When updating an outdoor living area, you’re probably used to the typical landscaping fixes of creating attractive planting beds. But, have you considered the functional and aesthetic appeal of retaining walls? Retaining walls can become gorgeous focal points and add significant usable space to your backyard. Here’s how to create dramatic walls with stone from our masonry supply in State College, PA.

Retaining walls are useful in holding back soil and preventing runoff, but they also add beauty and dimension to a landscape. Even if you don’t “need” a retaining wall (such as on a flat lot), there are wonderful ways to incorporate retaining walls in an interesting and user-friendly landscape.

Related: USE STONE FROM OUR MASONRY SUPPLY TO COMPLEMENT YOUR NATURALISTIC LANDSCAPE DESIGN IN LANCASTER, PA

Here are some ways to create drama using retaining walls.

A Rustic Stacked Stone Wall

A stacked fieldstone or flagstone stone retaining wall adds texture to your outdoor area. Over time, natural stone will develop an amazing patina of lichens and moss (especially in shaded or north-facing areas) that give the wall a sense of history – as if it’s been there forever. Stacked stone has been used for centuries all over the world. It’s a beautiful way to integrate your home into its surroundings and bring a rustic touch to an otherwise contemporary setting.

Terraced Gardens

Terraces can be short or tall, depending on the look you want to achieve and the shape of the terrain. For example, on a flat lot you can use short terraces (each about a foot tall) to create an attractive planting area at your front entry. On a steeply sloped property, taller terraces can serve as a beautiful backdrop to a fire pit area with built-in masonry seating, a paver patio, and lushly planted terraces to give the space a secluded feel. 

The type of stone you use in terraced gardens can vary from natural stone to concrete wall units that resemble natural stone (these are designed to fit together, for easier installation and a very sturdy wall that will stand the test of time).

Landscape Boulders for a Natural “Wall”

If you have a sloped backyard, you can create a visually interesting “wall” using landscape boulders and smaller decorative rocks. Much like a rock garden except more vertically-oriented, this is a way to incorporate native flowers and shrubs into a wall with a practical use, for example, hiding an unattractive view. Add a water pump to this to create an amazing water feature with a practical purpose! This also works on completely flat lots. The random look of the boulders doesn’t look like a wall – it’s a much more natural feel. But it’s just as practical as a masonry wall.

Edge a Walkway or Driveway with Stone

A low wall is a great way to define a walkway or driveway. It’s also an opportunity to disguise landscape lighting fixtures in an unobtrusive way. It is so much more elegant than pole-mounted landscape fixtures that do little more than blind you as you walk by! Match the stone to the dominant colors of the home for a cohesive look.

A Stunning Water Wall

Take your landscape to the next level with a water wall: a water feature where water is pumped to the top of a masonry wall, and then allowed to trickle or flow down the face. The wall can be very textured for dynamic water movement and sound, or smooth for a subtle and soothing flow. At night, this feature becomes a dramatic focal point. The wall can also serve to divide spaces or provide privacy.

For more inspiration on how to enhance your landscape with stone walls, stop by our stone yard and talk to the experts! We’re standing by to help!

Related: RETAINING WALLS CAN ENHANCE A TRADITIONAL LANDSCAPE DESIGN AESTHETIC IN HARRISBURG, PA

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