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Retaining Walls

Building a Retaining Wall? Here’s How to Make Your Project a Success

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Are you trying to make your backyard an oasis? Do you enjoy landscaping projects hoping to upgrade your yard or garden? Or is your property sloping and have different elevations? There are plenty of different reasons to consider installing a retaining wall.

Retaining walls aren’t just for holding back soil anymore. Many homeowners employ retaining walls to bring some architectural interest to their yards. And retaining wall design has come a long way from its utilitarian roots. A retaining wall can make all the difference in your outdoor space.

Natural stone retaining wall with plants and stairs

Read on for our tips to make your retaining wall project a success.

Building a Retaining Wall

A retaining wall is a structural piece of your yard, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be attractive.

Material Options

When considering building a retaining wall in your yard, you need to choose the right material for your wall’s purpose. There are a few different options.

  • Manufactured block or stone
  • Pressure treated lumber
  • Segmental blocks
  • Stones
  • Bricks

Necessary Tools

If you’re not like Tim the Tool Man Taylor, you may need to go to your local big box home improvement store to rent the tools necessary to build your retaining wall.

If you are doing a huge revamp of your yard and need to move soil around, you may also need to rent some heavy duty equipment, like an excavator or a skid loader. Unless you are construction savvy, you may opt to hire someone to do this type of preliminary work for you.

There are several more basic tools that you’ll need, including:

  • Safety glasses
  • Chisel
  • Square
  • Tape measure
  • Hammer
  • Shovel
  • Level
  • Stakes
  • String
  • Hand tamper

Important Prep Work

Solid Base

It is extremely important to have a solid base for the wall. If the foundation is off, the wall is likely to be off as well. A crooked or slanted retaining wall will mean trouble in the long run.

Dig out the base, tamp it using your hand tamper, and fill with gravel or whatever filler you’re using. Make sure it is compacted and ready for the next step. It will keep your wall nice and sturdy.

Drainage

If your yard has a slope, you will need to add drainage so that rainwater doesn’t puddle in one area.

Use gravel and a drainage pipe at the base of your project. Cover the ends of the pipe with a mesh fabric to prevent the pipe from getting clogged.

Ready to Build the Wall

Start with your first layer of whatever material you chose. As you build the wall, you need to consistently check to make sure it’s level. You can use any number of decorative caps or edges to complete the wall.

As you build, stagger joints to make it visually appealing. Also, backfill as you go along and make sure to compact the soil so that there is no settling later.

Other Hardscaping Projects

Pinterest is full of images of beautiful backyards with creative uses of brick, pavers, stone, and other hardscape products. Do some research, find the bricks you need, and start planning your next project!

Whether you are building a retaining wall, adding a patio, or sprucing up a walkway with pavers, we can assist you. Visit our website to see all we have to offer for your hardscaping projects.

5 DIY Weekend Home Improvement Projects to Finish Before Winter Hits Wisconsin

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In only a few months the cool winds and white snowfalls of winter will arrive. Are you ready?

There’s probably a lot of home projects you need to do to prepare for the cold season in Wisconsin, but you shouldn’t wait until it gets here to start.

Here are some DIY weekend home improvement projects to work on before the winter hits.

New paving bricks laid out on exterior curved patio steps

Focus on Finishing These Projects Now

Renovate Your Home Entrance

Winter brings with it many holidays. That means lots of family and friends will be coming through your doors.

You want to make sure they’re properly greeted as they enter your home. That’s why now is the perfect time to renovate your front entrance. For instance:

  • On the outside, repainting your door and installing new lighting are some top options.
  • If you have a front porch, consider repairing any chipped or rotting wood deck panels.
  • You can also create a beautiful entrance with decorative stone pavers and walkways.

Install a Backyard Fire Pit

There’s no better place to relax and enjoy the cool nights of fall and early winter than around a crackling fire in your backyard.

Fire pits are one of the best custom property features. They add character to your home while giving you a great location for roasting marshmallows, playing card games, and sharing stories with friends. Plus, pits can be made in many shapes and sizes, so they can fit in any backyard.

Be sure to check out our guide on how to build your own fire pit.

Switch to Energy-Efficient Windows

If you’re looking for weekend home improvement projects, there’s no better option for both your wallet and the environment than installing energy-efficient windows.

During the winter, it’s important to keep the heat in and the cold out. But with older, inefficient windows, that valuable heat often leaks outside while the frigid air creeps in. That means a higher energy bill and an overworked heating system.

Taking some time now to install new windows will benefit both your wallet and the world.

Re-Do Your Insulation

Just like with your windows, insulation is a key part of keeping your home warm in the winter without burning a hole in your budget.

Blowing your own insulation is hard work with a lot of dust, but your DIY efforts can save you thousands off of professional work. Plus, you’ll save lots of money in the long run off your utility bills.

Before the winter storms come, make sure your home is sealed and ready for the chilly weather.

Build Retaining Walls for Gardens and Plants

During the winter months, your gardens and plants face a lot of adversity. One way you can help protect your plants is with a retaining wall.

Retaining walls make your gardens more level and provide added structure and support. This helps control runoff and erosion caused by snow and the water that results from it melting.

Slightly elevated walls also can make it easier to cover your plants with blankets or boxes, as well as to spread mulch for extra insulation.

Start Your DIY Weekend Home Improvement Projects Here

If you need brick, stone, or other building materials for these or your other weekend home improvement projects, contact us today. We carry a full line of residential brick and manufactured stone products.

How to Know If You Need to Build a Retaining Wall for Your Property

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All of us have heard horror stories about property owners who are watching their investment wash away. Eroding soil from rainwater and storm drains can do tremendous damage to the value of your home.

With extreme weather and rising waterways, there has never been a better time to work to protect your property. Those scenic water features can destroy large pieces of land or whole neighborhoods.

It’s important in many cases to build a retaining wall before it is too late. But how can you tell if you need one? Here are some reasons your property might need a retaining wall.

A stone block retaining wall topped with hedge

You Suffer from Downhill Erosion

If you don’t work to control downhill erosion, you will have significant issues on your hands. Without it, on one side of your property you could lose valuable land. On the other side, you could be allowing drainage and damage into your home. And soil could be eroding into the side of your house.

A retaining wall is the answer. With a wall, you can head off downhill erosion and keep your property in place.

You Have Water Runoff

Heavy rains and spring thaws can pose a huge threat to property owners. In many cases, water runoff will carry away your property if not properly managed. Also, water runoff can leave you with a flooded basement if you don’t have a wall to protect you.

Too many homeowners water their lawns only to have the runoff damage their homes. Investing in a wall prevents that.

There Are High Winds in Your Area

If you live in an area with high winds, areas of your property could be prone to soil erosion. This is especially true if your soil is dry. High-speed winds can fly through and—literally—carry your topsoil away.

Installing a retaining wall is a good way to protect your soil from wind.

Make Better Use of Your Property

A retention wall isn’t just for protecting your property. Other reasons so many Southeastern Wisconsin homeowners have them installed include:

  • They can add valuable space to your home or property. With level land, you can add seating, create walkways, and incorporate stairs.
  • Retaining walls can make your land more usable. An area that is steeply sloped and unusable can suddenly become level, usable space with the addition of a wall.
  • They provide beautiful opportunities for landscaping designs. In many cases, a retention wall can also open up more space for gardening and outdoor activities.

Get the Best to Build a Retaining Wall

When it comes to protecting your property, you can’t be too careful. But it isn’t enough to know that you need to build a retaining wall. You need the right materials for the project.

For solid materials that will keep your property in place, trust Champion Brick. We are the preferred Milwaukee brick, paver, stone, pergola, hardscape product, and retaining wall supplier for commercial and residential projects throughout Southeastern Wisconsin.

Contact us today for expert advice on your next stone project.

5 Retaining Wall Solutions for Your Milwaukee Backyard

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Homeowners have a lot to consider when it comes to maintaining and protecting their homes. Besides security from vandalism, theft, and other crimes, there is always Mother Nature to contend with. And, if you have steep slopes or excessive soil in your yard, you should also be worried about damage to your home and other belongings.

Even if you don’t live near a hill, a retaining wall can protect your yard and home while also adding an element of luxury to your outside environment. It’s versatile in a number of ways because you can use it for more than keeping the dirt out or blocking the wind.

If you’re wondering what kind of retaining wall solutions can benefit your Milwaukee backyard, then you’ve come to the right place. Here are a few reasons that you should consider.

Flowers, green grass and retaining wall gray brick

Seating

A few seating benefits retaining walls can provide are:

  • You can easily have a contractor design a retaining wall specifically for your property with your comfort and seating needs in mind.
  • You can redesign your yard according to your new wall, as it can be installed with special seating to accommodate your social style. Invite your friends over for some brats and chill out in the privacy of your own backyard.

Curb Appeal

Retaining walls can add curb appeal in many ways, including:

  • They can be installed to surround your driveway so that your home appears privately tucked away.
  • You can easily hide your garage mess from the neighbors and keep cars off the lawn.
  • Prospective homebuyers will appreciate an attractive retaining wall already installed if you ever intend to sell.

Planters

Along with your special seating, you can also have planters as part of the structure of your wall. This can help you add natural elements to your yard while keeping the elements of nature out.

Foundation

Prevent erosion and reduce the risk of a flood with a strong foundation surrounding your home. A retaining wall is built into the ground and supports all of the earth underneath and surrounding your home.

If you live near water, or if it rains a lot in your region, a retaining wall can help keep water flowing away from your home and yard.

Less Maintenance

A retaining wall is a great alternative to wooden fencing or decking that can be built around your home with little to no maintenance required after installation. All you have to do is allow the contractor to do their thing.

Most contractors offer warranties and guarantees, so you don’t have to worry about repairs until years down the line either.

Your Retaining Wall Solutions

Your retaining wall project doesn’t have to be overwhelming and stressful. Especially if you’re experiencing problems with your yard and/or landscape because of impending earth, you need retaining wall solutions sooner rather than later.

Don’t try to do it yourself when you can hire professionals who will get the job done right instead. That way you can move on with your life and stop worrying about the structure of your home’s environment.

You can also install a retaining wall as preventative maintenance or to create privacy in your yard. It can block traffic noise and other sounds in your neighborhood. And, you can have it designed so that nobody will be able to climb over it if your intention is to protect your yard and home with a barrier.

When you’re ready to install a retaining wall, or if you have questions, feel free to contact us. Excellent customer service is our guarantee.

Which Retaining Wall Material is Right for Your Project?

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Looking to spice up your yard? Look no further than a retaining wall. Retaining walls do more than make your yard more aesthetically pleasing—they also help to prevent damaging soil erosion.

There are many factors that go into making a great retaining wall. One of the most important factors, however, is the retaining wall material. There are all sorts of great materials you can use when building your project. But you need to find the right material to fit your style and budget.

Check out our list of the different retaining wall material types from which you have to choose.

retaining wall made from natural stone landscaping materials

Natural Stone Retaining Wall Materials

Do you want a sturdy wall with a natural look? If that’s the case, you should use natural stone in your retaining wall. Some reasons natural stone is popular include:

  • Natural stone can fit almost any landscape style. It creates an organic look that pairs well with a garden or yard.
  • It is also extremely durable. It’s heavier and able to endure outdoor elements. This durability also helps to keep soil from getting through the retaining wall.
  • It offers variety. You can purchase granite, limestone, or faux stone for your retaining wall.
  • You can choose your stone based on the style and color that best fits your yard. Techo-Bloc stones, for example, come in a number of styles and shades.

It’s important to remember that natural stone is a heavier retaining wall material. So, you should only use it for shorter walls that are under four feet tall.

Concrete

You don’t have to stick to a natural-looking retaining wall. Concrete walls are a great alternative for people who want to add a modern look to their yard. When using concrete, remember:

  • Concrete walls create a sleek and contemporary aesthetic. This material can add a touch of sophistication to a garden or yard.
  • Concrete walls are not only used for their appearance. They also have practical uses.
  • Concrete blocks are strong and easy to assemble. As a result, concrete is a good option for people building tall walls, curved walls, and walls on slopes.

Wood

The average retaining wall costs homeowners over $5,000 to build. But that doesn’t mean you can’t build a great retaining wall on a budget.

You can help save money on your project by using wood in your retaining wall. Wood is much cheaper than other materials like natural stone. Wood is also popular because it’s a perfect compliment to a wooden garden or home.

There are plenty of reasons to choose a brick retaining wall over wood however, including:

  • Wood is less sturdy and more vulnerable to the elements than other material.
  • Wooden retaining walls erode over time, especially when they are exposed to moisture for extended periods of time.
  • Wood can invite infestation issues.

You can, however, purchase Douglas fir wood if you’re worried about moisture. This wood is less vulnerable to water and erosion.

Bricks

The gold standard for retaining walls, brick offers many benefits. Bricks make walls that are durable, sturdy, and can last decades. Plus, their aesthetic beauty is only limited by the imagination and skill of the designer!

If you’re planning on building a retaining wall, the first material you should consider is brick. With so many styles and design options, it offers limitless opportunities.

Choosing Your Retaining Wall Material

Are you interested in building a retaining wall? We can help!

We are a premier product supplier for commercial and residential projects. Contact us today to get started on your landscaping project today!

Experience the Elegance of Techo-Bloc Retaining Walls

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Retaining walls play an important part in your lawn’s structural integrity. Constructing one needs to be thought out and should involve quality materials and know-how.

Incorporating a retaining wall into your home’s landscape also has aesthetic benefits as well. You may not know this, but you have the ability to add a level of elegance and class to the exterior design of your home when you install a retaining wall. This all depends on the materials you use for your wall.

If you’re planning the construction of a retaining wall and want sophistication to shine through, Techo-Bloc walls will do the job.

stone retaining wall

Techo-Bloc Walls Create Natural Beauty

When you add a retaining wall, you want to remain in line with the design of your home. A synthetic-looking retaining wall set against a brick or stone home would look out of place.

That’s why Techo-Bloc manufactures stones that have a rustic and natural look. This brings a seamless elegance to the entire property. And because they offer different styles and shades, you can match your new wall to your home. This will create a much more natural balance.

The texturing captured in these stones also mimics what you see in nature. This level of detail is what you’re looking for when you build your retaining wall.

Versatile Design and Functionality

We use retaining walls for a number of different reasons. This greatly depends on the geographic landscape of your property. For instance:

  • They help on sloped lawns to keep the soil firm and in place.
  • If your project includes adding a garden or gazeebo, they help gracefully section off flat areas.
  • You can also use them to accessorize fire pits or flower beds, bringing added elegance to what was once an ordinary lawn feature.

Techo-Bloc walls compliment both the style and functionality of your property. Their quality will ensure your lawn stays in great condition.

Customization Is in Your Hands

An advantage of Techo-Bloc retaining walls is they make it easy to get a unique look that fits your style. Because of the wide variety of stone choices, you can mix and match to achieve an elegant look.

Just a few of the lines they offer include:

  • G-Force – for a sleek and clean look
  • Baltimore – for a rugged, strong feel
  • Prescott – for a natural, imperfect look
  • Mini-Creta – for a classic design element

Keep in mind, they offer many other design options as well, all of which deliver superior functionality. Their bricks and stones come in varying lengths and colors, so if you want to create steps or columns, you have complete design control.

Another benefit is that Techo-Bloc’s products are all compatible with each other. That makes the seamless elegance you’re going for easy to achieve in all stone and brick landscaping features.

Get the Most out of Your Retaining Wall

When planning your new retaining wall, the most important thing is that it’s built correctly. The health and integrity of your property depend on it. Using Techo-Block walls will ensure quality while opening up your options for elegant design.

Champion Brick supplies residential brick and retaining wall materials, including Techo-Bloc in Milwaukee, New Berlin and Southeast Wisconsin. Contact us today to discuss your options.