Drainage is an integral part of any landscape project. Sometimes drainage needs to be retro fitted to alleviate drainage problems. Usually this is because the drainage was not considered when the landscaping was constructed. Whilst not ideal there are many options to consider when fitting drainage retrospectively.
Such options would consist of
-fitting of drainage pipes and pits.
-minor alterations to existing landscaping to direct/control water flow.
-installation of subsurface drainage.
-installation of waterproof membranes to inhibit water flow.
Of course the best solution for drainage is to consider the issues during construction and install the correct drainage solutions into the landscape project. Retaining walls, falls and land levels, installation of paved/hard surfaces, subsurface drainage, pipes and pits etc should all be considered when creating the best possible solution for the drainage of your landscape project.
Types Of retaining Walls
Are you thinking of building a retaining wall? Retaining walls are an expensive item and you should do your homework.
Some things you should consider:-
- is the type of wall right for your particular situation
- is the wall aesthetically pleasing and will it complement your landscaping.
- is the wall structurally the best choice for your landscape project.
- how long will the wall last, how durable are the materials.
- are you receiving value for the money you are spending.
- make sure you engage a licensed contractor to perform your works.
At Bluestone Landscaping we build all types of retaining walls, including :-
- block, rendered and core filled
- concrete sleeper
- link wall
- timber sleeper
- stone pitch
- boulder
- sprayed concrete
Because of this we will recommend the retaining wall solution that is best suited to your landscape project. Many contractors will only recommend the walls they specialise in, i.e boulder, timber sleeper etc.
Please call us for all your retaining wall requirements.
There a plenty of people out there who are present themselves as landscapers, however potential customers need to be aware not all is as it seems. So how can you tell if you are engaging the services of a reputable contractor or some “fly by nighter”, who will change their phone number once your job is finished.
1.Check their BSA trade license. Make sure the license is for the correct trade i.e structural landscaping. Make sure the name on the card matches the name of the company / individual you are dealing with. Make sure you get a signed contract for the work to be carried out.
2.Ask for trade references and check them out. View the contractors previous projects.
3.Don’t fall for the cheapest price. Call for more than one quote and compare the description of works and price quoted. ASK QUESTIONS!
For many years retaining walls in the South East Queensland and Gold Coast region have been constructed using timber. Untreated timber, railway sleepers, treated hardwood and treated pine have all been used or are still in use. Most of the old unteated and railway sleepers have been eaten by termites or rotted away, and the treated timber is now used to construct timber walls.
The problem with timber is that it has a limited life span, especially when placed in contact with soil. Rot, moisture, splitting are all factors that eventually lead to wall failure. When cut treated hardwood is prone to termite infestation as the treatment is only a surface coating. Treated pine does not have the durability of hardwood and will deteriorate quickly.
Retaining walls constructed from masonary, concrete, rock are far more durable and if constructed properly should last a lifetime. Adding value to your property and giving you peace of mind. At Bluestone Landscaping we are licensed structural landscapers and we specialize in retaining walls. So if you are considering constructing a retaining wall in the Gold Coast/ South East Queensland region please contact us www.bluestonelandscaping.com.au
