How a Deck Builder Can Plan a Deck Around a Retaining Wall in New Lenox, IL

How a Deck Builder Can Plan a Deck Around a Retaining Wall in New Lenox, IL

If you love the idea of adding a gorgeous, custom deck to your New Lenox, IL, backyard but feel like it is impossible because of the slope and erosion, you will be delighted to know that a deck builder can plan an entire deck while remedying the erosion problem, too. Here is the ingenious way a deck builder can plan a deck around a retaining wall.

Related: 3 BRICK PATIO IDEAS FOR YOUR BACKYARD REMODEL IN HOMER GLEN AND NEW LENOX, IL

What is a retaining wall?

A retaining wall is built of heavy stone or block to hold back the earth in a sloped yard. The purpose of a retaining wall can be multi-faceted since it can function as a way to increase useable outdoor space, add planting and landscape areas to a space that has very little, and to stop the gully that happens whenever there is a rainstorm. 

The strategic retaining wall can eliminate the gushing water that leaves mud and debris in its wake with its integrated drainage system that diverts the water to a better location. Not only does a retaining wall work hard for your landscape but it can also be quite unique and beautiful, too. 

How can a deck and retaining wall work together?

Your landscaper will start with an eye-catching deck design that begins right outside of the back door of your home and is planned to be large enough to host all of your activities comfortably. With wood that is laid in a gorgeous pattern to catch the eye as you step out, the design is intended to ensure a livable and attractive outdoor space.

You can choose the custom railing that ranges from wood to iron to steel cable for a look that suits your aesthetic. When your deck is built with craftsman-like details and a focus on the smallest particulars, it will be durable and swoon worthy for any outdoor activity. 

Your landscaper can remedy that annoying slope that feels like it keeps you from really using your outdoor space by removing some of the dirt from the bottom of the slope and building a tiered retaining wall to grant access from the grassy space to the deck entry. With oversized stone stacked in a free pattern, there will be no problem moving from the yard to the deck. 

They can add wide and deep stone steps of the same natural stone to make ascending to the deck so easy and safe for all of your guests. Once the tiered retaining wall is in place, your landscaper can recommend the ideal planting plan to bring texture, color, and floral beauty to your backyard deck area. 

If you choose, they can continue the same stone as the stepping stones in the yard to provide a flat and suitable surface for comfortable movement to the garage or to the front yard, continuing the same aesthetic into other parts of the yard. 

Consider Adding Landscape Lighting 

The crowning glory of your beautiful deck and retaining wall combo can be to have your landscaper add perfectly planned lighting to your entire outdoor space. The right lighting can make the nighttime atmosphere so special as well as increase the safety for you and your guests. When you see the deck and tiered wall illuminated, your landscape will be transformed. 

Related: HOW TO CHOOSE A DECK BUILDER THAT'S RIGHT FOR YOU IN FRANKFORT AND MOKENA, IL

Since 1989, Bob Tunzi has been designing, installing, and maintaining outstanding landscapes throughout the South Chicagoland area.

His passion for the outdoors led him to complete his education in landscape management and to fulfill certification requirements that set the foundation for a comprehensive landscaping service built on integrity.