Driveway Help - Retaining Wall

[richo106]

Hi All

 

I am have finally moved onto my driveway, after going round in circles are few times we have finally decided to go with block paving (plaspave sorrento)

 

The main issue i have now is that the fence the driveway and path will finish onto is not straight forward and not that keen on how it looks, I don't want to spend all this money on a nice new drive and have a 'dodgy' looking edge.

 

I have attached a few pictures to show this edge, there is currently slab on edge and a fence above (due to ground level of my neighbours) majority of these slab on edges are being pushed over so will need straightening up anyway. And nothing to stop this just happening again

 

The red area is the driveway and can see where the path will be between my garage and fence

 

What is alternative options to these slab on edges? 

 

I will greatly appreciated any suggestions/opinions/information on this topic

[markc]

From experience I would have the drive edged (contrasting pavers etc.) then move back to a retaining wall if you need it. Taking a drive right upto a small retaining wall usually ends up with scrapes on cills, doors or wheels.

 

[richo106]

Yes that makes sense

 

I just not sure what to do replace the slab on edge with

 

One option I thought was upright sleepers, guessing these would need to be concreted in? Would this move forward over time like slab on edge? 

 

also concious I don’t want to encroach too much the path 

 

Many Thanks 

[Roger440]

Have you considered a block concrete wall? Like this https://ag.uk.com/outside-rooms/products/category/garden-walling/

 

Simplest thing in the world to do.

[Nickfromwales]

4 hours ago, Roger440 said:

Have you considered a block concrete wall? Like this https://ag.uk.com/outside-rooms/products/category/garden-walling/

 

Simplest thing in the world to do.

They look really nice.

[richo106]

That block concrete wall looks a good option!

 

I can put my hand to most things but one thing I am complete novice in is landscaping/outdoor areas etc...

 

So if I remove the slab on edges and replace with this block walling, would I need to create a solid concrete/base for this wall to start on I am guessing? If so how thick would the foundations need to be? I would do it 250mm wide for example to match these https://ag.uk.com/outside-rooms/products/garden-walling/bayfield/

 

Also I know it says it could act as a retaining wall but without mortar how would to the earth behind not just push the wall over?

 

Thanks again

[richo106]

Another option I have thought about it is to create a sleeper planter all the way down the edge to also act as a retaining wall (obviously not on the path bit, just thinking a single sleeper wall)

 

Would this work ok?

 

Would it be best to remove all the slab on edge first? I think so but just wanted other peoples opinions 

 

Many Thanks

[Roger440]

23 hours ago, richo106 said:

That block concrete wall looks a good option!

 

I can put my hand to most things but one thing I am complete novice in is landscaping/outdoor areas etc...

 

So if I remove the slab on edges and replace with this block walling, would I need to create a solid concrete/base for this wall to start on I am guessing? If so how thick would the foundations need to be? I would do it 250mm wide for example to match these https://ag.uk.com/outside-rooms/products/garden-walling/bayfield/

 

Also I know it says it could act as a retaining wall but without mortar how would to the earth behind not just push the wall over?

 

Thanks again

 

No foundation required.

 

Dig a small trench, put some type 1 in it and wack it down. Then lay the blocks.

 

The blocks have a lip on the back so they can slide over each other. The smaller ones, like you would need, are solid, the bigger ones hollow that you fill with gravel as you go.

 

It literally requires zero skills, and lasts forever. Though post covid, like all concrete products, they are expensive. But easy to DIY

 

Ive done three of these in my time. For a retaining wall, i dont know why anyone uses anything else, unless you can actually do brick laying.

 

They also have the advantage, which was important in my first one, is that a bit of subsidence or ground overment wont put a crack in your wall. They will absorb the movement.

 

These things are everywhere on motorway bridges, railways etc.

 

Warning though, some like the marshalls offering are NOT interlocking. Which seems completely pointless to me.