A smart way to create a good looking retaining wall

Let’s be honest: Homeowners are vain when it comes to landscaping features, and rightfully so. Even the smallest details can make or break your curb appeal, so it’s crucial to find materials that are not only fun, but get the job done. When it comes Retaining wall ideasConcrete reigns supreme. However, it is not necessarily the most original or attractive choice, and requires fairly regular maintenance. If you’re looking for an alternative, Corten steel retaining walls knock the aesthetics out of the park and effectively fight corrosion.

One of the most functional and Clever landscaping ideasCorten steel, aka weathering steel, is renowned for its lush patina and durability—a win-win. Compared to regular steel, Corten steel contains higher amounts of chromium, phosphorus, nickel and copper, resulting in stronger corrosion resistance and tensile strength. It proves to be a lasting choice, no matter what you are choosing A retaining wall on uneven groundIn the garden or along the driveway, and it promises an attractive upgrade from concrete or stone.

While the Corten steel retaining wall has plenty of merits, let’s get the issue out of the way: its cost. Corten steel can cost up to five times the cost of concrete, reaching $150 per square foot, so a project requiring 80 square feet of steel can cost up to $12,000 for materials alone. (And rust run-off is possible in the early days of the wall, which can affect nearby materials, although this will ease as the Corten stabilizes.)

If you’re willing to pay the upfront cost, however, there are plenty of benefits to going this route. For one, there is no maintenance required — no coating, painting, sealing, etc. If you live in an area with a lot of rain or snow, you don’t need to stress because it will last for decades even when exposed to harsh conditions. And as much as it’s a landscape looker, it’s also durable, ideal for adding structure to the ground.

If you’re wondering how to incorporate this look into your space, start small: you put a A retaining wall around a tree Or a small garden before tackling a larger plot of land. Talk to a contractor about pricing and planning, or consider the DIY route if you want to keep costs down. Always be sure to check with your local building department, as this project may require a permit prior to installation.