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Frequently, the need to install a retaining wall stems from the desire to prevent erosion, hold back soil, separate two areas of your yard, or create a raised garden bed. These utilitarian functions make retaining walls a highly functional addition to your yard, but they can also serve a decorative purpose, and add beauty and interest to your outdoor spaces. Champion Brick is your retaining wall expert in Milwaukee, New Berlin, and the Southeastern Wisconsin area, and we have a few dos and don’ts to keep in mind as you plan your retaining wall project.  

Do: Be Creative

Think of the aesthetic potential of your retaining wall. If it’s purpose is purely utilitarian, you can greatly increase its visual appeal by choosing a brick that compliments your home or other structures on your property. Be creative with your material choice as your retaining wall will be a dominant feature of your space for many, many years.

Don’t: Forget About Structure

Smaller retaining walls, such as those less than four feet, can be easily planned and created without worrying too much about structure. Larger walls above that height may need an engineer’s touch. They’ll need additional reinforcement to stay solidly in place, without risking eventual leaning or sagging, and ultimately becoming a safety hazard. Also, be sure to check with local codes before starting one more than four feet tall.

Don’t: Skip the Base

A retaining wall installation is only as good as the base upon which it’s built. Remember to plan properly and spend considerable time on your substrate. Make sure the ground is level and that you’re using sufficient solid fill, and spend considerable time on this part of the project. You’ll thank yourself down the line.

Contact Us for Your Next Retaining Wall Project!

Champion Brick is your Milwaukee brick, paver, stone, pergola, and hardscape product supplier for commercial and residential projects. If you have questions about any of our products or services please call us at 262-786-8260 or submit your message on our contact form to message us.

A natural stone facade adds a gorgeous texture to any room. These stone accents create a highly-desired and aesthetically pleasing look that is timeless and always in fashion. In the past, natural, full-thickness stone walls, fireplace surrounds, and accents were expensive due to the materials themselves and the weight and labor involved with the installation. It’s only been in recent years that the quality of thin stone veneer materials have begun to match the look of real stone. Champion Brick, your stone veneer experts in Milwaukee, New Berlin and all of Southeastern Wisconsin, is here to answer your questions about stone veneer.

Manufactured stone, which is cast into molds produced from the contours of real stones, has never been more authentic or affordable. The colors, textures, and contours of these imitation products are nearly indistinguishable from real, full-thickness stone.

These lightweight veneers are incredibly versatile. Our products are widely used in interior as well as exterior applications. Backyard kitchens constructed with stone veneer create an authentic-feeling backyard oasis without the exorbitant cost of traditional stone construction. Plus, these materials can closely replicate rare and aged stonework that would be expensive and impractical for outdoor applications.

Inside the house, our lightweight and flexible stone veneer products are installed on accent walls in rec rooms, great rooms, and kitchens. A plain fireplace surround can be upgraded quickly and easily with stone veneer to create a true centerpiece that your family will love for many years to come. 

Although the installation process of stone veneer is relatively straightforward, it takes a trained eye and skilled hand to complete an installation that looks natural and is highly durable. Careful installation procedures should be followed to avoid mistakes that could shorten the lifespan of the installed veneer, especially in high-traffic areas.

Champion Brick is your Milwaukee brick, paver, stone, pergola, and hardscape product supplier for commercial and residential projects. Champion Brick is located in New Berlin and serves all of Milwaukee and Southeastern Wisconsin. We are a family-owned business that was established in 1971, and our focus and motto has been and always will be “Excellence in Customer Service.” With each passing year, we are continuing to grow our areas of expertise and expand our product lines. Champion Brick is equipped to service homeowners, do-it-yourselfers, masonry and hardscape professionals, and everyone in between. Our full-service showroom and highly trained sales staff are here to assist you with all of your product selection and supply needs.

Contact Champion Brick for your project today!

Champion Brick is your stone veneer expert in Milwaukee! If you have questions about any of our products or services please call us at 262-786-8260 or submit your message on our contact form. 

Wishing everyone a Very Merry Christmas and a Joyous New Year!