Retaining & Hardscape Adjacent Work

Retaining walls become necessary when grade changes exceed what fences can accommodate on their own. Fences can follow moderate slopes,chain link and ornamental fences rack to follow grade; panel fences step down at posts. But steep slopes, abrupt grade changes, and elevation differences of several feet require walls to create installable conditions.

The threshold varies by fence type. Chain link can rack 12-18 inches per panel section. Panel fences step in increments equal to panel module heights. When grade changes exceed these limits within a panel width, either the fence must step with large gaps at the bottom, or a wall must manage the grade transition.

Retaining walls also serve where fence posts cannot be set at different elevations,for example, along the edge of a raised planting bed, at the top of a slope too steep for post-setting equipment, or where the fence line follows an existing wall.

Retaining walls resist significant forces,the lateral pressure of soil behind the wall increases with wall height. Walls that fail lean, crack, or collapse, potentially damaging adjacent fences and structures.

Wall height triggers engineering requirements in most jurisdictions. Walls over 4 feet high typically require engineering; some jurisdictions set the threshold lower. Engineering addresses soil pressure, surcharge loads (vehicles, structures, or additional soil above the wall), water pressure, seismic forces, and foundation requirements.

Even walls below permit thresholds must be properly designed. A 3-foot wall that fails causes problems even if no permit was required. We design walls for the actual conditions, not just code minimums.

Surcharge loads,additional weight or force above or behind the wall,require special attention. Fences add minimal surcharge, but vehicles, buildings, or additional fill above the wall significantly increase the forces the wall must resist.

When fences mount on or adjacent to retaining walls, the attachment must be planned and coordinated. Options include:

Gate entries benefit from hardscape that defines the approach, provides stable surfaces for vehicles and pedestrians, and protects gate operations from drainage and erosion.

Concrete aprons at vehicle gates provide stable surfaces for stopping, level areas for gate operation, and transitions between the gate threshold and the driveway. Proper slope drains water away from the gate while maintaining accessibility.

Pedestrian entries may include walkways, landing pads, or decorative paving. ADA requirements affect grades and surfaces at accessible routes. Hardscape defines the entry experience and protects adjacent landscaping from foot traffic.

Coordination with gate installation ensures hardscape and gates work together. Gate swing clearance, operator mounting, and access control placement all affect hardscape design.

Successful fence-wall integration requires coordination from the design phase. The wall design must accommodate fence attachment. The fence design must account for wall locations and heights. Both must work with site grades and drainage.

For projects with landscape architects or civil engineers, we coordinate with their designs and specifications. For projects without outside designers, we develop integrated solutions that address both wall and fence requirements.

Construction sequencing matters. Walls typically precede fence installation,the fence cannot be installed until the wall provides mounting locations. But wall design must anticipate fence requirements. Planning both together avoids conflicts and rework.

We can provide complete design-build services for integrated wall and fence projects, or work from designs provided by others. Either way, coordination between wall and fence is essential for successful results.