Since there are many different types of terraces, terrace walls and railings take many different forms. Terraced gardens require terrace retaining walls in order to create the multi-level planting beds. Patio terrace spaces can be edged with walls or railings, and rooftop terraces definitely require some type of railing. Before building a terrace, you’ll determine what type of walls will fit your terrace design.

Stone Terrace Retaining Walls

Stone terrace retaining walls are most commonly used when building a terrace garden or lining a patio terrace. These terrace design components are created using natural stone which is stacked together to create the wall. When you build a terrace, this is a simple home improvement project that can be tackled in a few days. Before you get started, you should be sure that your local area does not require you to file a building permit for your terrace retaining walls. If it does, be sure to get all of your paperwork in order before you begin.

Professionals recommend using the “dry stack” method of building stone terrace retaining walls. This terrace design method doesn’t require any mortar, and allows moisture to seep through between the stones. This makes a natural drainage system that you won’t have to worry about in the future. After you dig a trench of at least 8 inches deep, begin adding the stones along the space designated for your terrace retaining walls. Keep adding stones until you’ve reached the desired height, and fill in the back with soil to make the wall steady.

Wooden Terrace Retaining Walls

Another popular choice when building a terrace with a garden is wooden terrace retaining walls. This terrace design method requires some basic woodworking skills and accurate measurements. When you build a terrace, this project normally takes two or three days to complete.

Create a trench along the sloped area and then place your timber in the trench and make sure it’s level. Once you’ve gotten it level, build the terrace retaining wall’s second side perpendicular to the first. Use rerod to attach the timber together and into the ground. Build up the retaining wall with pieces of timber until you’ve reached your desired height. Make sure to imbed rerod to secure the wall, and backfill with soil as necessary.

Rooftop Terrace Retaining Walls

Terrace retaining walls for a garden or patio terrace design should be built to compliment landscaping. Rooftop terrace retaining walls and railings are incredibly important. If you plan to build a terrace on your roof, your best bet is to work with a licensed contractor for safety reasons. In addition, building a terrace on the roof will most likely require a building permit of some sort. A contractor can help you with the proper paperwork so that you can both proceed with your terrace design.