Steel Retaining Walls In The Garden

On a recent project I needed to design a series of low retaining walls, steps and edges.  I wanted to introduce a new material that would complement the 100 year old concrete walls, steps and paths in the yard.

I ended up choosing steel because its strength allows for very thin walls/edges which in turn maximizes the plantable area of the project. I also liked the steel because it develops a rich patina over time and has a hardness that matches the feel of the concrete.

The steel panels were cut in a metal shop and then sent to a second shop to be pieced together and welded. Square steel posts were anchored into the ground to support the metal. They were pounded into the ground with sledgehammers.

The (5) 13′ metal panels were lifted into place by a team of five guys.

IMG 3767 Steel retaining walls in the garden

Wood supports (see image below) hold the steel in place. The metal walls were then welded in place to the steel posts. This allowed for a really pristine front to the wall – no screw heads!

IMG 8304 Steel retaining walls in the garden

Once the walls/edges were welded in place, the wood was removed. The space behind the walls was filled with gravel wrapped in filter fabric. This allows the area behind the wall to act as a french drain and keeps the wall relatively dry.

IMG 8290 Steel retaining walls in the garden

Next the posts were cut off a little lower than the wall. The supports were filled with concrete to prevent them from collecting water. Soil on the upper bed was graded so that it comes right up to the wall, creating a really thin, sexy edge.

Here is a photo of the walls after the final micro grading.

IMG 8477 Steel retaining walls in the garden

The project is further along now — I’ll post more photos soon.

About Patty Hume

Patty Hume is a designer person from Los Angeles, California. She blogs at pattyhume.com and tweets @pattyhume. In her previous life she designed big fountains and public spaces all over the world for WET. In 2009 she founded BREAKurban, an environmental design studio where she designs landscapes, experiences and places. She thinks plants are sexy. You can "like" her on Facebook but if you don't she will totally understand. She can also be found sharing her adventures on Instagram and Pinterest.
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6 Responses to Steel Retaining Walls In The Garden

  1. michael Shocrylas architect May 5, 2012 at 2:11 am #

    great looking infinity edge grading!

  2. Retaining Walls Omaha July 11, 2012 at 10:08 pm #

    Hi,

    This is really informative blog, I am very thankful for sharing this one.

    Thanks
    Mike

  3. Jeff October 5, 2012 at 7:22 am #

    What was the thickness of the steel plate you used? 1/4″? 1/2″? And did you treat or paint any of the plate before installation? I’m considering a similar design but some people have warned me about rust from the bottom up, especially on the soil side of the wall/plate.

  4. Patty Hume October 12, 2012 at 5:42 pm #

    1/4″. Yes, we painted the back of the plate and the posts. We covered the painted surface with a filter fabric material to prevent it from getting scratched and then back filled the trench with gravel to essentially create a french drain behind the wall. The project is only about 8 months old but so far I am very happy with it.

  5. Matt April 4, 2013 at 1:05 pm #

    What type of steel did you use? Is it corten? If not, did it rust?

    Thanks.

  6. Patty Hume April 9, 2013 at 11:04 am #

    Yes, it is corten. It is a little over a year old and it is starting to develop a patina. I’ll post some updated photos soon.

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