Most properties today come with various fixtures and outdoor features. Some of these accessories and features have aesthetic purposes, while others have more functional values. Others, of course, have both aesthetic and functional values.

Retaining walls are one of the outdoor accessories that serve both aesthetic and functional purposes. In general, retaining walls are built primarily to control and prevent erosion and to stabilize the soil in sloping landscapes or in areas where the ground slopes down to certain levels.

Retaining walls can be made of different materials. However, one of the most popular materials used for the construction of this fixture is concrete. Many builders and homeowners choose to have a concrete exterior wall as the concrete can be upgraded during the manufacturing process. With the correct process and additional materials, concrete becomes fire resistant, sound proof, damage and impact resistant, and even pest resistant. Due to these qualities and characteristics, concrete retaining walls are the number one choice of many builders and homeowners.

The process of building or installing concrete retaining walls, if a precast one has been purchased, usually begins with leveling the slopes and creating one or more terraces. A sloping or hilly area will be excavated first, and its size will depend on the extent of the project. A contractor can do this by hand if the area is small. Larger areas generally require the use of a small bobcat or other types of larger earth digging equipment for larger areas. The slope or hill will then be leveled and, depending on your needs, a gentle slope or terraced effect will be created which are like built-in steps.

Before this attachment can be installed or raised, the ground must first be leveled. This is usually done by adding sand to the area or by compacting the surface with a garden roller. The contractor would then lay down the bottom row of wall and double check the floor to make sure it is properly level.

If the property has no slopes or hills, a concrete retaining wall can become a creative outdoor decorative feature. Smaller retaining walls can be built from ground level upwards so that raised flower beds or water features can be created and added to a landscaped garden. Landscaping experts recommend that these features be up to 2 feet tall just so they can help create depth in a flat landscape.