Hire a pro artist, or pick up a set of brushes yourself to reinvent a concrete retaining wall by painting a mural on it. Look for concrete paint or outdoor paint specifically as it will hold better in the long run.
Frequently asked questions
When should you use a retaining wall?
“The primary purpose of a retaining wall is to hold back soil and create level areas on a sloped site,” says Consalvo, the principal of PJCArchitecture. Retaining walls also prevent erosion and control water run-off in a front yard or garden. “They are purposeful and allow a certain level of control over the landscape to create added use or value,” explains Evans, the partner at Hoerr Schaudt.
Retaining walls can also be artfully incorporated into landscape design, whether you’re framing a flower bed or adding function to a sloped yard. “They can be used to highlight and define areas of the site and help integrate a built structure into its surroundings, which adds more depth and complexity to the architecture,” Consalvo adds.
What is the most affordable retaining wall to build?
The cost of a wall project will generally depend on height and length, explains Parker, the founder of Janice Parker Landscape Architects. “Walls over three feet high may need frost footings, reinforcement, and drainage,” she says, noting that a short retaining wall is often more budget-friendly.
Landscape designers often point to gabion as the most affordable retaining wall to build. Materials such as wood timbers and cinder blocks are also cost-effective, and some home improvement brands offer retaining wall kits for added ease, says Parker.
How can I DIY a retaining wall?
“Many home supply stores will have supplies and equipment to build walls out of wood and concrete block systems,” says Parker. Landscape experts agree that gabion walls make great DIY projects. “I love the look of these walls, and they can be laid out in curved shapes, which makes them interesting and useful in the landscape,” Parker adds.