Planning and Building Garden Walls

Planning permission is a requirement if you want to build a garden wall. The next step is choosing materials and design. Ensure that each block is level. This is essential for the wall to look good and not become a hazard. Once you have chosen the materials, it is time to start building.

Getting planning permission for a garden wall

Planning permission is needed before you start building a garden wall. This is required for walls higher than two metres, which includes those that are used as boundary walls and retaining walls. If the wall will be visible from a public highway, you will also need planning permission. In addition, if you plan to build a large retaining wall, you will need to consult a structural engineer to ensure you get the correct approval.

Garden walls are considered infrastructures, which means they must be built according to the planning rules. The height should be 1.2m or two metres higher than the height of the surrounding building. Likewise, gates and fences also need permission. Getting planning permission is crucial to building a wall, as unauthorised work will breach the law and can result in your wall being demolished.

Materials to build a garden wall

The first step in building a garden wall is to plan your wall’s construction. You will need a shovel, hammer, chisel, spirit level, and thick gloves and sturdy shoes. You will also need to sort your stones. You want to make sure that the flattest stones form the base of the wall and the roundest stones form the corners.

A garden wall is an excellent choice for adding privacy and shelter to your yard. It can also be used to divide your garden into separate areas, hold back soil, and create different levels. Depending on your budget and aesthetic preference, there are many styles of garden walls to choose from. Decorative garden walls can be made of stone, brick, or concrete. Concrete blocks are easy to work with and are relatively inexpensive. However, they don’t look as nice as bricks and stone. You can also consider cladding or stone veneer to add aesthetic value to your wall, but this will require more time and money.

Design options for a garden wall

There are many design options available for a garden wall. From concrete to brick and natural stone to railway sleepers and gabion, you can create an attractive, practical and sturdy garden wall. A carefully-planned design is essential for a successful finished wall. Garden walls can serve several purposes, from improving visibility to protecting from wind. A high wall can also help retain heat and protect against cold.

An intricately-cut metal screen is another stylish design option for a garden wall. This versatile design provides privacy and security while still allowing plenty of daylight to filter through. The best part is that it requires very little upkeep. Metal screens are available in a wide range of colors and styles, and can feature large or repeated patterns. You can also choose between smooth powder-coated aluminium and rust-look Corten steel. A textured screen is also a great choice as it adds a touch of warmth and texture to the landscape.

Checking the level of each block

Checking the level of each block when building your garden wall is an important step in the construction process. Blocks should be level both front-to-back and side-to-side. You can use a small level to measure each block’s level. Make adjustments as you go. If you notice a block that’s not level, you can remove it and start again.

Start by measuring the distance between the top of the first block and the soil beneath it. You should also measure the distance between the top of each block and the top of the soil. If you’re building a tall wall, you need to leave space behind each block for drainage. Also, it’s best to build multiple tiered walls rather than one tall wall.

Backfilling the space behind the blocks

When you build retaining walls, it is important to fill the space behind the walls with a sturdy material. Backfilling should be done in small amounts, not too much at once. It is also important that the backfill not reach the top of the wall. This is important because it will help to retain water behind the wall.

Gravel is a good backfill material for garden walls, as it drains better than clay. It will also help keep the walls firm during freezing and thawing seasons. The next course of blocks should be offset at least a quarter of an inch from the previous one.

Choosing a pattern for a garden wall

There are many ways to decorate a garden wall. You can use planting, interesting surfaces, and a pattern that highlights the garden. You can even combine different materials to create a modern, chic look. Then, add some statement planting to bring the look to life. You can also add shuttered mirrors or a false doorway for a touch of mystery. Lastly, you can incorporate a garden gate for extra space.

First, consider the type of soil in the area where you will build your wall. You need firm, compact soil. If the soil is soft and wet, you may need to create a base for the wall. Moreover, you must consider the type of vegetation in the area to determine the right pattern for your wall.

Choosing a height for a garden wall

When deciding on a height for your garden wall, it is important to consider the type of soil in the area. The ideal soil is firm and compacted. If the soil is soft or wet, you will need to install a base to ensure that the wall’s footing will remain stable. Another consideration is vegetation in the area. If the wall is small, you can lay it on a level trench or tamped soil.

Generally, you can build a garden wall between 200 and 600mm in height. Higher walls, such as retaining walls, may be as tall as 800mm. If the wall is particularly tall, you may want to divide it into two levels or terrace it. You may also want to create steps or corners in the wall. Regardless of your desired height, choosing the material and colour should be based on your specific needs.