Having a patio installed is an excellent way to enhance the beauty and functionality of your outdoor living space. However, if your property in Nebraska or Iowa has sloped land, it may seem like an impossible task to get this project started. Fortunately, it's possible to install a patio on a sloped property with the help of a retaining wall! Patios are designed to be slightly sloped for proper drainage, but if it's more than 1/8 of an inch per foot, a retaining wall will be required. A retaining wall can turn that sloped land into flat space, making it perfect for installing a new patio. What's more, by using similar materials and colors, you can have a retaining wall built that will complement your new patio perfectly!

A retaining wall is necessary for building a patio on slopes steeper than 1/8 of an inch per foot.

Backyard with a patio and two pergolas in Omaha, NE, with a rock retaining wall and trees.

When designing a new patio, one of the most important considerations is proper drainage. That's why patios are typically installed at a slight slope, usually between 1/4 to 1/8 of an inch per foot. This minimal incline allows rainwater to flow away from the surface and prevent puddling. However, if you want to install a patio on a slope more than 1/8 of an inch per foot, you'll need a retaining wall. That's because it's too much of an incline to ensure a stable, even foundation for your patio.

A retaining wall will turn sloped land into flat, usable space, which is perfect for a new patio.

If your property has a significant slope, you'll need to add a retaining wall to level out the area before installing your new patio. A retaining wall serves as a functional structural element that holds back the soil and transforms sloped land into flat, usable space. As a result, you can take advantage of the newly created flat area to install a beautiful patio! With this wall, you can maximize your outdoor space and get the most out of it while ensuring the longevity and structural integrity of your patio.

You can have your retaining wall built to complement your new patio!

While a retaining wall plays a crucial role in leveling out sloped land, it doesn't mean it can't also serve aesthetic purposes! In fact, you can have your retaining wall built to complement your new patio by using similar materials and colors. Some popular material options for constructing retaining walls include concrete blocks, stone, and stone veneer for aesthetic purposes. By combining a retaining wall with your patio installation project, you can create a cohesive outdoor living space that maximizes the use of your available land. Whether you want to host gatherings or simply relax and unwind, these two elements work together to provide a functional and visually appealing setup for all your needs.

Concrete blocks and stones are commonly used materials for building retaining walls, though they can be capped with a stone veneer to achieve your desired look!

Give us a call today to schedule our patio and retaining wall installation services!

Are you looking to bring your dream patio to life? If so, we are the team to turn to! At Clear Creek Landscapes, we offer our professional patio installation service to residential and commercial properties, as well as HOAs, in Omaha, Elkhorn, Gretna, and throughout the nearby areas in Nebraska and Iowa. We can even add a retaining wall to your project to make sure you can utilize the sloped land on your property and give your patio a flat, even surface so you can enjoy it for years to come. Give us a call today at (402) 677-7652 to schedule our patio and retaining wall installation services.