3 Style Options for a Retaining Wall in Hershey and Harrisburg PA Areas

A retaining wall is a functional landscape element, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be beautiful. In fact, it can become a focal point and an important part of your outdoor living space design. To inspire you, here are 3 style options for a retaining wall in Hershey and Harrisburg, PA, areas.

Related: Picking Patio Pavers for Rustic Outdoor Living Rooms in Harrisburg PA

Sleek and Modern

The modern landscape design aesthetic favors simplicity and clean lines. Each landscape element is carefully chosen and positioned, and often features materials that are unique to each element (for example, a retaining wall could use different materials than an outdoor fireplace). 

Modern styles can feature complementary textures where the retaining wall, patio, and other vertical and horizontal elements are similarly textured. Or, each material can have a unique texture that contributes to the individual character of each piece.

For a modern wall, smooth natural stone is a timeless choice. A retaining wall can be constructed of solid stone blocks or slabs, or a concrete block foundation with a thin natural stone veneer. Natural stone will always give you a completely unique result since no two stones are alike. 

You could also choose concrete wall blocks or veneers, which will give you expanded choices in colors and styles. For example, a veneer in a plank style pairs well with large format patio pavers (also a modern trend because of the clean lines created by minimizing joint lines). 

Wall blocks or veneers could be a few shades darker or lighter than the patio to create a dramatic contrast. Or you could opt for shades that closely match each other and experiment with different textures to give each element its own character.

Finish the look with natural stone coping in either a smooth edge or a chiseled edge.

Casual Rustic 

Rustic walls are designed around imperfection, embracing the natural differences of the building materials. 

Rustic walls use materials that could easily have been gathered right on your property or look as if they coul). They look like they belong, much like ancient walls found throughout the world. They often feature larger blocks (again, either natural stone or manufactured stone). Or, rustic walls could be constructed with concrete blocks and faced with textured natural stone or manufactured stone veneers. 

Stacked flagstone and quarried stone, often with a weathered or antiqued finish, are great options for a relaxed retaining wall. 

Contemporary  

“Contemporary” isn’t a style, exactly. Homes built in the last 10 years or so are considered contemporary if they aren’t built to a specific architectural style. Since they often blend elements from various design styles, it’s an opportunity to do the same with a retaining wall. You can also borrow from various time-honored styles if you want to create an eclectic outdoor space.

A low contemporary wall could begin with a bottom row of chiseled stone (natural or manufactured), followed by another row of chiseled stone, then a smooth brick-like accent band in a complementary color, and then another row of chiseled stone topped with a smooth-edged cap stone.

Many homeowners choose to build retaining walls with concrete wall blocks that have a weathered texture. This gives their outdoor spaces an easygoing style. It’s also an economical solution that can stretch your landscaping dollars. Wall blocks pair well with flagstone, which is a popular patio material for contemporary homes.

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