There are few landscape features that are as perfect for each other as the retaining wall and the patio. These two features can complement each other to create a well integrated and impressive outdoor living space. In this article we’ll go over exactly how to imagine a retaining wall and a patio so you can plan out your best possible outdoor living space. Here’s how a stone retaining wall could be the finishing touch for your dream patio in the Bedford, NH area.
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Extended Outdoor Living Spaces
For landscapes that aren’t level, a retaining wall can facilitate the best use of the space. Carving away a portion of a hillside can significantly expand the patio; and then, the retaining wall (or series of terraces) above or below the patio create a continuation of the space on a vertical plane.
Reshaping the land and supporting it with retaining walls is a great opportunity to create a fire pit area; to integrate an outdoor kitchen into a retaining wall; to position a seating area in a sheltered spot; and much more. If the slope is steep, your landscape designer may recommend a series of smaller patios that “cascade” down a hillside, each with its own flavor - and each backed by a retaining wall.
Interest on the Horizontal and Vertical Plane
A retaining wall will create a high level of vertical interest in the space. The vertical area of a retaining wall can showcase masonry beauty and even harbor artistic flourishes involving colorful tiles and other creative accents.
The contrast or similarity of the materials you use for a patio and retaining wall work to create a harmonious space that’s a feast for the eyes. A rough-textured retaining wall next to a sleek paver patio, for instance, is a great way to bring more rustic elements into an ultra modern space.
Expert masons will use materials with different colors, sizes, shapes, and textures in order to create stunning patterns both on the patio and the retaining walls. These arrangements could also include creative accents and fantastic borders that draw the eye and wrap everything together. A stone retaining wall can follow any of the masonry patterns established in your patio and bring them to a new view place.
Integrated Landscape Lighting
The surface of your patio needs to be well lit after dark. A well-layered and integrated landscape lighting infrastructure will contain a considerable number of light fixtures as well as electrical cables. Stone retaining walls can be designed with integrated landscape lighting. Not only will you benefit from the visual treat of light drawing attention to the wall’s textures at night, but the landscape will feel less cluttered.
Expanded Seating and Function
When your patio needs to be more practical, a retaining wall can help. As a solid structure adjoining your patio, the stone retaining wall can be combined with permanent seating that will provide plenty of space for multiple guests during a bigger gathering. You can even cut out a little nook in the wall or use up a corner to place a secluded fire pit surrounded by bench seating. This seating could be wood that is attached to the retaining wall; or, it could be made using the same masonry materials attached to a taller wall; or the wall itself could be at chair height. Just add a few colorful cushions for comfort, and you’ll see just how useful a retaining wall can be.
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