Retaining wall design options. Decorative concrete: features of self-installation and options for use in landscape design » How to make a flowerpot from concrete with your own hands

When looking at the beautiful relief coverings of walls, paths and fences, it is difficult to imagine that they are all made of the usual material - concrete. But modern coatings, unlike their “ancestor”, known for its unattractive dull gray appearance, have a special aesthetics. Thanks to its presentable properties, decorative concrete is widely used not only in construction, but also in landscape design.

Decorative concrete was first used in the early 60s of the last century by the Americans during the construction of runways at military airfields. They were faced with the task of creating a building material that successfully combines both excellent performance characteristics and decorative qualities. The material, which consisted of cement, water, aggregate, paint and additives, fully met these requirements and therefore became widespread in many industries.

Today, decorative concrete can be seen in parking lots, roads and sidewalks, and metro stations. It is used in the restoration of architectural monuments

Thanks to the efforts of developers, today decorative concrete has a number of undeniable advantages, the main ones among which are:

Resistance to petroleum products, chemicals and aggressive compounds;
Ability to withstand load (2-3 times more than extruded paving slabs);
Resistance to UV radiation and the ability to withstand up to 300 freezing cycles;
Ability to withstand temperature changes in the range from -40°C to +40°C;
Resistant to abrasion and mechanical stress.

Using pressed concrete you can create exceptionally beautiful and at the same time durable coatings. Special additives included in the material help prevent delamination and cracking of the surface.

Unlike ordinary concrete, the technology of which boils down to ordinary pouring, decorative concrete involves application to top layer after the final filling of a certain drawing.

To decorate the surface, various stamps and other special tools are used. Stencils, molds for sandblasting and chemical compositions for etching allow you to create complex patterns, and thin lines made with saws with diamond blades can give expressiveness and clarity to the design.

Applying modern technologies for the manufacture of concrete surfaces, manufacturers produce a material that can create an effect not only natural stone, but also wood, brick, decorative tiles and other relief coatings.

In landscape design, decorative concrete is used in the arrangement of recreation areas, the design of garden paths and the construction of landscape elements.

Such concrete is suitable not only for arranging platforms and paths. It is used in the creation of fencing and manufacturing.

Decorative fences made of concrete can have any surface, from traditional brick and stone to imitation of the Parthenon bas-reliefs.

Picturesque balusters that look like low columns and graceful railings are not inferior in beauty to refined marble and alabaster figures

Concrete balusters look impressive as fencing for gazebos and verandas, and as supports for railings. Entwined flowers can be an elegant decoration for the garden. climbing plants lonely columns, concrete floor vases and flower beds. And a concrete fountain decorated with stucco will be the center of attention.

This garden bench made of decorative concrete combines beauty and practicality - it is always pleasant to sit down and relax on it

Types of finishing materials

Depending on the options for the components of the material and the effect it creates, there are three main types of decorative concrete.

Colored concrete

The color range of coloring pigments used in the manufacture of decorative concrete includes more than twenty shades.

Thanks to a wide palette of shades, colored concrete can successfully complement the architectural and plant composition suburban area, acting as a worthy decoration of the driveway, parking space and garden paths

To produce colored concrete, manufacturers use special coloring pigments, which, thanks to a special hardener, are able to maintain color fastness even in negative impact environment. Most often, such pigments are oxides and salts of various metals. For example, to give concrete a greenish tint, chromium oxide is added, reddish - iron oxide, and violet - manganese oxide.

Using innovative diamond cutting technologies, manufacturers can produce concrete that closely matches natural surfaces laid hundreds of years ago.

In the skillful hands of a master, concrete can take on the appearance of any natural material, be it paving stones, brick, slate, cobblestones and even marble

The imitation turns out to be so believable that even with careful examination it is not always possible to determine whether it is a natural stone or a skillfully made copy.

Coatings with a relief structure

Decorative concrete with an expressive structure is created by adding coarse aggregate to the composition. The desired effect is achieved by exposing the grains, which appear on the surface after removing the top layer with tools or special solutions.

Such decorative concrete can turn an ordinary sidewalk into an ancient pavement, and a patio into an extravagant Spanish patio.

When creating concrete with a relief structure, aggregates from crushed marble, granite, anthracite, limestone and basalt are used. Spectacular surfaces are obtained using aggregates in grey, red and pink shades.

Self-production of decorative concrete

Decorative concrete is ideal for arranging paths and decoration garden territory. With excellent quality characteristics, it is particularly aesthetically pleasing. In addition, concrete flooring is easy to clean and is resistant to grease and oil. Playgrounds and alleys with such coverage do not need to install a curb, so you can save a little on construction.

Playgrounds and alleys with such coating do not need to install a curb, so you can save a little on construction

If desired, decorative concrete can be made with your own hands. The dry mixture and the form for its preparation can be purchased at any hardware store.

The design option depends only on your preferences. On sale you can find plastic or silicone molds, including combinations of rhombuses and squares, designs “fan”, “executive”, “animal skin”, “basket weaving”.

The technology for creating a relief surface includes several stages:

Preparing the base. When making a garden path, a layer of soil 10 cm deep is removed from the marked area, formwork is placed and a layer of crushed stone is poured.
Pouring concrete. Cement mortar is laid on the leveled surface and smoothed.
Application of color hardener. To give the surface the desired shade, the solution is sprinkled with dry bulk dyes or treated with a colored hardener, which, in addition to coloring pigments, includes a granite or quartz sand filler.
Pressing with molds. Forms are laid out on a set but not completely frozen surface, pressing them closely together. To obtain a clear imprint of the design, the laid forms are lightly compacted. You can determine whether a concrete mixture is ready for stamping by touching it with your finger. The mixture is ready if she doesn't reach for it.
Cleaning the coating. After waiting for 2-3 days, wash the concrete surface with a brush dipped in a solution of hydrochloric acid. After the top layer has completely dried, a protective composition is applied to prevent the evaporation of moisture from the surface of fresh concrete.

In places of probable fracture, expansion joints should be provided, making them at a distance of 6 meters from each other and filling the voids with colorless sealant.

To extend the service life of concrete and significantly improve the aesthetic properties of the material, it is advisable to treat the surface with a special impregnating composition that forms a protective film.

A path made of decorative concrete can be used in 10-15 days. Ideally, it is advisable to treat the concrete surface annually with water-repellent solutions.

Printed concrete has high strength and is produced using special technology. The first samples of printed concrete were used to build helicopter landing pads. This concrete does not fade in the sun and is resistant to rainy weather. Such concrete is widely used today in the USA and European countries. The printed concrete material does not contain toxic substances. Therefore, it is used for finishing premises, both inside and outside. Designs can be applied to the concrete surface to imitate tiles, natural stone or wood texture.

Landscape design specialists can make country house exclusive estate using printed concrete and different materials. Manufacturing technology developed decorative look concrete. With its help you can create beautiful garden paths, parking spaces, summer kitchen, swimming pool and other places.

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What is the difference between decorative concrete and ordinary concrete?

Classic concrete is considered building material. Decorative concrete mixture is used for final finishing of the surface. It has the advantage of a wide selection of colors and textures. Decorative concrete is also called printed concrete. It is convenient and practical to use.

Such properties allow the material to become good tool to create different types of design of horizontal surfaces of the utility and garden parts of the site. Modern buildings are lined with this type of concrete, and architectural exteriors are created from it.

The difference from ordinary concrete is the presence of special additives. Stamped concrete is obtained by applying images and drawings to its surface using special stamps. The properties of printed concrete allow the material to obtain the appearance ceramic tiles, wood, stone and other types of finishes.

Among the constituent parts of printed concrete, it is necessary to highlight plasticizers and hardeners of different colors. The plasticizer helps concrete withstand high loads, temperature changes, and exposure to ultraviolet rays sun.

Advantages and disadvantages of stamped concrete

The surface of innovative concrete is easily cleaned from dirt and does not absorb oils and fats. Painted concrete surfaces long time can save appearance, even while under bright sun. The use of decorative concrete is associated with periodic surface treatment with special substances - water repellents. They maintain the integrity of the surface and prevent moisture absorption. Finishing summer cottage decorative concrete is much cheaper compared to valuable species tree or natural stone.

But finishing the site with printed concrete is not a budget option. This is due to the need to attract professional craftsmen. They pour concrete using a special technology and apply the desired shade and texture to the surface.

If you buy paving slabs, you can lay them yourself, make a platform or a garden path.

Application of decorative concrete

Owners country houses decorate garden paths with decorative concrete. In addition, you can fill a parking space or garage driveway. The dacha area in the form of sports grounds and summer kitchens is not complete without the use of stamped concrete.

In addition to horizontal surfaces, the facades of houses are often finished with this concrete. The new material can visually create stone, wood or brick wall. You can make various shapes from it for decoration. dacha area, benches, columns, vases.

Owners of plots create different compositions from decorative concrete: imitation of objects with geometric shapes, marble statues, sculptures and bas-reliefs. Garden bridges and terraces are also finished with colored concrete. A special effect is obtained on concrete railings and balusters. The high-tech material of stamped concrete allows you to quickly create fences for country houses. They consist of several sections. This reduces production costs. Large equipment is not required for production. At the same time, the protection of lawns and plants inside the site is guaranteed.

Depending on the task at hand, you can choose simple colored concrete or a mixture that imitates natural stone. Diamond processing allows you to create an imitation of old stone. Relief and beautiful texture are provided with special limestone additives, basalt or marble chips.

To obtain the desired effect on the surface, the top layer is removed. This allows you to see the filler grains. Professional laying of decorative concrete makes it possible to bring many of the designers' plans to life.

DIY printed concrete

Decorative concrete mixture is optimal for decorating the territory of the estate and arranging paths. With high strength, printed concrete is an aesthetic material. The concrete surface is easy to clean. It is resistant to oil stains. Alleys and areas with similar coverage do not require a curb, which has a positive effect on cost savings during construction work.

You can make stamped concrete yourself. Mixes and forms for printed concrete can be purchased at construction supermarkets. The design depends on your fantasies and desires. You can find silicone or plastic molds in the retail chain. They can be in the form of basket weaving, animal skins, geometric shapes, drawings.

Making stamped concrete is not a difficult task, but it can be undertaken if you have the appropriate skills in concrete work. Otherwise, the result may be negative. Problems usually arise due to the following factors:

rapid hardening of concrete, after which the stamps do not leave clear patterns on the surface;
it is necessary to apply great force to create drawings;
it is difficult to correct mistakes on a concrete surface;
the technology requires skills in handling special tools for smoothing and creating a surface.

Once you have confidence in concrete work, start stamping the concrete surface.

Site preparation

The basis of the platform for stamping the pattern is taken concrete platform, filled with M350 concrete with internal reinforcement.

The process of creating a site consists of the following operations:

1 Mark the dimensions of the site with a peg and cord.
2 Remove the top layer of soil from 15 to 20 cm.
3 Compact the bottom.
4 Pour 10 cm of crushed stone onto the bottom.
5 Make board formwork along the edges of the site.
6 Place a mesh for reinforcement inside the formwork, placing it 5 cm above the ground. To do this, you can place stones under it.
7 Prepare the concrete by mixing it by hand or using a concrete mixer.
8 Pour concrete into the formwork. To obtain the desired height, the metal rule is applied.
9 Compact the concrete using a vibrating screed.
10 Smooth the surface of the poured concrete so that it becomes uniform and smooth.

Application of color hardener

A colored hardener must be applied to a fresh surface. It increases the strength of the surface and gives it a certain color. The hardener is a powder containing coloring substances, granite particles, sand, and a binder component. The mixture is finely dispersed, which allows it to penetrate into the concrete, filling its pores. The concrete surface then becomes stronger and denser. The coloring pigment gives a rich shade.

Work on spraying the colored hardener begins when the surface begins to harden. This can be seen by disappearing from the surface of the water. Colored powder can be scattered over the surface with your hands, starting from the middle to the edges of the area. Such movements are similar to throwing balls when playing bowling. Such movements will allow you to use hardener powder economically.

The first layer of powder is absorbed in about 10 minutes. During this period, you need to smooth the surface with a magnesium trowel, rubbing in the dye. The corners of the site are smoothed with special corner smoothers.

How to apply the release agent

The ink release agent prevents the stamp from sticking to the concrete when printing the design. In addition, the release component colors the concrete surface more brightly. It comes in liquid or powder form, depending on the manufacturer. Powder is usually used as it is easier to apply with a brush. It is immersed in a container with a diluted coloring component so that the brush is evenly coated.

Surface stamping

Before starting work, you need to check that the concrete has become plastic and resembles plasticine in thickness. If stamping is done too early, the surface will not support the weight of the stamp and the lines of the design will not be preserved. If this is done too late, more force will be required for stamping, and the design may not work out.

To find out how dense the concrete has become, press it with your finger at different points on the surface. If the depth of the prints is about 5 mm, then you can stamp. The test is sometimes carried out differently: the worker steps on a stamp located on the surface. He must hold it, not slide or sink.

If all tests are passed, stamping can begin. Stamps are placed on the surface of the concrete. They are usually numbered from the factory so as not to disturb the design. To get a clear texture, you need to step on the stamp, or use a small tamper. Finally, the surface must be left for 24 hours to harden.

Elimination of deficiencies

At the junction of stamps on the surface, a displacement of the solution often results. In addition, due to weak compaction, the seams of the pattern may be unclear and blurred. To correct such imperfections, use a hand roller, and smooth out the unevenness with sandpaper.

Cutting seams for shrinkage

To relieve stress, several seams are cut out in the slab. This prevents cracks from occurring. Seams can also be made on uncured concrete using a cutter. On a hard surface, the seams are cut with a grinder.

Surface washing

After a day, it is necessary to rinse the surface with water. The remaining release mixture is washed off with a hose. Then an acid wash is needed to create a combination of color shades. At the same time, the pores of the concrete open up and the concrete interacts better with the sealant.

How to apply sealant

After a day, you need to apply a sealant in the form of a varnish to the surface, which performs the following tasks:

1 Protect the surface from wear and penetration of chemical components and oils.
2 Adding shine to the surface.
3 Gain color range concrete surface.
4 Makes it easier to clean stamped concrete.

The sealant is rolled out with a roller. If the prints are deep, then an additional brush is used. The sealant is applied in at least three layers. After it has dried, the surface can be used.

To ensure high-quality and beautiful stamping, it is recommended to follow some useful tips:

1 If you are using a surface pattern for the first time, it is better to print a test pattern on sand and see.
2 To make the composition look more realistic, try not to repeat the drawing. This is especially noticeable when wood or stone is imitated.
3 The antique effect on the surface is obtained when a little dry powder component is applied to liquid concrete to separate it. A liquid component is sprayed onto it from above. It dissolves the powder, resulting in colored abrasions that look like an antique surface.
4 Make sure that the release powder is pressed in well. Otherwise, it will be washed away with water during rinsing.
5 You need to step on the stamps in clean shoes to prevent dust or debris from reaching the surface. They will disrupt the texture pattern.

Such little secrets exist when stamping concrete.

DIY concrete stone

To make concrete decorative stone, the following materials are required:

wooden box of the required size;
silicone sealant;
cement, marble chips, quartz sand;
additives and plasticizers;
tiles having a decorative surface in the shape of natural stone;
flat brush.

Stone blocks can be easily made from concrete yourself and used to decorate surfaces. First you need to make a filling mold. A wooden box of the required size is coated inside with silicone sealant. Its layer should be thick. It is better to do this operation with a flat brush moistened with water.

Tiles imitating natural stone are applied to the sealant. In this case, the tiles must be laid face down. Such simple procedures create an original imitation of natural stone with your own hands.

Attention! To prevent the tile from sticking to the sealant, coat it with grease. If you couldn't buy tiles, use natural stones.

After the silicone has dried, the stones must be removed, and the resulting relief pattern can be used as a stencil. To prepare concrete, you need to mix several ingredients:

1 Quartz sand.
2 Cement.
3 Stone chips.
4 Water.
5 Plasticizer.
6 Reinforcing fiber to give strength to the product.

The thickness of the resulting concrete solution should resemble pancake batter. A solution that is too thin should not be used.

How to fill out a form

The order of filling the form is as follows:

1 Pour some concrete into the bottom of the mold.
2 Lay reinforcement mesh to strengthen the product.
3 Pour the rest of the concrete into the mold.
4 Leave the filled mold until completely dry.

Decorative blocks prepared in this way are used to decorate floors, paths, and sidewalks. Besides this, innovative technology“Flex” concrete makes it possible to create a real imitation of different types of surfaces. This could be tree bark, granite and other types of surfaces. This technology guarantees a unique look to your yard or home. To make Flex concrete yourself, you just need to mix the finished mixture with water.

The correct consistency of concrete ensures comfortable work, the solution does not stick to the instrument. Surface treatment sometimes takes about a day. After drying, it is painted with a spray, roller or brush.

Concrete columns are very popular. They perform both decorative and load-bearing functions. The technology of decorative blocks is simple, but experience and skills are required. If you follow all the rules and instructions, you can easily make a garden path or playground out of decorative concrete with your own hands.

Decorative concrete technology

To create a textured surface with imitation brick, stone, several types of manufacturing technologies are used:

1 Stamped concrete.
2 Stencil method.
3 Spraying.

In the case of stamped concrete, a colored sealer is applied to the dampened surface. In addition, hydrophobic additives are applied, as well as a mixture to prevent the solution from sticking to the molds. The concrete surface must be smoothed, and then rubber template matrices with a textured image on the surface must be used. After the surface has hardened, the rubber matrices are removed, washed, and any remaining concrete is removed. The last operation is to apply a protective layer - impregnation.

The stencil method involves applying a simulating image using a paper template.

To imitate brick, stone or make an image on the surface of concrete, it is necessary to use concrete spraying technology. In this case, acid dyes are used. First, they are applied to the surface in several layers. Then they begin to react with other components of the mixture and change their color.

Concrete mortar is heterogeneous in composition. Therefore, in addition to changing the color shade, other effects occur. Dyes can be applied in different ways, including spraying. To create an original texture, different stencils and tapes are used.

Conclusion

Any decorative concrete technology is completed with a final coating with special impregnations and varnishes. This allows you to make the surface glossy and aesthetic. It will become resistant to temperature changes, weather factors, and will be easy to clean. Printed concrete has many properties superior to conventional paving slabs, and sometimes even to natural stone. The scope of use of decorative concrete is wide. Therefore, there is no doubt about its properties for exterior finishing and quality.

Many landscape design ideas are based on the presence of decorative concrete, or as it is also called architectural concrete. And this is not surprising, since this material is rich in textures and shades, it creates a unique look for the site. And in addition to its external qualities, the material has proven itself to have positive and high-quality operational characteristics.

What is decorative concrete?

We can say that architectural concrete is the same simple concrete, only its pouring is somewhat different and requires special tools. The decorative effect of the material is to create a unique pattern on top of the concrete. Various stamps can be used for this process. With their help, concrete is made into something like decorative or natural stone, brick or tile.

The main advantages of using decorative concrete:

1. Modern high quality material. It contains a large number of plasticizers and fibers. It is thanks to them that the material has become so reliable and strong, and architectural concrete is also extremely resistant to sudden temperature changes. Even at very low rates the material will not be damaged. In addition, this characteristic will not change even after for many years.

2. Decorative. In the hands of a skilled craftsman, simple concrete can look like real brick, paving stones or stone. It all depends on your imagination and the availability of the necessary stencils.

3. Low cost. Just think how much money you will have to pay to buy natural stone, but you can get it from simple concrete, which won’t be difficult to buy. Today, the construction world is full of various forms that will give concrete one or another texture.

4. Availability of different colors and shades. Architectural concrete is also called colored concrete. The range of colors includes about twenty shades. These pigments not only decorate the material, they make it much stronger and more stable, so your concrete structures will not be exposed to ultraviolet rays and will not fade.

5. Versatility of use. Its use does not end with creating tracks. Concrete can be used for cladding buildings to create various shapes.

The main disadvantages of using decorative concrete:

1. Mandatory care. Colored coating requires regular maintenance. Concrete paths should be treated with special water-repellent agents. The event should be held every year. If this is not observed, the surface will deteriorate greatly.

2. Difficult technology for pouring concrete. The process of pouring and stamping is a very long and painstaking work. Owners who think that this is not so are mistaken. And often their work ends in complete failure. After all, even a minimal mistake in business is not acceptable. This means that all work must be performed by specialists, which means additional costs.

But even despite these shortcomings, the owners of such a unique material believe that its decorative properties are worth all the difficulties and additional costs.

Professional landscape design experts are able to make a suburban area an exclusive area using various materials. Today there is technology for manufacturing special decorative concrete helping to build beautiful paths in the garden, convenient parking spaces, a platform for a summer kitchen, near a gazebo, a pond and other dacha facilities.

Differences between decorative concrete and its classic version.
Concrete of the classic type is among the building materials, and the final finishing of a suburban area is carried out with a decorative concrete mixture. Decorative concrete has the advantage of the richest set of textures and wide color palette, combined with the highest possible ease of further use.

Thanks to these properties, the material becomes an excellent tool for implementing design options for the surfaces of the garden and utility parts of a summer cottage, located in a horizontal position. Also, facades of buildings and structures are faced with a similar concrete mixture, and small architectural forms are built.

Unlike ordinary concrete, the composition of the decorative mixture is supplemented with special ingredients, and the laying method requires applying an image to the surface filled with mortar using special stamps. The main performance qualities of decorative concrete mortar allow the material to most effectively replicate the texture of ceramic tiles, stone, wood and other finishes.

Among the ingredients of a decorative concrete mixture, coloring pigments with multi-colored hardeners and plasticizers are always found. The latter component increases resistance to the effects of too high mechanical loads, changes temperature regime, intensity of ultraviolet solar radiation.

Advantages and disadvantages of decorative concrete.
The decorative surface of concrete is effectively cleaned of dirt and does not absorb stains of fats and oils. Manufacturers paint this versatile material in various shades. They retain their original appearance for a very long time, being located in an area of a decorated garden plot, illuminated by direct sunlight.

The operation of decorative concrete is accompanied by annual surface treatment with water-repellent agents that maintain the optimal moisture resistance and integrity of the coating. Finishing a dacha area with decorative concrete will become a more economical process compared to the use of expensive types of natural stone or noble wood.

But this method of decorating a site cannot be called completely budget-friendly. For example, purchased paving slabs are suitable for installation yourself. The process of pouring decorative concrete and giving the material the texture and shade desired by the designer is carried out by professional craftsmen.

Before personally creating paths in the garden, various areas and small architectural forms previously studied must be followed technological rules carrying out work. Otherwise, the material will deteriorate and resources will be wasted.

The use of decorative concrete in landscape design.
Owners of suburban areas use decorative concrete mixture to fill the surfaces of garden paths, the driveway to a car garage or parking space. The material is used in the arrangement of a summer kitchen area, an area for sports activities and other areas of the dacha area where it is impossible to create a quickly trampled lawn.

In addition to horizontally placed surfaces of the site, the facades of residential country buildings are finished with decorative concrete mortar. The material can illusorily create a brick, wood or stone wall. It is also indispensable for implementation design ideas on decorating the dacha with figures, balustrades, columns, flowerpots, benches.

The latest aesthetically pleasing elements of landscape design serve a practical purpose. Owners of large plots create a wide variety of decorative concrete compositions. They freely imitate minimalist objects with the strictest geometry, marble statues, stucco moldings or exclusive bas-reliefs.

Decorative terraces and garden bridges are also cast from a multi-colored concrete mixture. Balusters and concrete fence railings will get a particularly impressive look. The emergence of a universal material has facilitated the creation of fences surrounding the territory of a suburban area.

Concrete fences of the required height are assembled from separate sections, which reduces the cost of money and other resources during the installation process, which does not require the use of special large-sized equipment. This will ensure ideal preservation of plants and lawn spaces located outside and inside the fence.

Execution specific task allows you to choose between simple multi-colored concrete and a concrete mixture that replicates the texture of natural stone, forcibly aged by diamond processing of the components. A pronounced texture and relief is formed by the influence of special additives from crushed limestone, marble chips, basalt or anthracite particles.

Obtaining the desired effect is achieved by removing the top concrete layer with a solution to make the aggregate grains visible. If you are looking for universal materials for implementing creative landscape design projects, it is recommended to study the characteristics of decorative concrete. Professionally laid material will help creative people make their design dreams come true.

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Retaining walls are a universal element of landscape design that hold together artificial or natural slopes. The topic is especially relevant for owners of plots with difficult terrain, where the territory is initially unsuitable for use and landscaping, but it will also be of interest to those who have a completely flat yard.

Retaining walls in landscape design (photo ideas for a summer residence)

General concept retaining walls speaks of structures that prevent the soil behind them from sliding or collapsing on various slopes of the territory. In addition to their direct purpose, buildings are widely used as a decorative element.

Utilitarian and decorative retaining walls

Utilitarian are installed in areas with difficult terrain to retain soil. Their main goal is to create and increase usable area on the site through terracing, arrangement favorable conditions for landscaping and dividing the territory into functional areas.
Decorative the walls perform one role - an artistic element.

Features of the construction of retaining walls

Self-construction of retaining walls is an activity that requires care and preparation. When considering the size of the support, selecting the material, rely on the complexity of the terrain, the purpose of the structure and general style plot. There will be no problems during construction if you are armed with everything in advance necessary information.

In particularly complex situations, when it is difficult to take into account all factors, specialist intervention is required. Let's outline the conditions under which independent installation of supports is permissible:

stable soil;
groundwater not higher than 1.5 m;
the depth of soil freezing does not exceed 1.5 m;
the ground part of the support is not higher than 1.3 m.

Tall and complex structures are constantly subject to loads; there is a considerable list of constant and periodic forces that continuously act on the structure. It is extremely difficult to evaluate all the nuances on your own, so it’s better not to take risks!

What you need to know about building retaining walls yourself

Regardless of the purpose of construction, the support structure consists of 3 parts:

foundation– underground part,
body– above-ground vertical part,
drainage And drainage.

When determining the thickness of the body and the depth of the foundation, it is advisable to rely on soil type and the height of the support itself, calculations can be made as follows:

For decorative retaining walls, a solid foundation is necessary only if the height of the building exceeds 30 cm; otherwise, you can do without it. Deepen the lower part a little by placing it on a gravel-sand bed.

Regardless of the characteristics of the retaining wall, moisture constantly collects behind it, which leads to stagnant waterlogging and destruction of the structure. Organization drainage And drainage thought out at the initial stage of the overall planning.

Transverse drainage– inclined holes about 10 cm in diameter are made in the wall, in increments of 1 m, then drainpipes are inserted into them. A drainage layer (from 10 cm) of broken stone, gravel or crushed stone is laid between the wall and the soil.
Longitudinal drainage– a special perforated wall is installed along the entire length of the wall at the foundation level drainage pipe, which will collect moisture and remove it beyond the front side of the support. Just as in the first case, a drainage layer is laid, coarse sand can be added here.

Important!

A low wall, up to 80 cm, can be vertical; a higher support must be built with a slope (10–15%) in the direction of the slope.
The top of the wall should be higher than the ground surface.
Installing canopies prevents the harmful effects of water on masonry seams.
The terrain at the base of the wall is formed with a slight slope outward, and if the wall borders on a lawn, the first row of masonry is made a little wider than the rest - this will make it easier to mow the grass in the future.
A broken or curved line has excellent stability (rigidity) and is capable of holding a greater load than a straight line, and this configuration looks more elegant.
About the foundation - in case of loose soil, a foundation is made on piles, in case of dense soil - a surface concrete screed.

Materials for the construction of retaining walls

In the case of utilitarian retaining walls, the material is primarily selected based on the complexity of the terrain. If we talk about decorative supports, rely on the overall design of the site.

Wooden retaining walls

An ideal option for a landscape or natural garden style and a very easy way to build retaining walls. Logs or thick boards should be made of hard wood.

If the height of the support reaches 1 m, the length of the log should be 1.5 m. Parts of the tree placed in the ground are treated with water-repellent solutions or fired; hot bitumen can also be used.

Scope of work:

a trench is dug, its depth should be 5–10 cm greater than the part of the tree being dug, and its width should be 20 cm greater than the diameter of the log;
the bottom is covered with a gravel cushion of 5 or 10 cm;
Now logs are placed horizontally or vertically on the gravel, very tightly to each other and fastened together;
the back of the tree should be protected by laying a sheet of roofing material;
filling the ditch with concrete. If the support serves a purely decorative function, the trench can be filled with stones and compacted.

At horizontal installation logs, you need to take care of the holding posts.

Concrete verticals

The main advantage of the material is its strength and reliability, but there is also a disadvantage - its monotonous appearance. The shortcoming is easy to correct, you just need to use your imagination, there are many options for decorating such a wall - cladding with wild or natural stone, pebbles, tiles, etc., along the wall you can put or make built-in flower beds or pots with hanging plants.

There are several options for constructing concrete retaining walls; you can purchase ready-made blocks, modules, or use the pouring into formwork method (skills in working with mortar are required).

Scope of work:

first you need to dig a trench;
Next, formwork of the required height is installed from strong boards fastened together;
a gravel or crushed stone cushion is laid at the bottom of the trench;
a reinforcement wall is installed on the cushion;
Now you can pour the concrete.

Concrete sets in 5 to 7 days, after which you can remove the formwork and eliminate defects on the wall surface. To avoid unevenness, inside roofing felt can be attached to the formwork.

When using blocks or modules, keep in mind that the heaviness of the entire structure requires a very strong and wider base (foundation).

And, of course, a couple of examples of how you can line a concrete wall:

Masonry

There are some disadvantages here - the labor-intensive process and the high cost of the material, but these disadvantages are ultimately fully justified by the appearance of the support.

Most often, chipped or sawn strong and durable species are used. When constructing stone retaining walls, masonry is carried out using cement mortar or dry masonry.

Scope of work:

dig a trench; its width should be 3–5 cm larger than the future foundation;
a gravel cushion (20–30 cm) should be laid at the bottom of the ditch, compacted and the trench should be filled with concrete, and the height of the pour should be 15 cm below the ground surface;
After the foundation has set, you can lay out the stones to form the body.

With the cement masonry method, the voids between the stones should be filled with a grout mixture, and with dry masonry - with soil in which hanging plants can be planted.

Brick and block retaining walls

The foundation for the brick support is made the same as in the previous version.

The main attention is paid to the thickness of the body: half-brick masonry is permissible only for low buildings (60 cm or 8 rows), if the wall height is about 1 m, it is better to build in brick (250 mm), a wall higher than a meter is laid in one and a half bricks. What stone to make the wall from - decide for yourself, focusing on the design of the site.

Modern solution - gabions

Gabions – three-dimensional mesh products (containers) various shapes, made of metal wire with anti-corrosion coating.

The easiest way to build retaining walls: water passes through the gabion filler without stopping, so you don’t have to worry about drainage and drainage! And also, in the case of gabions, a foundation is needed only for high walls (from 1 m); it is laid in the same way as for a stone or brick wall.

The laying process consists of installing mesh containers on a prepared base, tying the meshes together and filling them with the selected material. Only the front part of the wall can be filled with expensive stone, and the main volume can be filled with crushed stone, pebbles, etc.

Retaining walls as a decorative element of landscape design

In landscape design, solid lines are not welcome, that’s why they try to break them up various elements, most often these are stairs, flower beds, niches or benches. They not only add zest, dividing and at the same time connecting the whole picture, but also visually expand or even complicate the panoramic composition. This applies not only to large terraced chains, but also to simple decorative terraces. Think for yourself: a small raised flowerbed, divided by a bench, will be much nicer than a solid one.

Decorating retaining walls is an incredibly enjoyable process that opens up a lot of possibilities! There are simply an incredible number of decor options and every summer resident can contribute. There are various facings, and a wide selection of plants: climbing, hanging, etc. Or you can even make a support in the form alpine slide, or combine one with the other:

By the way, if you cover a stone or brick wall with kefir, in a humid climate it will quickly become overgrown with moss and a sort of imitation of antiquity will appear, as they like to do in English-style gardens. So, as you can see for yourself from the photos provided, you can make amazingly aesthetic retaining walls and skillfully use them in landscape design. Experiment and share your impressions in the comments!