In this blog, we will focus on corten steel retaining walls and their construction.
Corten steel retaining walls
Corten steel retaining walls are a popular and stylish way to create terrain contours and keep soil in place in the garden. Corten steel is a material known for its rust-colored surface and resistance to the elements. It is also an environmentally friendly material as it can be recycled and reused.
Building a corten steel retaining wall can be a relatively simple process, but it still requires planning and care. Here are some things to keep in mind to help you establish a corten steel retaining wall in your garden:
Establishing retaining walls
Here are some things to be aware of that can help you establish a corten steel retaining wall in your garden:
Building a retaining wall
The retaining wall system comes in elements up to 3 meters long. They are clamped together with the included bolt set and typically weigh no more than 2 people can lift them into place. The retaining wall is produced in bent 3 mm corten steel at a maximum height of 60 cm.
At a maximum height of 80 cm, the retaining wall will be produced in 5 mm thickness.
Substrate
The retaining wall elements are placed on a stable and frost-free base of stable gravel or similar. The depth of the base should be 30-90 cm depending on soil conditions. Ask your contractors to help with soil conditions and construction of this.
Sideways securing
The retaining wall is attached to the substrate via holes in the bottom to secure it laterally. This can be done directly by spot-casting the included casting spikes or with expansion bolts in a suitable substrate. Alternatively, lateral securing can also be done by setting the retaining wall 10% of its height below grade in compacted stable gravel.
Drainage system
The retaining wall system is prepared for drainage on the inside of the retaining wall. Ask your contractor about drainage.
The walls are prepared for a drain hose. Important to allow for good drainage for dewatering. Corten steel will have a shortened lifespan if it is constantly under water. We recommend a foundation wall drainage plate on the inside of the wall.
Back casting
If needed, back casting can be used on the inside of the retaining wall.
The benefits of corten steel retaining walls
Steel retaining walls have several benefits over other materials.
Some of their key features include:
Durability
Steel retaining walls are known for their durability and weather resistance.
They can withstand strong wind, rain and sunlight without being damaged.
Rustic appearance
Steel is a natural rust-colored material that gives the retaining wall a natural and rustic look. As the steel wall ages, the rust-colored surface will become more prominent and give the wall a more distinctive appearance.
Flexibility
Steel retaining walls are very flexible in design and can be adapted to different landscapes. They can be built in different shapes and sizes and can be customized to accommodate different heights and slopes.
Easy installation
Installing steel retaining walls is relatively simple and does not require much time and labor. The material is lightweight and can be easily transported and installed on site.
Installation instructions
Check out our installation guide