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In-Wall Planters and Terraces

Design the Shape for Beauty and Function
Landscape designs are often more attractive when they include smaller terraced walls or in-wall planters rather than one large wall. Terraced walls can create more usable space, build raised gardens, help prevent erosion and add interest to your landscape.
Design the shape of terraced walls to compliment the surrounding architecture and landscape. You should always consider what will fill the space between terraced walls. Will it be used for plantings, filled with decorative rock or covered with sod? Allan Block’s built-in top lip provides built-in edging that minimizes trimming and maintenance. AB Ashlar Blend
AB Ashlar Blend
  • Straight walls create a formal,structured look.


  • Flowing curves have a more natural feel and create a softer look.
In harmony with nature.
Always Build on Solid Ground
  • The most important element in building terraces is soil compaction. Building on poor, uncompacted soil will result in settling of the upper walls. Although lower terraced walls are typically built on solid ground, upper walls are often built on soils that have been disturbed in the construction process. To ensure the stability of these soils, they should be removed down to solid ground and carefully reinstalled and compacted.

 Compaction
Compaction
  • To achieve proper compaction there are two different methods that work well. One way is to remove soft or poor soil and replace them with wall rock and compact in 8 in. (200 mm) lifts. Another way is to compact the soils in shorter lifts. When using infill or approved on-site soils, we recommend no more than a 4 in. (100 mm) lift. Good compaction is the key to minimizing settlement over time.
Terraces and Structure
Building a series of walls on a slope requires careful planning. Follow this simple set of rules:

When the walls are spaced far enough apart they are engineered as two independent walls.

  • The height of the upper wall should be less than or equal to the height of the lower wall.
  • The distance between the walls must be at least twice the height of the lower wall. As the upper wall moves closer to the lower wall, it adds pressure (surcharge) to the lower wall.


The lower wall will need to be engineered to account for the added weight and pressure, and extra reinforcement may be required.

AB Europa Collection

Terrace Rule
Irrigation is often included when incorporating a planter. Ensure that your plan includes provisions for water management.

Sprinker

Terraced walls often require engineering and building permits. Be sure to check with your local building officials. 		AB Ashlar Blend
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