Engineering Meets Elegance: Build Retaining Walls That Stand Strong and Look Stunning
When it comes to residential landscaping projects requiring retaining walls, homeowners often seek a balance between structural integrity and aesthetic appeal. Andrew Colmer of Island Iron Excavation in Campbell River was hired by his client to create a retaining wall that offered curb appeal while ensuring the structural integrity needed to hold the yard—and essentially the house—in place. This challenge was met with Redi-Rock, a versatile retaining wall system offering both engineered strength and a natural stone appearance.
Project Overview
The residential project required a durable retaining wall at the front of the property. The homeowner wanted a visually pleasing design while ensuring the wall could withstand environmental pressures. The construction involved 192,400 lbs of Redi-Rock products, including 121 blocks consisting of engineered blocks, free-standing blocks, and top caps. The completed wall was 14.5 feet tall and 40 feet long.
A unique feature the clients loved was the ability to add black powder-coated aluminum house numbers on the face of the wall. Andrew worked with Quality Signs in Campbell River to produce the numbers. “Quality Signs was great at coming up with a solution; they even created a template for our drill holes, which made installation precise,” Andrew shared.
Why Choose Redi-Rock?
1. Structural Integrity
- Engineered strength: Redi-Rock blocks are designed with interlocking capabilities, providing unmatched stability and durability.
- Gravity wall system: With its large, heavy blocks, Redi-Rock allows for the construction of gravity walls that don’t require additional reinforcement.
2. Aesthetic Appeal
- Natural stone look: Redi-Rock blocks come in various textures and colors that mimic natural stone, enhancing the property’s curb appeal.
- Customization options: With different block styles such as freestanding walls and top caps, designers can create seamless and visually attractive finishes.
3. Ease of Installation
- Precast design: Redi-Rock blocks are precast, reducing on-site preparation time and ensuring consistent quality.
- Efficient construction: The large block size covers more area per piece, leading to quicker installation and reduced labor costs.
4. Long-Term Performance
- Weather resistance: Redi-Rock is built to endure harsh environmental conditions, including freeze-thaw cycles common in colder climates.
- Low maintenance: The blocks require minimal upkeep, making them cost-effective over time.
Redi-Rock Solutions
The completed retaining wall seamlessly integrated with the surrounding landscape while providing essential erosion control and property protection. “This wall had to kiss the neighbor’s driveway without crossing the property line, and we were able to do that within an inch,” Andrew reported. Its robust construction and natural stone appearance met both the homeowner’s aesthetic wish list and structural requirements.
“Once you understand how the blocks work, working with Redi-Rock is pretty cool, I am hooked and look forward to creating more walls with this product,” said Andrew Colmer, Owner of Island Iron Excavation.”
Redi-Rock has an abundance of resources for engineers and contractors. “The 3D drawings provided by Jeff Buckton, Sales Rep for Hyland Precast, along with the expertise of Jeff London, Engineer from JF Technical Solutions, I was able to help the clients visualize the finished results and gave them confidence in having a sound retaining wall to protect their property. The clients loved the top caps that finished off the wall, giving it a sophisticated and classy look that boosted curb appeal in the Campbell River neighborhood.”
Redi-Rock is an ideal solution for residential landscaping projects that demand strength, durability, and beauty. Its engineered design and natural stone aesthetics make it a top choice for homeowners and contractors alike. For projects requiring a retaining wall that combines form and function, Redi-Rock delivers exceptional results.
Redi-Rock Project Summary
“What does 192,400 lbs of Redi-Rock get you?
A lifetime retaining wall that looks fantastic”.
Jeff Buckton, Redi-Rock Sales
- Dimensions: 14.5 ft H x 40 ft L
- Total Blocks: 121 Redi-Rock blocks
- Total Weight: ~192,400 lbs or 87,450 kg
- Transport: Approx. 11 loads a day
- Complete Build Time: 30 days
Resources
Hyland Redi Rock – Retaining Wall Systems
Redi-Rock International: Redi Rock Wall Types
Hyland Precast: The merits of using a retaining wall for septic systems
