Most properties today have various outdoor accessories and features. Some of these accessories and features are for aesthetic purposes, while others have more functional values. Others, of course, have both aesthetic and functional values.

Retaining walls are one of the outdoor accessories that have both aesthetic and functional purposes. In general, retaining walls are built primarily to control and prevent erosion and stabilize the soil in sloping landscapes or in areas where the land drops to certain levels.

Retaining walls can be made of different materials. However, one of the most used materials for the construction of this accessory is concrete. Many builders and homeowners choose to have a concrete exterior wall, as concrete can be enhanced during the manufacturing process. With the correct process and additional materials, concrete becomes fire resistant, soundproof, resistant to damage and impacts, and even resistant to pests. Due to these qualities and characteristics, concrete retaining walls are the number one choice of many builders and homeowners.

The process of building or installing concrete retaining walls, if a precast one has been purchased, usually begins with leveling the slopes and creating one or more decks. An area on a slope or hill will be excavated first and its size will depend on the extent of the project. A contractor can do this by hand if the area is small. Larger areas would generally require the use of a small bobcat or other type of larger earth digging equipment for larger areas. The slope or hill will be leveled and based on your requirements, a gentle slope or terrace effect will be created that are like recessed steps.

Before this accessory can be installed or raised, the floor must first be leveled. This is usually done by adding sand to the area or compacting the surface with a garden roller. The contractor would then lay the bottom row of the wall and recheck the floor to make sure it is level properly.

If the property has no slopes or hills, a concrete retaining wall can become a creative decorative exterior feature. Smaller retaining walls can be built from ground level up so that raised flower beds or water features can be created and added to a landscaped garden. Landscaping experts recommend that these features be up to 2 feet tall just so they can help create depth in a flat landscape.