Retaining Wall Construction and Repair
Retaining Wall Stonework in Asheville
At Shining Rock Stoneworks, we take pride in our retaining wall construction and repair services. Our retaining walls are built according to standards that have withstood the test of time for centuries, even millennia.
Using locally sourced stone, we chisel each element until the faces meet smoothly, creating a sturdy and visually pleasing result. Every retaining wall we build blends with with its surroundings.
To ensure superior drainage and flexibility against frost heave, our walls are supported from behind by heartstone. This strategic element enhances the longevity and resilience of the structure, allowing it to withstand the elements and endure for years to come.
As time passes, nature will embrace our walls. In the shade, moss will adorn the surface. Under the sun, trailing plants, flowers, or ornamental shrubs can be encouraged to trail across the top.
We also repair walls. Even a decent wall can fail over time, and many are built without drainage in mind. Our retaining wall repairs can match a still-standing stretch of a beloved older wall or create a brand new look.
Retaining Wall Construction Using Dry Stacking of Colossal Boulders
Thurland Avenue, Asheville
As stonemasons working in Asheville, we embarked on the excavation for this retaining wall and patio project, only to uncover a remarkable piece of local history – the remnants of the neighborhood’s ash pit, a testimony to an era when heating relied on wood and coal. With diligent effort, we dug down nearly seven feet until we reached solid ground. Utilizing formidable boulders, some weighing as much as a ton, we crafted the retaining wall, showcasing the enduring artistry of stonemasons and bridging the gap between the past and present, all while adding an exquisite touch to Asheville’s landscape.
Fieldstone Retaining Wall in Montford
The foundation of every retaining wall we construct is grounded in a bed of nutrient-rich clay soil, a robust base that provides stability and longevity to our structures. These walls, much like this one before you, are meticulously assembled using tightly laid heartstone, ensuring not only a secure structure but also a visually appealing facade that harmonizes with its natural surroundings. Behind this heartstone facade lies a layer of gravel, offering additional reinforcement and drainage support. It’s important to note that our construction philosophy is rooted in a deep respect for traditional craftsmanship, drawing inspiration from centuries-old walls that have withstood the test of time.
One distinctive aspect of our approach is that we don’t rely on plastic landscape fabric behind our walls. Unlike many contemporary methods, our walls are built to stand as enduring testaments to the mastery of stonemasonry. Much like the walls of antiquity that have been meticulously studied and admired, our walls are designed to withstand the ravages of time, ensuring they remain as steadfast and dependable as ever for generations to come.
Fieldstone Wall and Bridge
In crafting this culvert, which serves as the conduit for a gentle Woodfin creek, we embarked on a meticulous process of formwork to prepare for a concrete pour. With the concrete foundation in place, our attention to detail extended to the incorporation of Simpson ties at every stone course, a measure taken to ensure unparalleled structural integrity and longevity.
Stone retaining walls exemplify the exquisite blend of functionality and aesthetics. When constructed with expertise, these walls serve multiple purposes. They stand as guardians against the erosive forces of sloping terrain, effectively creating usable and inviting spaces. Beyond their utilitarian role, they imbue a profound sense of serenity and steadfastness in their surroundings, embodying the perfect harmony of form and function.
Dry-stacked fieldstone Wall Detail, Montford
We were able to use smaller stones for this short wall, but even those stones with small faces extend back deeply to help anchor the retaining wall and prevent movement; vertical joints are “broken” by the stones in the next course for further longevity. All joints are tight, with maximum contact between sides, tops, and bottoms along the entirety of each stone.
