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Evans Homes and Gardens

8914 Watkins Rd.
Gaithersburg, MD 20882

(301) 253 9224

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Retaining Walls

With retaining wall design the need can often dictate the material. Dry stack walls are good for walls less than 24" high. Above that, mortared stone walls are required for strength. 6" x 6" pressure treated lumber retaining walls work well but require straight lines.

 


 

Photo Galleries
Design and Installation Process

How does material choice affect cost?
Sustainable Products and Practices

Retaining wall features

  • Decorative capstones
  • Seating and lighting

 

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How does material choice affect cost?

  • Wood - wood wall systems use 6" x 6" pressure treated timbers nailed together with 10" spikes. Cost varies with design and height and ranges about $15 - $18 per square foot.
    • Advantages: Quick installation, low cost
  • Dry Stack - dry stack stone walls can be used for emphasizing a special plant in the garden or a border around a garden. This type of wall is more decorative and less permanent. Typically used for walls less than 24" high.
    • Advantages: Quick installation, low cost
  • Cement Block - the material for this choice of wall is more costly, but requires less labor. The blocks interlock and are not mortared. The overall price is not much different than that of the mortared stone wall. The pre-manufactured look of cement block is, in my opinion, far less beautiful than natural stone.
    • Advantages: Quick installation, long lasting
  • Mortared Stone - stone wall systems are best built with native stones of the region. Colors can range from sandy beige to silver-grey. The installation process is labor intensive and time consuming and can take a longer time to complete. The price is approx. $40 to $50 per face foot.
    • Advantages: Can conform to any curve, strongest option, long lasting

 


 

Sustainable Products and Practices

Evans Homes and Gardens makes every effort to buy as local as possible. The pressure treated lumber comes from eastern Virginia, the stone products are quarried in either Potomac or Ellicott City, Maryland and the mortar is made in Fredrick, Maryland.