Are you wishing that you could have a retaining wall done now so that you can enjoy it when the nice weather hits?
Based on our many years as certified retaining wall builders, we can say without a doubt that it is possible to get an affordable retaining wall built without planning months in advance.
If you would like to get your yard squared away and add a focal point to your space, but don’t know how to get one, we can help!
Here’s how you can get a retaining wall fast and in time for summer.
An Allan block retaining wall generally takes 1-6 weeks to build.
This timeline is based on a few things:
All of the things mentioned above can change the timeline of the project, adding a couple days here or there depending on certain things.
Allan block retaining walls can be quick to install if you have a certified installer that is fluent in what they do.
If the crew is well seasoned, and nothing comes up during the excavation that is a concern, you can have your backyard ready for summer in as little as a week.
If you are wanting to get a retaining wall done fast, you might not have the funds to do everything you want.
Keep In mind that finishing touches the wall or your yard can be done after when you have saved more money, however some things need to be done during the wall build, such as the stairs.
So, how can I save money on my retaining wall?
One of the worst things you can do is skimp on the actual retaining wall build itself.
What exactly does this mean?
Allan Block retaining walls have to be built to Allan Block specifications. This means that the actual wall build has certain metrics that need to be met, like a minimum amount of gravel being put in. This part of the project cannot be skipped, or you risk not having a structurally sound wall.
There are however, things that can lower the cost of a retaining wall.
Retaining wall blocks come in many different colors and styles, but not all suppliers keep all of the options in stock. If the block needs to be ordered it can cost more, especially if they are per pallet.
If you are physically able to, and have a truck or a trailer that you can haul the old retaining wall with, you can lower the cost of your build by doing this yourself.
To cut down on costs, you can seed or sod the area after your contractor is done building your wall. It is important to remember however ,that the machines that were brought in to build the wall cause damage to the lawn.
It will take quite a bit of labor to get the yard flat and useable, but homeowners are able to take care of this step themselves.
When soil comes out of the ground it expands 1.3x its size. This means the soil pile gets to be quite substantial.
If you have a large property, the retaining wall builder may be able to move some, if not all, of the soil to a different part of your property.
While retaining wall caps really are a final touch to the wall, if your wall is not going to be the focal point of your backyard you can consider leaving the wall as is and not adding caps.
Adding inexpensive plants behind your wall (or in between tiers) adds a lot to the look of the wall while still keeping costs down.
If your wall is the main part of your backyard getting a table and chairs set, or even a small fire pit and chairs, adds to the warmth of the space and is either free if you already have them, or a couple hundred dollars that will be a good investment as those things can be used anywhere.
Regardless of what you choose for your retaining wall build, the longest your build will be is a couple weeks to month, so if you are thinking of having one built this summer you can!