Steel retaining walls
Introduction
Steel retaining walls have become increasingly popular in gardens for their unmatched durability, ease of installation and design flexibility. With their ability to withstand extreme conditions, the many configurable options and the smooth installation process steel retaining walls are a reliable choice for any garden landscaping project.
There are four main styles to suit your requirements. The wall heights go from 300mm to 1200mm, making them ideal for any garden. The steel retaining walls come in various finishes and can be clad with horizontal or vertical timber to enhance the design. The four main design styles are shown below.
Steel retaining wall construction
Steel is an ideal material for retaining walls because of its strength. Its robust nature allows it to bear heavy loads and prevent soil erosion, providing long-term stability to the structure.
These retaining walls are made using stainless steel or galvanised mild steel. For the weathered steel finish, mild steel is treated so it forms a protective rust layer, which not only creates an interesting aesthetic but also prevents further erosion.
Steel can also be powder coated to any standard RAL colour.
This retaining wall option has been designed for maximum strength and can be formed with straight or curved sections.
There are two ways to install the wall: Bolt-down and self-weighted.
Self-weighted uses the soil that sits on the baseplate to support the retaining wall. The bolt-down system uses a concrete foundation, which the wall is bolted to.
Steel retaining wall finishes
The steel retaining walls are not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing, ensuring that your landscape remains visually appealing. They offer a versatile solution for many types of gardens, including steep slopes and urban landscaping.
Gallery of Steel retaining walls
FAQs about Steel retaining walls
There are many things that affect the price which fluctuates monthly to follow current steel rates. It is also important to consider wastage; the most cost-effective wall heights are 500 and 800mm. We aim to have estimated rates back to you within 48 hours.
The life span of a steel retaining wall depends on the finish. Weathering steel has a 120 year design life whilst powder coated and stainless steel walls has a 20 year life span. This of course depends on the environment they are in, for example, in coastal areas life span will be reduced.
Bolted – This is the simplest installation method and works best at ground level where concrete foundations can be utilised easily.
Self- weighted – This option has particular advantages at rooftop or podium level where there are risks of exceeded weight loadings, waterproof penetration and where installation speed is critical.
Concrete foundation bolted planters are extremely simple to install compared to other methods. All sections are numbered and refer back to a build plan. The panels clip together with a locking key. On average, it takes around 4 minutes per meter.
Most landscaping teams will be able to install these systems. For the self-weighted system, we can provide approved installers or installation training to ensure a smooth installation. DIY is also an option as they are simple to install.
Most configurations can be manufactured in 4-5 weeks.
Bespoke designs require longer as a detailed design phase is necessary.