosen design can also help improve your home’s visual perspective.

Some methods to make your driveway safer are straying away from planting tall bushes and trees, lowering the height of your fence, and installing adequate lighting.

Trees, Shrubbery, and Utilities

Any driveway excavation may potentially damage existing roots, as well as any underground utility connections to your property. Always have the property marked for utilities before any excavation. It is also a good idea to plan your driveway around any important shrubs or trees that may be damaged during installation.

Adding biodiversity to your property will undoubtedly add more value and improve curb appeal. Fortunately, local experts can advise you regarding the correct planting for trees and shrubs that won’t send the roots into your new driveway.

Choosing a Local Contractor

In any driveway repair, repaving, or construction project, it is strongly advised to hire a professional contractor. A reputable company with strict design specifications, procedures, and trusted installation techniques can ensure high-quality results.

Other things you need to consider are obtaining several quotes for your driveway project, calling previous client references for validation, and visiting the previous installation and work sites by your chosen company if you have the time.

It’s also crucial to verify that the company offers proper liability insurance coverage in case of an accident or injury during the duration of the driveway project.

Subgrade Surface Preparation

The subgrade is an important part of any driveway project, as it acts as a foundation for whatever will go above it. The base must be dug down to hardpan To avoid movement in the solid surface in the future. This means that you must remove all soft friable soils until you reach a fairly solid surface.

This will vary greatly depending on your site. If your ground is very sandy and rocky, removing a bit of topsoil and compacting the base may be all that is needed. On the other hand, if you need your driveway to cross a wet, boggy area, it may require you to pump out all water and excavate deeply to remove the soft ground. Even then, there are some areas where your best bet is to lay down thick layers of geosynthetics under your base to keep the loose, wet mud from mixing with the base stone.

Adequate Driveway Drainage

Poor drainage will reduce the lifespan of your new driveway. As a result, you will be required to do frequent maintenance and repairs. Any permeation will eventually lead to cracks and holes, requiring you to spend money on driveway repairs too soon.

On flat ground, your driveway must have at least a 2% slope and a quarter-inch crown every foot for proper drainage. Drainage considerations also include assessing potential runoff from nearby structures, drains, sidewalks, and patios. Another special consideration is to install pipe cross drains beneath to channel the water under the drive rather than over.

Maintenance

Consider the expense and maintenance required in the upkeep of your driveway when choosing one. Gravel, for example, is less expensive than stone paving, but it will need more maintenance regularly. You might realize that the investment for a pricey yet less maintenance material is worthwhile in the long run.

Below are some general tips to help care for your driveway, regardless of its material or shape design:

• Minimize water on the driveway surface – Clear the sides of the driveway from ground and debris to allow surface water to run off rather than soak in or freeze on your driveway. Also, be sure that runoff from your downspouts is not directed at the driveway.
• Fill any cracks – If you see any cracks or holes in your solid surface driveway, opt to have them fixed right away. Remove loose pieces with a masonry chisel and brush off the debris before applying a crack filler and patching solution. Don’t forget to seal the entire driveway after the compound has dried as well. A well-maintained, smooth, and level driveway can help prevent untimely slipping or tripping accidents when visitors are around.
• Make your driveway crack-proof – As the adage goes, prevention is better than cure. If you don’t want to go through the hassle of regularly filling the cracks on your driveway, you will need to ensure your driveway is built properly. To prevent water from entering, freezing, and cracking in driveways, seal concrete every year and seal asphalt every few years. Tree and plant roots can cause cracks, especially when pushing up from beneath the soil. With that in mind, any trees near driveways should be removed, or their roots clipped away as a remedy.
• Be careful when plowing – Always be aware of your driveway surface to minimize snow removal damage. Areas of heavy snow and snowplows should expect to see plow marks over time, but smaller driveways that are hand cleared should not show wear from the shovel.
• Clean your driveway regularly – Removing stains from solid surface driveways caused by engine oil, radiator fluid, and other similar chemicals can affect more than just your driveway’s appearance. For instance, motor fluids can penetrate concrete up to a quarter-inch and may soften asphalt. Scrub any old stain repeatedly using grease-cutting, biodegradable cleaners and a standard scrub brush.
• Avoid using de-icing chemicals – Be aware that chemical deicers can cause damage to solid surface driveways. Various chemical products with ammonium nitrates and ammonium sulfates are particularly harmful since they chemically attack the concrete. Rock salt (sodium chloride) or calcium chloride might do less damage on your driveway surface, but they may harm live vegetation or corrode nearby metals. Stay away from using any deicers during the first winter after your driveway placement. Do note that new concrete is very susceptible to the harmful effects of salt. If you’re looking for an alternative, you can utilize sand for traction.

Make the most of your property by keeping your driveway clean and well-kept. Not only does it improve curb appeal, but it also makes your drive sturdier than those that are neglected. Remember that little regular upkeep can bring you significant returns later.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest driveway material type?

Assuming that dirt just won’t do it, then gravel and crushed stone are by far the cheapest driveways that you can install for your driveway. They are also some of the quickest to install, and they can be used immediately after installation. Maintenance such as gravel replacement is just one of the few additional costs for using this material.

Despite being budget-friendly, there are still a few downsides to a gravel-made driveway. Gravel driveways produce noise that you or your neighbors may not like, and some of the stones may end up on the road or in your grass, causing more work for you.

What driveway surface is the most popular?

I would say that gravel is the most popular, but concrete is probably the most coveted due to its permanence and relative maintenance-free nature. Asphalt is arguably one of the best contenders for the title because it offers a smooth, hard surface for a lower price than concrete, but it lacks the timeless durability and ease of maintenance.

Will a driveway increase my property value?

Yes, a driveway can increase your property’s value making it worth the investment. If you’re looking for a rough estimate, paving a driveway may increase your home’s value from 5 to 10 percent.

Should base be installed before paving a driveway?

This all depends on the type of driveway you are installing. Obviously, a dirt driveway doesn’t have a base, and the gravel or crushed stone driveway is its own base. If you pour concrete thick enough, it can span almost any poor base material, just like a bridge spans a river, but the cost of concrete often makes this type of installation way too costly for the average homeowner. A solid base is required for a stable and long-term driveway installation for all other driveway materials. Having said that, if your native ground is gravel and sand, then you have a natural base.  

How wide are residential driveways?

The width of a residential driveway will vary depending on if it is a single car or double car driveway. The standard width for a single-car driveway is 9 to 12 feet wide, while a double-car driveway is 20 to 24 feet wide.

Final Thoughts

The perfect driveway design starts with selecting the best material, shape, and other considerations that fit your needs. The drive is also likely to be used daily, so it needs to perform well and ensure optimal safety for everyone.

However, do keep in mind that whatever driveway layout you choose may significantly impact the property’s first impression and appearance.

Also, consider the lifespan you expect out of the driveway and how much maintenance and excess fees you are willing to commit. At the end of the day, it’s your responsibility to strike a balance between appearance, functionality, and safety in installing a new driveway.

Outdoor living rooms have become increasingly popular over the past few years. The combination of people stuck at home and wanting to get out of the house and a bunch of cool, outdoor-ready furniture has made the outdoor living room a must-have landscape feature for many homeowners. The designs and themes are practically endless so that each space can be customized according to its owner’s style and taste.

Not only will an outdoor living room increase your enjoyment of your backyard, but it will also increase the value of your home. The benefits will be more relaxation, more beauty, and more money. This sounds like a good combination. If you think it might be time to begin to consider an outdoor living room for your home, then you’ve come to the right place. This guide is chocked full of good advice and information. We will discuss design considerations, tips, and a few frequently asked questions.

What are Outdoor Living Rooms?

An outdoor living room is a more casual version of your indoor living room, and they serve as a destination point in your property where you can entertain guests or hang out with family. Often, this is set up on patios, pergolas, and gazebos with an extended dining area and an outdoor kitchen.

If you search Youtube for videos on how you can transform your patio into a cozy living space, you won’t be disappointed with the number of results you’ll get. These videos can help you get started in the right direction if you are handy and on a tight budget. However, if your finances permit and you aren’t quite as handy as you would like to be, it may be wise to interview a few contractors or designers before you begin.

As for the designs, you can always search Pinterest, Instagram, and other websites for inspiration. There is also the option of planning your outdoor living room by getting ideas from your housemates or family members. There is no right or wrong here as long as you follow proper building techniques, adhere to local ordinances, and end up with something you enjoy.

What is the Scope of Your Project?

When considering this project, the main questions are: What are you trying to accomplish, and what do you already have? Creating an outdoor living room can be as simple or as elaborate as you and your family would like it to be.

This doesn’t need to be a break-the-bank sort of project. If you already have a patio or deck and a bit of furniture, maybe you just need to add a few pieces of furniture, some speakers, and a bit of a roof? Heck, perhaps one large lounging couch and an outdoor television would suit your style.

On the other hand, if you’ve got bread to burn and want to go all out, you may want to start from scratch and get all the cool options.

Outdoor Living Room Options

Okay, let’s dig into some of the cool options that you have to choose from for your new outdoor living room.

Furniture

 It’s about time you let go of those outdated lawn chairs that leave marks on your legs whenever you sit on them. Outdoor furniture has come a long way over the last few years, so take your time, do a bit of research and get what you need. Keep in mind that longevity and resistance to the weather are two of the most important qualities of outdoor furniture.

When choosing your pieces, consider the construction of the cushions. They should be light, airy, and made of materials that will dry quickly and will not decay with moisture. They make some outdoor couches that are pretty close to what you have inside, but you need to ensure that they shed the water or dry very quickly.

Another consideration is the framework. Most outdoor pieces are made from painted, thin tubular steel, which is light and cheap to produce. The downside is that the lighter the steel, the more prone to breaking. You can undoubtedly find aluminum pieces to avoid the possibility of rust, but again, thin aluminum will be prone to breakage. You can also find wooden pieces, but the type of wood will be very important to longevity.

While most of our shopping might be down online, your outdoor furniture might be something you want to see in person before you lay down your hard-earned cash. Get a feel for how heavy it is, whether it shifts around every time you sit on it, etc.

Below are a few pieces of outdoor furniture that can make your space look relaxing and elegant at the same time:

• Lounge Chair: Lounge chairs are permanently reclined seating options primarily made for relaxing, and it would be hard to use them for productivity since their structure is for leisure and lounging. If you visit furniture stores of big-box retailers, you’ll find various types of lounge chairs, such as the classic chaise lounges, armchairs or recliners, and club chairs.
• Sofa or Couch: Similar to lounge chairs, outdoor couches are meant to bring comfort and relaxation to you and your guests. If you want to lay down and take a nap in your backyard, this might be just the piece you are need.
• End or Accent Table: End or accent tables are meant to be placed at the end of your couch to primarily hold some décor or perhaps an icy drink and some snacks.
• Coffee Table: As its name suggests, this outdoor table acts as a surface to hold snacks and drinks or maybe a laptop or tablet. It is usually situated at the center of your outdoor living room and is often the same height as your sofa cushions.
• Stacking Chairs: Stacking chairs are a must-have if you build an outdoor living room for big gatherings but don’t want to add any fixed features. These chairs can be stacked when not in use so that they won’t take up much space, and you can even store them inside.
• Hammock: Hammocks not only serve as extra seating, but they also give your outdoor living room that very relaxed, “kick your shoes off and stay awhile” vibe. Unless you have big trees right there in your outdoor living room, you will need a hammock that comes with its own frame. Be aware that while hammocks can be the ultimate nap spot, they can be a bit treacherous for the elderly or the young who don’t have much hammock experience. We wouldn’t want to see grandma flipping out of the hammock when trying to sit down.
• Cooler Table: A cooler table is a handy piece of furniture to add to your outdoor living space if you want to skip trips inside your home when you run out of drinks. It serves as a drink cooler and a table at the same time. How can you go wrong with that?

Patio and Deck Coverings

Covering your outdoor living space makes it possible to use it more since it allows you to control the environment a bit more. Keep in mind that anytime you are installing roofs, umbrellas, or awnings, you are basically setting a big sail in your yard to catch the wind. Consider your location and wind when deciding whether or not one of these solutions will work.

• Umbrellas: The most common and straightforward solution to providing a bit of shade and maybe a windbreak would be an umbrella. There are many options and sizes to choose from, and they are very easy to install. They can often be freestanding, or they can fit into the hole in the center of the patio table. Either way, be sure to pick one with a heavyweight to hold it down.
• Awnings: Awnings are retractable patio coverings that come in various sizes, materials, and shapes. They are often attached to an exterior wall and offer convenient protection from sun and rain, but you do need a solid structure to fasten them to.

• Pergolas: Pergolas come in many shapes and forms and can be custom-made to suit your needs. It is a framework that can have vines growing over it or a roof installed. They can be very delicate and cheaply built and last a season or two or long-term built-in structures. Sinking heavy beams into the ground and installing a metal roof would be one way to give your outdoor space a proper living room feel. These structures can also be fitted with curtains and mosquito netting to keep out the sun and bugs. Again, consider the weight and quality of the structure. You don’t want to find this in your neighbor’s yard after a strong wind.

Entertainment System

Having a quiet, peaceful living room outside is one thing, but having an entertainment area will make it feel more like your living room than sitting out in the yard. Your outdoor entertainment will depend on your likes and how you intend to use your outdoor space. The more high-tech stuff you install, the more breakable this outdoor space will be. Will this area be for large gatherings and parties or just for you and the kids to hang out? Are you trying to get away and be in nature, or are you trying to bring all of the comforts of your living room outside? Be aware that televisions and speakers may require internet connectivity, so plan accordingly.

• Television: Installing a television is a great way to create the proper living room feel. Outdoor televisions come in all different sizes and can be anything from weather-resistant to weatherproof. Be sure to choose the right technology for your sun exposure. There are different types of screens designed for different sunlight levels. You don’t want to spend the money on a television that no one wants to watch because it doesn’t look as good as the one inside. Also, consider the location. Will this television be freestanding on a table or hanging on the wall?
• Projector and Screen: You might want a projector and a screen to achieve an outdoor theatre setup. These will never have the picture quality of a high-def tv, but it is a very cool way for a big group to watch a movie.
• Speakers: Of course, your whole audio-visual setup won’t be complete with outdoor speakers. This can be as simple as a single Bluetooth speaker on a table to a complete surround sound system mounted into the rafters of your pergola. The sound is not likely to be as nice as indoors because there aren’t walls for the sound to bounce off of, but it can be pretty cool to watch your favorite movie in surround sound outside.

Fire / Heat

Adding fire or heat to your outdoor living room will give you the ability to make it more of a group gathering place, as well as take the chill out of those cool spring or fall evenings. Keep in mind that your choice of fire needs to fit with the type of living room you are creating. The more it resembles your indoor living room, the less likely it is to do well with an open fire pit.

• Fireplace: An outdoor fireplace traditionally consists of a firebox and a chimney. However, there are now different heating sources aside from wood that you can use. These are natural gas, ethanol, and electric-powered fireplaces. The three latter options are best if you don’t want to deal with the mess.
• Fire Pit: An outdoor fire pit is an excellent focal point for your outdoor living room since it is often situated in the middle of the seating area. It is very inviting, allowing for a more intimate bonding experience. Keep in mind that large open flames, nicely appointed furniture, and flat-screen televisions may not do well together.
• Space Heaters: There are many shapes, sizes, and types of heaters that you can choose from. Some are much more portable than others, so choose wisely. Keep in mind that heating an outdoor space will work better if protected from the wind.

Lighting

What would your living room be like without lights? Well, if you are planning to use your new outdoor space as a living room, you will need some lights.

• Freestanding: There are plenty of choices for freestanding outdoor-rated lights to choose from. These can be sitting on the end table or be all on their own in the corner.
• Built-In: If you are creating a solid structure pergolas to house your outdoor living room, your lights can be built right into the structure to really make it feel like home. Everything from chandeliers to downlights and rope lighting can give this space accent and function.
• String Lights: If you aren’t planning a structure, you may have nearby trees or shrubs that can be used to hang some rope or string lights. Maybe you can run strings of lights along cables that cross the patio from one tree to the next? There are many types of easy-to-install and economical LED color-changing light sets that can be controlled from your smartphone, so if you want to liven up the look, you might want to consider color.

Decorations

Your outdoor living room would not be complete without some decorations that can give it more character and make it look more “liveable.” Consider some of the following choices.

• Outdoor Rug: Rugs enhance your outdoor living experience by adding color, patterns, texture, and comfort to your space. Unlike indoor rugs, which use light materials, outdoor rugs are often made of durable fibers that can withstand the elements. Some of the best choices for outdoor rug materials are plant fibers like jute, hemp, seagrass, and sisal. Aside from these natural fibers, man-made materials such as polyester and polypropylene can also endure the worst of weather.
• Patio Plants: What’s an outdoor living room without plants, right? To create a lush outdoor space, you must choose the best patio plants. Fan flowers, chrysanthemums, begonias, Mandevilla, marigolds, and herbs top the list of homeowner favorites. Like the potted plant in the corner of your indoor living room, a potted plant can help create a living room feel outside.
• Outdoor Curtains: Outdoor curtains are not only perfect decorations, but they can also serve a lot of functions. For one, if the sun is too hot, they can provide shade to you and your guests. They can also give you more privacy if your neighbors seem too close. Note that outdoor curtains are different from indoor ones. Their materials are mildew-resistant so that they can be used despite the changing weather conditions.
• Throw Blankets: Aside from warming up your guests, throw blankets also add a layer of elegance to your outdoor space. If you plan to have throw blankets, you may also need to plan an area to store them while not in use. Maybe that coffee table can have storage beneath?
• Outdoor Cushions and Pillows: The best outdoor cushions and pillows are made to lock out moisture. Even though they are more expensive than the usual cheap cushions, they are highly durable, so you’ll likely get your money’s worth. Keep in mind that more layers, pillows, and blankets will encourage more animals to create homes in your furniture when you are not using it.
• Wall Accents: What living room would be complete without some art hanging on the walls. You can undoubtedly incorporate some pictures, paintings, or wall art if you have any structure.

Other Accessories:

I know that we are not talking about outdoor kitchens in this article, but everyone knows that a living room needs access to snacks and refreshments.

• Bar Cart: If you’ve invited many people, a tiny cooler table won’t suffice to hold your drinks, and you would need a rolling bar cart to satisfy everyone. Of course, you need to stock it up with rums, flavored vodkas, wine, glasses, reusable straws, etc.
• Refrigerator: Long warm days out in the new living room with easy access to cold beverages sounds like a great setup to me.
• Trash Can: Having an animal-proof trash can will come in handy when having snacks and refreshments in your new living room.
• Furniture Covers: This is one of those accessories that you will live to hate. Good furniture covers will protect your furniture from the elements, but they will also discourage you from using the space because you will need to uncover the furniture first. These covers also provide cover for animals, so don’t be too surprised when you pull off a chair cover to find an animal sleeping in your chair. Also, if you choose to have furniture covers, where will you put them when they are not on the furniture.
• Cabinet/Storage: A weather and rodent-proof storage cabinet will come in handy for often-used items like cups, broom, blankets, furniture covers, etc.
• Outlets: If you are bringing a bunch of technology and electrical devices out to your living space, don’t forget to install some extra outlets for devices and other un-thought of accessories.

12 Benefits of Adding an Outdoor Living Room to Your Property

Is it worth investing time and money into building an outdoor living room? This question is one that you will want to be answered before you begin. Here are a few of the obvious and not-so-obvious benefits of the outdoor living room.

1. Gives You More Space: The primary benefit you’ll get by setting up an outdoor living room is additional functional space. This means that you and your family will have an extra area where you can relax, share a meal, or make conversations. Since you can customize it according to your taste and needs, you can also make it child-friendly or senior-friendly. This way, your kids and grandparents can enjoy sitting outside to enjoy some fresh air and the comforting view of nature.
2. You can Express Your Creativity: What is often overlooked is that the process of building an outdoor living room lets you express your creativity. From planning the layout to choosing the furniture and adding some wall accents, your right brain is getting the stimulation it needs.
3. It can be a Stress Reliever: Having your own quiet, secluded outdoor space may be just what the doctor ordered to relieve the stresses of everyday life. Not to mention that if you build your outdoor living room yourself, you can get some great exercise in the process.
4. It can be Affordable: Many homeowners think that building an outdoor living room is expensive, but it is one of the cheapest landscape changes you can make. Buying furniture and an umbrella can be pretty cheap if you already have the yard, patio, deck, and trees. Consider checking online postings and local rummage sales in some nicer neighborhoods for lightly used furniture of good quality.
5. Increases Your Property Value: If you are planning to sell your property in the future, adding an outdoor living space can raise its value since it is highly functional and adds an aesthetic appeal to your home. Potential buyers always prioritize space whenever looking for properties to buy, so an outdoor living room might be just the thing that attracts them to buy.
6. Flexibility for Entertainment: Tired of entertaining your guests indoors where all you can do is watch Netflix or play some old board game? Well, outdoor living rooms provide more ways to have fun while remaining at home. Also, if you have a large gathering, a bit of extra gathering space is always welcome. From tossing around the football to curling up on the couch and watching a movie, the outdoor living room can be a versatile entertaining area where the kids don’t need to take off their shoes before entering. This can also be a place to invite some of your cigar-smoking friends to enjoy a smoke without worrying about indoor air quality.
7. Improve your Physical and Emotional Wellness: It probably won’t surprise you to hear that sunshine and fresh air can improve your health. Installing an outdoor living room gives you an excellent likelihood of spending more time outside.
8. A Safe Space: If your house isn’t huge, you and your kids may get tired of sharing the living room. If life in the house feels a bit cramped, the outdoor living room can be a safe space for you or your kids to get some alone time and still be comfortable. This could be an excellent place for you and your spouse to get away from the kids for a bit of quiet time while still being home to keep tabs on them. It could also be an excellent spot for kids to hang out with friends and talk about kid stuff away from the prying adult ears.
9. An Easier Entertaining Space: You might not always have the energy to throw a party, especially if it is inside your home. There is a bunch of prep and cleanup needed to throw a party. Well, if you have a well set-up outdoor living room, having a few of the neighbors over for an impromptu little get-together isn’t much of a bother at all.
10. The Perfect Nap Spot: There is nothing better than a quiet nap outside. Especially if no one is making noise and the hot sun is not beating down on you. Think of how nice it will be waking up from a warm afternoon nap in the summer.
11. Perfect Pet Spot: The outdoor living room can be great for your pets that may not be allowed to get close to you in your more formal indoor living area. They say that time spent petting your pets can lower blood pressure.
12. Increased Productivity: The outdoor living room might be just the answer for when you are trying to find a quiet spot in the house to do a bit of office work on your laptop. What could be more peaceful than the quiet outdoors?

7 Considerations Before Creating an Outdoor Living Room

Before you contact a contractor or follow the steps on a Youtube video you watched, you should carefully consider the purpose of your outdoor living room, its size, layout, and some other factors that can affect how it should be built.

1. Purpose: The primary thing that you should keep in mind during the planning phase of your outdoor living room is the purpose it will serve. Will this be for family use, or are you planning to invite many guests? Do you want it to be a quiet and relaxing spot, or do you want it to be the center of activity on your property? Do you have to childproof your outdoor living room or add a corner where kids can do some fun activities while you’re chilling on the couch? These are critical questions to ask yourself since they can significantly impact everything about your outdoor space — from materials used to layout and furniture choice.
2. Size and Shape: The size and shape of your outdoor living room will depend on the activities you plan to host there as well as the number of people you are planning to invite over. It may also be limited by your budget or by your existing landscape features and the size of your yard. You should also consider how this new living space will affect the view from your house. As for the shape, the general rule is to avoid odd layouts where your furniture won’t fit properly, and your guests would have problems navigating around.
3. Layout: Most landscape architects suggest that in designing an outdoor living room, you should exert the same effort as planning your home interior. Think about traffic flow and the usefulness and flexibility of areas. Consider how you and your guests will interact with the site and each other. Too much massive furniture on a small patio will not feel comfortable. Nor will a tiny furniture layout on a large patio.
4. Budget: One of the most common mistakes of many homeowners is not setting up a realistic budget before beginning any construction. Whether you are doing this project yourself or hiring it done, you want to know that costs before you start; it will do you no good to get started just to find out halfway through that you will not have enough money left to finish it properly. This is not to say that you can’t plan around budget shortfalls, but you need to know ahead of time. An outdoor living room can certainly be done in phases; heck, you aren’t tearing apart your house. You could expand the patio one season, add a fireplace and some furniture the next season, and add a television and sound system the third season. As long as you plan ahead, this won’t be a problem.
5. Placing the Room: The best thing about outdoor living spaces is that it allows an unobstructed view of nature or whatever a property has to offer. Thus, in designing your own, make sure that your sitting area can provide a perfect view of the sunrise or sunset, your landscape’s focal feature, or anything interesting that can relax the mind. Also, keep in mind the sun and wind exposure and place the room accordingly.
6. Protection from the Outdoors: Since an outdoor living room is an external area of your home, you must consider its orientation to prevent the harsh sun rays from damaging your furniture or from making it so hot that you can’t use it. You need to consider how to block the wind if that is an issue. You need to consider drainage; the last thing that you want is to put a bunch of new furniture into a spot in the yard that floods when it rains. You might also want to consider the bugs in your area and whether bug protection is necessary. If you have an unlimited budget, glass screens and stacking or bi-folding louvers can make this more like an indoor space if you want.
7. Privacy: Depending on your outdoor living room’s proximity to your neighbor’s home, you may want to build a privacy wall or plant some additional shrubbery. If you are not comfortable in your outdoor living room, you won’t use it, so ensure some privacy if that’s what you desire. Masonry seat walls or decorative walls are a great way to add a bit of solid structure and privacy to your outdoor space.

Common Design Mistakes That You Should Avoid in Creating Your Outdoor Living Space

Choosing between designs and creating an outdoor living room can be overwhelming, especially if there are too many ideas you want to incorporate into your space. To avoid some of the most common pitfalls, please read on. If you’re going to prevent your patio from becoming a mess instead of a liveable outdoor living room, you must be aware of the following mistakes that many homeowners make:

• Making it look like indoors: Replicating your indoor living room in your outdoor space is going a bit far. You won’t feel that you are outdoors if you furnish it with furniture meant for indoor use and then wall it in with glass. A room like this would be better built onto the back of your home and called a sunroom.
• Trying to DIY everything: If you are not the handiest person you know, you will probably want to hire a contractor if you plan a complicated structure or extensive masonry work. If you keep it simple and work with what you have, a handy person shouldn’t have a problem.
• Too much or too little furniture: Adding too much furniture would make your outdoor living space like a yard sale. Meanwhile, being too minimalist in furniture selection can lead to a boring living room instead of a relaxing area.
• Going overboard on decorations: Your space will look cluttered and busy when you hang or install too many decorations. For some reason, people tend to over decorate outdoor areas. If that is your style and that pleases you, then, by all means, live it up.
• Not adding plants: Plants soften the look of your outdoor space. Not adding them can make your outdoor living room look a bit rigid.
• Wrong color choice or combination: Just like inside your home, you will want the colors and textures in your outdoor living room to complement each other, not clash.
• Overbuilding your Existing Structures: Sometimes, we will see the situation where a person decided to build an outdoor living area and made it very detailed and grand, but did it over a very old, cracking, and run-down patio or deck. Don’t sink a bunch of time and money into a failing structure. You want to have the solid structure proper before adding to it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Does it Cost to Build an Outdoor Living Room?

The cost of building an outdoor living room would primarily depend on the hardscapes built, the furniture that will be bought, and some other decorations to make it feel homey and relaxing. There is no definite answer as to how much it costs to build an outdoor living space. However, Home Advisor claims that the average cost of creating an outdoor living space is around $7,670. This would be if you already have the structural elements in place and wanted to dress it up and get some furniture and accessories. For covered, natural stone patios and all of the goodies, you can easily spend $50,000+ depending on size.

How Can You Make Your Outdoor Living Room Look Bigger?

In making your outdoor living room look bigger, you must first and foremost remove all the unnecessary clutter. You can’t do anything with a space that has too much stuff. Once you’ve done this, proceed by moving larger furniture pieces to the outside of the living area to make the center seem more significant.

Can You Make an Outdoor Living Room on a Budget?

Of course, you can. This is assuming that you already have a pre-existing patio or deck that will work. The solid structures are the most costly. Simple furniture choices and umbrellas won’t break the bank, but $10,000 bright sunlight outdoor televisions will.

Is it better to have a deck or a patio for an outdoor kitchen?

This will depend on your budget and your desires. A concrete, stone, or brick patio will be longer-lasting, more formal, and more solid than a wooden deck. A wooden deck will typically be a softer and less harsh feel, since brick and stone are rough and hard. A deck will allow you to refinish it over time to change the look if you desire. A deck will let the wind come up from underneath the furniture, so the patio might be a more comfortable place on a windy, cool day. Most outdoor living rooms are built on a patio simply because the patio allows for installing a larger and more solid room structure.

Final Thoughts

An outdoor living room is a worthy addition to your landscape, especially since it has many proven benefits to your property’s resale value and your lifestyle and health. This space can be a favorite family gathering spot for many years with proper planning and creativity. Spend your efforts on the supporting structures like the patio, pergola, and walls at first. The rugs, furniture, and pillows are all wear items that will need to be replaced over time, so don’t prioritize them as they will be changing with time, while the solid structures will not.

There are so many landscaping elements that are thought to be similar but actually have very different functions. This is especially true for masonry features such as retaining and decorative walls. While this may not be the most exciting topic to explore, there are significant differences that are important to understand when planning out your landscape walls.

I prepared this detailed guide to help you identify a retaining from a decorative wall structure. We will cover their purpose, look, and some of the materials needed to build them. We will discuss the various types and some FAQs that can be useful to you if you are in the process or planning to build one.

Functions

First off, let’s talk about the role of retaining and decorative walls in landscaping. While their functions sometimes overlap, they are built for different reasons. Let’s take a closer look:

Retaining Walls

A Retaining wall is meant to keep the earth in place. As compared to other wall types, it is built to be stronger and sturdier so it can hold dirt and preserve the shape of your landscape. They can help stop erosion and can be used to convert slopes into useable spaces.

Below are some common uses for retaining walls:

• Water Runoff Control: A retaining wall can be a very effective way to change the grades of your yard to channel the water where you want it to go rather than allowing it to take its natural course. Your retaining wall can divert water away from foundations and keep the rain from washing away garden dirt.
• Slope Solutions: People who have steep slopes in their yard often struggle with getting plants to thrive on the hillside, which all too often results in erosion problems. Many times, a steeply sloped, unusable sloped area of the yard can be converted into a beautiful and functional terraced garden or even a sitting area.
• Seating: If you are hosting a large gathering, you inevitably run out of seats. Retaining walls can serve as overflow seats depending on their location and height.
• Visual Interest: Retaining walls can be used to create raised beds anywhere in your yard, so even if your yard is flat as a pancake, you can use a retaining wall to create a beautiful raised planting bed.
• Lighting Solution: Retaining walls are an excellent way to set up lighting for your yard. It may not be economically feasible to install a retaining wall just to have some lights. But, if you need a wall anyway or already have a retaining wall, it’s fairly easy to add low volt or line voltage lighting to a retaining wall.
• Maximizing Space: Installing berms and contours in your yard is an excellent way to enhance your landscape, but sometimes you just don’t have enough room to blend in a large berm. Never fear; a well-placed retaining wall can allow you to create a berm of any size and limit its spread on any side you’d like through the use of a retaining wall. Also, if your house is backed up against a slope with a sliver of a backyard, you can dramatically increase your living space by moving that hill back using a retaining wall.

Decorative Walls

Any other wall that is not retaining the earth is considered a decorative wall. This includes garden walls, seating walls, privacy walls, etc. Although each of these has its own purpose, if we think about it, they are primarily built to add character and visual appeal to your landscape.

Below are some common uses for decorative walls:

• Privacy: When you throw a party or a family gathering, you surely do not want the prying eyes of your neighbors to make your guests uncomfortable. If your yard is wide open to the neighbors, a well-placed privacy wall can make all of the difference. Privacy walls are also a great way to block the prevailing winds and give yourself some nice calm, warm areas in your yard.
• Mood and Aesthetic: A well-planned decorative wall serves as an aesthetic element to your lawn and can also be the focal point of your landscape. Depending on the theme you are going for, it can change the mood of your area.
• Seating: Similar to retaining walls, decorative walls can also provide overflow seating once you invite friends over. Some great examples of these are low walls that accentuate your firepit or patio.
• Division: Decorative walls can be a great way to segment your yard into separate and intriguing areas. Being able to view your entire yard is great for tossing around a football, but if you want an interesting yard, you need some division and intrigue. Use a gently curving wall to lead a path from one planting area to the next, use it to outline a special perennial bed, or use it to back a quiet seating area at the edge of the yard.
• Vertical Gardening: Decorative walls can be more than just privacy or seating structure. They can also be used to garden vertically. Some homeowners opt to plant at its base for a more natural look, while others go for affixing planter boxes and baskets to the wall.

Retaining Wall Basics

Compared to decorative walls, retaining walls can be quite a bit more complicated to install. Here are some of the important basic rules that should be applied to any retaining wall construction.

• Drainage: The most destructive force on a retaining wall is water. There are two ways that water can destroy a retaining wall.
  • Water Flow: Enough water flow can wash out the soil behind the wall and cause its failure. The ground behind the retaining wall must be graded to slope away from the wall. If you cannot pitch the soil away from your wall, then your wall is simply not high enough.
  • Freezing: Water held in the soil behind a retaining wall will freeze when the temperature drops low enough. When wet soil freezes, it expands. This expansion is a powerful force that will push any wall forward. This is not usually a one-season occurrence, but the wall will be pushed out a bit each time it freezes. Eventually, given enough time, the wall will fail. This is the most common failure that I see in retaining walls. To avoid this failure, you must pitch the ground away from the top of the wall, so water doesn’t flow behind the wall. In addition to this, every retaining wall must be installed with drainage behind it. Different walls require different drainage, but drain tile at the bottom behind the wall, backfill with washed stone, and geosynthetic fabric is pretty standard. Depending on the layout of the wall, it may also require seep holes out the front to alleviate the water. Adequate drainage behind a wall will remove the water to alleviate any freezing concerns.
• Back Pitch: Most retaining walls other than some of the largest concrete and steel commercially installed walls need to be installed with a back pitch so that the weight of the wall material holds it in place.
• Footings: Depending on the installation and your area, the wall may require some type of footing or bottom trench to help tie the wall into the existing soil. Like any patio or walkway, a retaining wall must be built on a solid foundation. All soft, friable material must be cleared away before construction, or the wall will move over time. If you are in an area of the world where the ground freezes, you will want to be sure that any mortar and concrete set walls that you build have a sufficient footing under them to avoid them being cracked by frost heave. It is usually recommended that this footing extend down below the frost line, and in my area of Wisconsin, this is four feet. Dry-stacked walls are often popular in colder regions because they will move with the frost, and no damage will occur.
• Engineering: Most commercially available retaining wall blocks will require engineering plans if they reach over four feet high. Always follow manufacturers’ specifications for the wall that you are installing.
• Limits: Under most conditions, a wall shorter than four feet won’t need special engineering specifications as long as it is built according to the water flow and drainage principles. There is really no limit to how high a retaining wall can be built, but an inexperienced wall builder should not cross the four-foot limit.
• Height Matters: When planning and building a wall, material choice, proper drainage, and height are the most critical aspects. A typically constructed block wall above four feet will require a step-back greater than the height of the wall below and typically geosynthetics sandwiched between layers of the wall to tie it to the slope. Another way to offset wall height is to increase the size of the material. Enough mass and back pitch can also overcome height challenges

Decorative Walls

The appearance of a decorative wall will depend on its type. But as its name suggests, they are primarily installed for their aesthetic impact on the landscape. They are usually low walls measuring about 18 to 30 inches. They can be built using almost any material that will support its own weight. Since they aren’t holding back any soils, they only need to support themselves. Once again, the taller the wall, the more solid footing they will need.

Examples of Retaining Walls

There are as many types of retaining walls as there are possible materials.

Gravity Retaining Wall

This is considered the most basic type of retaining wall since it only uses weight and mass to keep the soil in place. These walls are based on logic. Enough mass in front of the soil will hold back the ground. It’s simple physics. Walls like this have been built for many generations. The most popular materials for these walls are whatever large stone materials are available locally. Historically, more than today, the weight of rock has limited the ability to move it, so large boulder and stacked rock walls were typically built using local rock. When installed properly, these walls are some of the most long-lived walls because they do not rely on man-made materials; they depend on rock and gravity. While most of these walls have been built of rock, gravity walls can and have been constructed using many different materials such as; large sandbags, stacked tires filled with soil, plastic drums filled with sand, and many more. These container-style materials are typically referred to as gabions. They don’t need to be fancy, just heavy.

Manufactured Block Retaining Walls

These have become very popular due to their simple building block style. Many are installed every year by homeowners and professionals alike. They are relatively straightforward to install, but the basic rules of wall building must be followed, and as stated earlier, manufacturers’ recommendations and specifications must always be followed. If these walls fail, it is almost always due to faulty installation methods, not due to product failure. Many are built using geosynthetics to tie them to the wall, and many are fastened together layer by layer using construction adhesive. While most of these are strong due to the engineering and correct installation, some commercial manufactured block walls are so heavy and large that they are basically gravity walls.

Cantilevered Retaining Wall

Cantilevered retaining walls are really only installed when a large amount of fill is being moved. They are made of steel-reinforced, poured concrete, and are L-shaped  The bottom of the L is under the weight of the soil that the back of the L is supporting. The ground above holds the slab so that the wall won’t tip forward. The success of this wall depends on gravity, but mainly on the structure of the L. These walls can be poured on-site or manufactured off-site and transported to the site.

Sheet Piling Retaining Wall

Sheet piling retaining walls are historically constructed of contoured steel pilings. The steel pilings are driven into the ground with specialized heavy equipment, and they are interlocked with each other as they are installed. They can be installed to support almost any wall height as long as the pilings are built thick enough, and they can be driven into the ground far enough to offset the weight behind them. Because they are made from steel and are interlocking, the chance of them pushing forward is very limited. The weakness of these walls is that they are built from steel, which will eventually corrode and fail.  It is possible to construct a driven piling wall using timbers and also vinyl, but timbers aren’t interlocking and are very difficult to drive accurately, while vinyl pilings are typically only used as break walls in areas where excavation can be used to install them, and they prevent erosion more than retain soil.

Timber Retaining Walls

These retaining walls were popular prior to the advent of the manufactured block walls. They can be built using any sort of wooden timbers, but the most prevalent wall materials were pressure treated timbers and re-purposed railroad ties. They were usually alternately staked and tied together using spikes and rebar for stability. Since they are not heavy, they rely on angles and buried wall sections to hold them in place. If a relatively straight timber retaining wall was created, “deadmen” were installed to tie the wall into the earth behind it. Deadmen are typically timber installed perpendicular to the wall, between layers, and spiked into the wall above and below it. The back of the deadman is dug into the ground behind the wall and would usually have a cross piece spiked to the end to ensure that it won’t pull out of the ground.

Poured Concrete Retaining Walls

Countless poured walls have been installed over the years, as concrete has been a go-to construction material for many years due to its design flexibility and extreme strength. Concrete walls can be engineered to retain any sort of wall. When in doubt, just add more concrete. Talk about the ultimate retaining wall; most dams are built using concrete.

Examples of Decorative Walls

Since decorative walls don’t retain the earth, there aren’t nearly as many rules or requirements. You can make a decorative wall out of almost any material you find attractive. Taller decorative walls, such as privacy walls, will be much more economical to build out of wood, steel, or vinyl, while the decorative short garden walls are typically made from stone, and patio walls are often built of the manufactured block. Decorative walls are usually constructed so that both sides are equally attractive since they can be viewed from both sides.

Garden Walls

This is the general, all-encompassing term for any free-standing, decorative wall built in the yard or garden. They can be used to divide certain landscape features or delineate beds and walkways and create structure in your yard. They are only meant to emphasize some landscape elements and not to withstand soil pressure. Decorative walls are also often used to delineate property lines and used in conjunction with pillars to create grand property entrances. While many garden walls are dry laid, simple, and rustic, formal garden walls can have footings and be constructed of concrete and brick or stone for a very formal, elegant look.

Seat Walls

Unlike garden walls, these often use double or single stacked manufactured blocks, and they usually have a cap to create a flat seating surface. While not as popular, seat walls can undoubtedly be built using natural stone, concrete, or brick. Seat walls are often accented with decorative planters and columns topped with lighting for the patio. While these seat walls can support people’s weight and often hold some garden soil, they are not designed to hold back the earth. They are stacked in a similar fashion to the manufactured block retaining walls and are often held together with construction adhesive.

Privacy Wall

Privacy walls are a worthy addition to your landscape since they can bring security and comfort to you and your guests. They are usually four to six feet tall and often built in a similar fashion to a short section of fence.

Materials Used for Walls

In building retaining and decorative walls, it is easy to get overwhelmed by the various materials you can choose from. Your budget, the wall purpose, and the look you desire should always be considered.

• Manufactured Retaining Wall Blocks: These are probably the most popular type of retaining wall material right now. They are popping up in all sorts of neighborhoods and being used for soil support in road and sidewalk projects. There are varieties, colors, shapes, and sizes to fit any project and taste.  
• Concrete Block: This is often used for free-standing, decorative walls as the structural center, which is then covered with brick or stone. It has been used as a stacked structural building block used with mortar to build walls for houses and other structures for generations. It can be left bare but is not particularly attractive
• Stone Veneer: This material allows a lot of flexibility since you can choose from various natural stones. Stone veneer is installed over a poured concrete, concrete block, or wooden framed base. It is typically applied using mortar and wall ties, just like brick veneers.
• Poured Concrete: Poured concrete offers the ultimate flexibility of design and shape. You can pour any shape that you can form, and it is very durable. It is often installed as the footings and foundation of a veneer wall, but it can be used on its own, especially if stamped and colored.
• Brick: If you have a traditional house design, using bricks can complement it. Walls can be built using layers of stacked brick as was done historically on brick wall houses, but are more commonly constructed nowadays using a brick veneer over a wooden, concrete, or concrete block foundation. Brick is typically more prone to absorb water than stone, so it may require a capstone to protect it, and it may be more inclined to crack in freezing areas.
• Wood: Installing wood retaining walls is relatively straightforward, but it has sort of fallen out of style over the last ten years or so. I believe that it has lost its popularity for three reasons. The wood used must be pressure treated or creosote treated, so not great for the environment. Manufactured concrete block retaining walls of greater durability, easier installation, and many color and texture choices. The wood timbers can decay over time, regardless of the chemical treatment.
• Dry, Stacked Stone: Dry stacked stone walls are probably the oldest type of walls. They can be built using flat stacked stone or round or jagged boulders. Since these walls are not mortared and rely only on gravity to hold together, they must be installed correctly. When using natural, local stone, these walls can look very natural and typically go well with any landscape design.
• Gabion: Gabions are basically any sort of container filled with stone, concrete, or sand that is stacked to form a retaining wall. They can be very effective and quick to install. The downside is that if filled with anything other than concrete, you depend on the container’s material for the durability of your wall. These are often used along shorelines as they can be installed from the topside with little shore disruption.

Retaining Wall Frequently Asked Questions

Does a retaining wall add value to your home?

One of the advantages of adding a retaining wall to your landscape is that it increases your property’s market value. Any property with attractive and functional masonry features is more appealing to buyers and can be sold at a premium.

How do I know if I need a retaining wall?

If your home’s foundation or any part of your yard is threatened by soil erosion, then you can likely alleviate this threat through the use of a retaining wall. If you would like to alter slopes or add contours, retaining walls can be used to do this also.

What can I use instead of a retaining wall?

Just about any heavy and stackable material can be used to help retain soil, so be creative and use what you have.

How close to a boundary can you build a retaining wall?

There are specific regulations on how close you can build a retaining wall to your property’s boundaries. As such, you would need to consult your local city council or your area’s building and engineering department before you start constructing a retaining wall.

What is the cheapest type of retaining wall?

The cheapest type of retaining wall is dry stacked and uses readily available cheap materials. If you are a handy person, doing the job yourself will significantly reduce your costs. If you live anywhere near farmers, they often have large piles of stones that they remove from their fields. They may be interested in getting rid of these piles at a real bargain, especially if you will do all of the loading and hauling.

What is the easiest retaining wall to build?

Many do-it-yourselfers seem to prefer the manufactured block walls, and I believe that this is due to the building block style and perceived ease of installation. Personally, I believe that a natural boulder wall is much more attractive, easier to build, and will last forever if constructed properly.

What is the strongest type of retaining wall?

I would say that poured concrete has the absolute highest strength potential since it can be designed and reinforced to withstand any force. Look at the Hoover dam. It is built of poured concrete over 700 feet tall. Now that is an enormous retaining wall!

Do I need foundations for a garden wall?

This depends on the style of garden wall that you are building. Any dry-stacked wall will move with the frost /thaw cycle and should be a problem. Any time you put mortar or concrete into your wall, you will likely want a footing or foundation.

How tall should seating walls be?

For you to sit comfortably in a seating wall, its height should be 18 to 24 inches, and this height should include the capstone.

How do you make an old garden wall look good?

Often, old garden walls become overgrown with plant material, and rocks often shift. To freshen up a natural stone garden wall, remove any overbearing plants and restack any fall stone areas.

Final Thoughts

Both retaining walls and decorative walls are a worthy addition to your landscape. Although their functions sometimes overlap, knowing their differences is essential if you don’t want to waste your time and money using the wrong materials. Most of this retaining wall knowledge is common sense, and the best way to build a wall is using common sense and patience. A retaining wall is a long-term investment in your property, and it is a lot of heavy material. Take your time building it and always follow manufacturers’ recommendations. If you are new to wall building, a stacked block or boulder wall less than four feet tall should be doable. Anything over that, and you will want to hire a professional or really do your research.