Thibaut’s garden was in need of a solution to connect the patio area with the upper lawn whilst taking into consideration a small sloped area. It was important to consider access to the existing patio as well as the large size of the wall required to fit the space.
Thibaut’s retaining wall with steps
Thibaut’s garden consisted of a lower paved patio area with a large lawn section above it. The two areas were connected by a small slope with minimal landscaping. Thibaut was looking for a solution to link the two areas together, taking into consideration the small slope. A WoodBlocX retaining wall offers flexibility to ensure the correct dimensions are chosen for the space, as well as providing a strong, durable and aesthetically-pleasing structure that will last for many years to come.
Planning the Garden
The planning stage of a retaining wall with steps is essential to ensure a smooth and practical alignment between the patio and lawn area. The levels were carefully measured and the step height and depth were considered. It was also important at this stage to plan how the steps align with the patio and how the planting will integrate with the finished design. Ensuring these details are right at the start helps create a retaining wall that is structurally sound.
Once Thibaut had the final measurements for the area, he contacted our Free Design Service and our designers created the perfect solution for the space. Measuring 19.5 metres long, the steps were placed in line with the existing patio to create a natural walkway up to the lawn. The height of the wall was 0.45m resulting in 3 steps being incorporated into the wall to meet the level of the lawn.
As the wall was going to be built on soft ground, ground spikes were included with the design to secure the wall in place. When building a retaining wall it is very important to consider drainage and to use the correct type of liner. We sell a protective liner to be installed behind the wall and cover all buttress supports to safeguard the wood from moisture and soil contact. The liner can be hooked over the last layer of dowels before adding your finishing capping layer. Learn more about drainage and liners in our blog.
Preparation and building
Like all WoodBlocX kits, it is vitally important to ensure the base of the retaining wall is built on completely flat ground. After removing some of the turf and soil from the existing slope, Thibaut used stone chippings to create a flat base layer to begin the build. Starting at one end, Thibaut worked his way along the length of the space to ensure the base layer was level with the patio area.
Due to the length and height of Thibaut’s wall, the design included internal buttress supports to add additional support to the wall’s structure. Once lined, filled with soil and planted, you are unable to see these buttress supports.
After installing a protective liner to the inside of the wall and over the internal buttress supports, Thibaut ensured there would be adequate drainage to prevent water gathering. A layer of gravel was added to the base of the wall, before being filled with soil and planted up with shrubs. Thibaut chose to complete the wall with our traditional capping which is chamfered, has a slight overhang and is mitred at the corners. Learn about our capping options.
Finished Garden
Thibaut’s finished retaining wall looks brilliant in the space and connects the two areas of the garden perfectly. The chosen location of the steps allows for access to the lawn area and the height of the wall is great for planting. Thibaut chose to plant a selection of shrubs and finished off with a protective layer of bark. The plant selection provides an element of privacy for the patio area and can be seen from both the patio and lawn area.
Overall, the addition of the retaining wall has added much needed structure to the garden and creates a lovely focal point, separating the two zones of the garden perfectly.
A stepped retaining wall WoodBlocX project
A wonderful example of how a simple retaining wall can bring a garden to life, creating structure as well as offering additional planting opportunities.
Landscape your garden with a stepped retaining wall
Explore our range of WoodBlocX retaining wall kits, designed to manage changes in level while delivering a clean, structured finish. Customise the dimensions to suit your garden perfectly. Stepped walls are an ideal solution for sloping gardens, terraced landscapes and for creating defined transitions between patios, lawns and planting areas.
