In real estate, retaining and bulkhead walls are used as a solution to issues facing the building or property. Retaining walls and bulkheads both serve the same purpose: to provide a level surface and prevent erosion or slip and slides.
Retaining walls have several uses depending on what you want to build it for or with. They could be used at the top of hills to prevent soil from being washed away, they can also create level land on uneven surfaces such as cliffsides. A retaining wall can also be used as an architectural feature within your landscaping design instead of serving a functional purpose like preventing water runoff. Retaining walls are sometimes referred to as gravity walls because they work by resisting against lateral pressure. Retaining walls are usually made of wood, stone, cement or brick. They are generally installed along hillside areas or properties to prevent soil from eroding away or sinking down toward the house.
A bulkhead is a retaining wall along a waterfront. It is built vertically on the ground but serves as an enclosure protecting gardens or protecting against soil erosion. A bulkhead can be created from wood, stone or metal depending on personal preference and budget. There are different types of bulkheads which include freestanding bulkheads with posts holding them up, bulkheads with posts installed at the ground level, bulkheads that can be built into your existing fence or bulkheads that are similar to a wooden barrier. High-quality bulkhead construction materials include metal, cedar wood, concrete and treated lumber because they will not rot when they get wet.
Bulkheads and retaining walls should be built using the correct materials for strength and longevity, especially in areas that get extreme weather like heavy wind or rain. Bulkheads and retaining walls are both ideal choices when you need to level out your property or protect against soil erosion.
