How a Retaining Wall Can Bring Style to a Concrete Driveway in the Reno, NV Area
As you plan a new stamped concrete driveway for your Reno, NV Area front yard, consider adding a retaining wall to the design. While retaining walls can be ideal to remedy a slope issue that is causing erosion, this stone wall can also define the space and add visual interest for a more attractive entry. Here are some ways a retaining wall can add style to a driveway.
Related: Revamp Your Outdoor Oasis With a Custom Patio and Retaining Wall in the Reno, NV Area
Concrete Driveways
If an airstrip runway comes to mind when you think of concrete driveways, it is time to think again. Modern concrete driveways can have aggregate surfaces of crushed pebbles, shells, colored glass, and more. This textured surface can add a custom appearance that you won’t find in many places to a concrete driveway.
You can opt for colored concrete to take the bold white appearance to a more subtle look and edge it with driveway pavers for a distinctive driveway design. A broomed surface eliminates the possibility of a slick surface while stamping can lend a stone look to all or part of the driveway.
Concrete driveways have come a long way from the ordinary surfaces you might associate with mass-produced houses.
Retaining Walls
There can certainly be times when you have a slope beside your new driveway that is causing run-off and dirt stains on this new surface. The ideal remedy can be a stone retaining wall that solves drainage problems and helps you maintain a dirt-free driveway.
However, you can opt to add a stone retaining wall that runs along the driveway to add more definition to the landscaped area. The right retaining wall design can be an ideal way to separate your driveway and landscape from your neighbor, too.
A stone retaining wall can be composed of stacked stone or wall stone that blends with the driveway style and tone for a seamless outdoor space. The wall top usually is finished with a flat stone like granite and you can have drooping flowers and vines planted there to spill over the edges.
Retaining walls have drainage built into the wall design so the water doesn’t spill over the top but is collected and diverted to a more suitable location. Most retaining walls have small drainage holes at the base to let excess water seep out without damaging the landscape or hardscape surfaces.
Lighting for the Retaining Wall
When you add a retaining wall to the driveway design, this can be the time to add landscape lights that are built into the wall. They emit a soft light that shines down onto the driveway surface to complement the appearance and illuminate the surface. This can be quite helpful at night when you arrive home and need to see clearly to park.
Increased Landscape Space
Not only can a retaining wall make your driveway better with more efficient drainage, but the wall definition can add more space for your favorite landscape plants and trees. Below and above the wall can be more areas for trees that add colorful foliage and bold blooms to make this feature look amazing throughout the year.
Below the retaining wall can be the perfect spot to add lights that illuminate the wall texture and the healthy, green shrubs and plants.
About the Author
A respected leader and influencer in the design/build industry, Ron founded FireSky in 2016. With a quarter-century of experience in landscape architecture, construction, entitlements, real estate development, Ron has led projects for high-profile customers, including Williams Sonoma and Pottery Barn, Brenson Communities, Shell Oil, Trammel Crow, FORMA, General Development Inc., and the City of Albuquerque. He chairs the American Society of Landscape Architects’ Design Build PPN.