Types of Retaining Walls

Seated Walls

Because of Pennsylvania’s hills and valleys, retaining walls are necessary on many properties to level out the land, create boundaries, terrace slopes, and level planting beds.

Retaining walls are typically installed when the terrain has troublesome slopes. They restrain soil that could slump and slide away from a foundation, causing damage to the surrounding landscape. Retaining walls are the most cost-effective soil because they keep elements of the land in place and add aesthetic value to your outdoor space. 

One popular option is to use your retaining wall as a seated wall since you can have the functionality for your yard and use it as a space for entertainment. Seating walls can either be free-standing walls or built into landscape retaining walls. 

A&N Lawn Service builds seating walls that are both practical and adds aesthetic to your outdoor space. By extending the retaining wall above the newly raised area, you can provide a year-round seating bench to enjoy the outdoors and relax in the fresh air. 

In addition to the comfortable seating area, there are other practical uses for retaining walls. If patios are raised to a certain height, a railing may be required to fit a building code. Seat walls can also function as a railing. 

Seat walls can also be used as a planter wall. They can be used as a place to admire the beauty of plants or offer a place to sit while gardening.

Hardscaping PittsburghThings to remember about seating walls:

  • Height: The average height of a seating wall is 18”, but it can vary by user.
  • Width: The top of a seat wall should be 12” to make it comfortable and safe.
  • Length: Most seating walls are at least 4 feet long. Consider building two seating walls that meet in the corner as they are perfect for quiet conversation.
  • Surface: Avoid capping a seat wall with an irregular material as it can become uncomfortable quickly.
  • Material: Make sure you use smooth material so it does not snag clothing. Also, consider the color choices so your seating walls complement the other elements in your outdoor design.
    • Value: A well-designed seating wall can increase the property value of your home. 
    • Functionality: If your property requires a retaining wall because of the grade of the land, double the usability of the space with a seating wall. 
    • Seat wall Caps: Every seat wall should have a proper cap. You can opt for a pronounced color difference between the cap and stone veneer. A seat wall capsize is relative to the size of the wall. They should overhang the walls from 1.5 to 2” on each side to allow water to fall straight down. 

Looking to install a seating wall? A&N Lawn Service Inc. is a leading retaining wall specialist in Pittsburgh and the surrounding area. Retaining wall installations can double as seating walls, offering a 2 for 1. If you are looking for a quality seating wall that will last a long time, contact us and give us a call! 

Retaining walls can increase the beauty and functionality of your home’s outdoor space. Whether your wall creates a space for a flowerbed or helps prevent soil erosion, A&N Lawn Service offers several ways to combine the look of natural stone with concrete to help you find a style that meets your needs.

Retaining Wall Finishes 

Versa-lock retaining walls offer a wide variety of design options as well as superior durability. Whatever look you are after, there is a versa-lock retaining wall style for you! 

  • Belgium Block: These large rectangular or cubical stones are made of granite and can be used for a variety of landscaping projects. 
  • Castlerok Block: These small, lightweight blocks are used for small walls and to complement other wall systems.
  • Country Stone: These interlocking blocks come with varying edges and rounded corners while retaining its beauty and strength for years to come. 
  • Series 500: This type of block brings a clean look to your retaining wall project. 
  • Series 2500: Used primarily for commercial purposes, this type of block brings both simplicity and functionality. 
  • Rosetta Belvedere Stone: Unlocking the beauty of nature, these interlocking blocks create a sanctuary for the world around us. 
  • Handy Stone: Perfect for planters, tree rings, and small retaining walls, this type of block is placed on a sand leveling pad. 
  • Rosetta Kodah: This linear proportioned block is great for double-sided free-standing walls and retaining walls. 
  • Rosetta Outcropping: With a natural stone appearance, these interlocking blocks have no limitations when it comes to its appearance. 
  • Marmiro Stone: This type of block works well for retaining walls, seating walls, and other outdoor areas. 
  • Standard Versa-lock: This standard unit allows for walls of any kind. Straight retaining walls, corners, columns, curves, stairs, and free-standing walls are all possibilities! 
  • Accent Versa-lock: This block is best used for small walls and planters as it is slimmed-down version of the standard unit. 
  • Cobble Versa-lock: These blocks are capable of anything. Perfect for small walls and expansive commercial walls alike! 
  • Harmony Versa-lock: Using both Standard and Cobble units, this type of wall can create limitless designs. 
  • Mosaic Versa-lock: Comprised on one Standard, one Cobble, and two Accent, this seemingly complex wall is both easy to install and easy on the eye. 
  • Square Foot Versa-lock: With its trapezoidal shape, this type of Versa-lock is extremely durable. 

Contact Expert Retaining Wall Contractors 

Retaining walls are both functional and beautiful. When considering a retaining wall installation, Pittsburgh’s A&N Lawn Service Inc. is the place to go. A&N Lawn Service Inc. has provided Pittsburgh-area properties with premier year-round lawn care service for over 20 years. A&N Lawn Service Inc. offers total landscaping, hardscaping, and lawn care services to the Allegheny and Butler County regions. If you are looking for some assistance in your fall landscaping projects, contact A&N Lawn Service Inc. at 412-931-9230.