Building Boulder Retaining Walls: A Comprehensive Guide

A Boulder Retaining Wall is a beautiful addition to any landscape. It can provide both aesthetic and practical benefits. We are here to help you build your own retaining walls using boulders. This comprehensive guide will teach you everything about building boulder retaining walls. From choosing the right boulders, to detailed instructions on how to build them, it’s all here. Let’s get started!

What is a Boulder Retaining Wall (BRW)?

Boulder retaining walls are a type retaining wall that is constructed with large natural boulders or stones. Retaining wall are used to prevent soil erosion and hold back soil. They also create level areas on sloped terrain. Boulder retaining wall are not only functional but also visually pleasing.

Benefits of a Boulder Retaining Wall

The following are some of the main benefits of installing a boulder retaining walls on your property:

• Durability: Boulders have a long life and are extremely strong, making them a great choice for retaining wall.
• Low Maintenance: Boulder retaining walls are low maintenance once installed.
• Aesthetics: Boulders are beautiful and rustic.
• Eco-friendly: By using locally sourced boulders, you can reduce the carbon footprint.

Selecting the Right Boulders

The success of your retaining walls depends on the selection of the right boulders. When choosing boulders, consider the following factors:

• Size & weight: Boulders must be heavy and large enough to stabilize the wall.
• Shape: Flat or slightly round boulders make it easier to stack them and they create a wall that is more stable.
• Color & texture: Select boulders that are a complementary color and texture to your landscape.

What You Will Need: Equipment, Tools, and Materials

Gather the tools, equipment and materials you will need before starting to build your boulder retaining walls.

• For heavy boulders, you will need a 15 to 20 ton excavator.
• Boulders
• Crushed gravel or Road Base
• Landscape fabric
• Drainage pipe
• Laser is the Best Tool for Leveling
• Work gloves
• Safety goggles

How to Build a Boulder Retaining wall: A Step-by-Step guide

Site Preparation

Preparing the site is the first step to building your boulder retaining walls. For proper site preparation, follow these steps:

1. Marking the area: Outline with stakes and strings the area in which the retaining wall is to be built.
2. Excavate: Remove all grass, plants, and loose soil to create a flat surface.
3. Dig trenches: Your trench should be 6 inches deep, and large enough to hold the biggest boulders that you intend to use.
4. Lay landscape fabric in the trench: Lay landscape fabric along the bottom of the wall to prevent weeds growing.

Set the Base

The stability of the boulder retaining wall depends on a strong base. Set the base by following these steps:

1. Fill in the trench with gravel: Spread a layer at least four inches thick of crushed gravel, or road base.
2. Compact gravel: Use hand tampering or plate compactors to compact gravel and create a firm foundation.
3. Check the level: Use the level to make sure the base is level across the trench.

Building a Wall

It’s now time to construct your boulder retaining walls. Here’s how:

1. Choose your base boulders. Choose large, flat boulders to build the base of the wall.
2. Place base boulders. Start at the end of the trench and carefully place the boulders.
3. Add the second layer. Continue to build the wall, placing boulders over the base layer. The seams should be offset between each row of boulders, like a brick pattern.
4. Install drainage. Place a perforated drainage tube wrapped in landscape fabric behind the first layer boulders. Fill in the area behind pipe with gravel to ensure proper drainage.
5. Continue to build the wall. Add layers of boulders. Spread out the seams evenly and make sure each layer is flat. For added stability, maintain a slight slope backward (called “batter”).

Finishing Touches

Complete your project by adding these finishing touches after you have built the boulder retaining wall:

1. Fill gaps. Fill gaps between boulders by adding smaller stones or gravel. This will add stability to the area and stop soil washing through.
2. Backfilling the wall. Fill in the area behind the walls with soil and tamp it down, creating a firm surface.
3. Landscape your area. Plant flowers, grass or other vegetation to create an attractive, cohesive landscape.

Tips for a Successful Boulder Retaining Wall Project

Here are some tips that will help you make your boulder retaining walls in Los Angeles a success.

• Measure the site and calculate how many boulders you will need before beginning.
• Work safely. Wear safety gear and use proper lifting techniques when handling heavy boulders.
• Get professional help when needed. Contact us if you need assistance or are unsure of any aspect of your project.

Conclusion

A well-built Boulder retaining wall not only adds beauty and functionality to your landscape, but it also makes a great addition. You can build a low-maintenance, durable retaining wall by following the instructions in this guide. We are here to help you with any questions about your boulder retaining walls.