Retaining walls can be a smart and effective solution for properties dealing with steep slopes, erosion, or poor water drainage. While BedRock offers several wall styles, our Grand Ledge and Timber retaining walls remain two of the most popular thanks to their durability, appearance, and long-term performance. Each comes with its own advantages that can enhance your yard’s overall look while solving structural or drainage challenges. Explore the comparison below to discover which wall is the best fit for your property.
BedRock’s Planning Process & Attention to Detail
At BedRock, every retaining wall project begins with a detailed planning process to ensure strength, longevity, and compliance with local requirements. Our team conducts a full site evaluation to understand your soil conditions, drainage needs, and property layout. If your wall requires permits, we assist with navigating township or county regulations and can provide a stormwater management plan that meets municipal codes.
Throughout the entire project, we prioritize clear and consistent communication, so you always know what stage your wall is in and what comes next. Our attention to detail ensures your retaining wall is built on a solid foundation and designed to last.
Comparison: Grand Ledge vs. Timber Retaining Walls
Grand Ledge Retaining Wall
Grand Ledge walls are built using heavy-duty stone that offers both strength and a polished appearance. They provide a long-term, highly durable solution while enhancing curb appeal.
Key Benefits
- Variety of Stone Options: Choose from different stone colors and textures to match your property’s style.
- Enhanced Curb Appeal: These walls create a bold, elevated look that instantly improves the aesthetics of your home.
- Built for Longevity: The stone structure is designed to withstand decades of freeze–thaw cycles, soil pressure, and weather exposure.
- Solid Construction: Heavy stone blocks are carefully stacked and leveled, with stone back fill added behind the wall to increase strength and stabilize the structure.
- Integrated Drainage: Proper drainage is installed to redirect water away from the wall, helping prevent pressure buildup and extending the wall’s lifespan.
- Strong Foundation: Each Grand Ledge wall begins with a deep, compacted base to ensure the wall stays level and secure over time.
Construction Process
A solid base of compacted stone is prepared, followed by stacking and securing each stone layer for structural integrity. Additional stone is placed behind the wall to lock it in place, and drainage systems are added to ensure proper water flow. These steps create a wall designed to last decades with minimal maintenance.
Our Featured Projects: Grand Ledge Retaining Walls
Timber Retaining Wall
Timber retaining walls offer a warm, natural look that blends beautifully with outdoor spaces. While not as long-term as stone, timber provides strong performance when built with proper support.
Key Features:
- One Timber Style: Built with high-quality pressure-treated lumber for durability and consistency.
- Natural Appearance: Timber blends seamlessly into wooded or rural landscapes for a softer, more rustic look.
- Moderate Lifespan: While strong and reliable, timber walls typically do not last as long as stone due to natural material aging over the years.
- Full Back Bracing: The entire length and height of the wall are reinforced with back bracing to maintain straightness, stability, and strength.
- Additional Stone Support: After bracing, stone backfill is added behind the wall to improve drainage and support long-term stability.
- Drainage System Installed: Drainage is included to help manage water and reduce soil pressure behind the wall.
- Solid Base Preparation: Like all BedRock walls, timber walls are built on a strong, compacted foundation to ensure long-term performance.
Construction Process
Timber walls are constructed by setting treated beams in place, adding back bracing for strength, and securing the structure to remain straight over time. Once bracing is complete, stone is added behind the wall to reinforce stability and assist with drainage. Proper base preparation ensures the wall sits on a stable foundation for long-term reliability.
Our Featured Projects: Timber Retaining Walls
Which Wall Is Right for You?
Both wall styles offer unique advantages.
- Choose Grand Ledge if you want maximum durability, a premium look, and a long-lasting structure.
- Choose Timber if you prefer a natural aesthetic and a more budget-conscious solution that still offers dependable performance.
Ready to Transform Your Property?
Our team would love to help you choose the retaining wall that fits your property, vision, and budget.
Contact BedRock today to schedule a consultation or request a free estimate!