If you want to install a patio on your sloped property in Iowa, investing in a retaining wall is the best way to achieve this. While patios are slightly sloped for drainage purposes, a retaining wall proves necessary if it's more than 1/8 of an inch per foot. With one, you can turn the sloped land into a flat, usable space, perfect for the new foundation of your outdoor living area! Not only that, but it can complement your patio when similar materials are used so they blend seamlessly together and create a purposeful design.

A retaining wall is necessary if the patio has a slope of more than 1/8 of an inch per foot.

A paver patio and retaining wall in Ankeny, IA.

While patios are typically installed with a slight slope to allow proper water drainage, you'll need a retaining wall if it's more than 1/8 of an inch per foot. The reason is that a significant incline makes it challenging to construct a stable foundation for your patio. Additionally, soil erosion and water retention issues are common with sloped yards, which may compromise the integrity of the patio over time. It may also be more difficult to incorporate other outdoor living features down the line. So, a retaining wall is necessary to keep everything level and ensure long-lasting stability.

A retaining wall will create flat space out of sloped land, making it perfect for a patio!

One of the most notable benefits of a retaining wall is its ability to create flat space out of sloped land, making it perfect for a new patio! When you have a sloped yard, it limits the ways you can use it. However, a retaining wall is typically installed at the base of the slope, leveling out the ground at the top and bottom. That way, you can maximize available space and utilize it to build the foundation of your outdoor living area.

The retaining wall can complement your patio when similar materials are used.

One of the most exciting aspects of building a patio on your property is customizing it to suit your aesthetic preferences. Fortunately, your retaining wall can complement it to create a cohesive look by using similar materials. Common materials for building patios include pavers, natural stone, porcelain, poured concrete, and brick. On the other hand, while retaining walls are typically constructed from durable concrete blocks, they can be capped with a stone veneer to give it your desired finish. Plus, the materials can come in different colors and textures, allowing you to choose those that create a uniform appearance between these features.

You can add a raised planter bed to your retaining wall to bring more visual interest to your patio area!

Call Us Today to Schedule Our Patio & Retaining Wall Installation Services

If you want to install a patio on your sloped property, we at ETCH Outdoor Living are here to help! We offer our patio and retaining wall installation services to commercial and residential properties, as well as HOAs, in Ankeny, Johnston, Urbandale, West Des Moines, Waukee, and throughout the nearby areas in Iowa. You can choose from our comprehensive selection of materials for your patio, which will be complemented by our block retaining walls that can be capped with a stone veneer! With us, you can rest assured that our installation methods meet or exceed ICPI guidelines, so we will do whatever it takes to exceed your expectations and leave you completely satisfied with the results of your project. Call us today at (515) 654-5447 to schedule our patio and retaining wall installation services. We look forward to working with you and helping you achieve your dream outdoor living space!