Concrete Pavers Guide

There are many reasons to use poured concrete walls, but there are two main uses: one for the walls in your basement that make up and support your foundation, and another for general retaining walls that you can use to help manage and protect soil from erosion and other damage, as well as drain water around your home. Whatever the purpose, a properly constructed poured concrete wall will stand the test of time, representing a pillar of strength that you can count on.

Poured Concrete Foundation Walls

For a foundation, there are two types of walls that can be used: poured concrete basement walls and walls made from concrete block. There is much debate over which is better; indeed, some say they are pretty much the same. However, there are some differences, especially considering the variables that can affect the walls, such as their height, thickness, load, etc. Concrete blocks and poured concrete are essentially the same materials, but they are just arranged differently. The blocks do have hollow spots in the middle, though these are usually filled in, while poured concrete is just one huge piece of solid material. Both are very strong, of course, but can have weaknesses, especially when dealing with the soil used as backfill and the pressure that this soil exerts on the wall laterally. Obviously, a major difference between the two is in cost and labor. Pouring concrete is more difficult, as it requires the use of forms, and you also have to wait for the concrete to dry. Working with blocks is easier as all you have to do is stack them – no need to wait for the concrete to cure or dry. For that reason, poured concrete foundation walls are more expensive than the concrete block versions. However, since the concrete is poured into molds and forms, it is a bit more versatile, as it can be poured in a variety of shapes, thicknesses and heights. With blocks you are a bit more restricted by the standard size and shape of the material.

Overall, however, poured concrete foundation walls are usually recommended over concrete block options, especially when steel is used to help reinforce the poured wall. Nonetheless, whatever choice is selected, both will work to support a home as long as they are installed properly given the specific conditions of your home, area, and project.

Pouring one of these walls, since your home must rest upon it safely, is tricky business. The height, width, and length of the walls must be computed given a number of variables. Thus, it is not a job for the homeowner to do, unless he or she has lots of experience working with foundations. You need to make sure that the walls are sealed well, for instance, to prevent water from leaking into a basement and potentially flooding it. In general, its best to get a team of engineers, contractors, and others who will help construct the foundation. The key is to get the job right the first time, as a cracked poured basement wall can lead to a massive headache down the line.

As for the type of concrete used, opinions vary on how much is enough. Some building codes call for 3000 psi (pounds per square inch) minimum, while others ask for 3500 or even 4000 psi. In general, the higher you go, the more secure you’ll be, so don’t be afraid to go over the minimum requirement for extra safety and security.

Poured Concrete Retaining Walls

The other use for poured concrete is to make retaining walls. A poured concrete retaining wall shares characteristics with walls made of other materials such as concrete pavers and railroad ties. These walls are meant to hold back soil that would otherwise fall down a slope. It can also help drain water from areas where water flow is a problem. It can prevent mudslides and other damage during rain storms if heavy rain and flooding occurs. They can also serve an aesthetic purpose if fancier materials (aside from concrete) are selected, as they can add elegance to any outside area.

Poured concrete retaining walls can be installed by a homeowner as long as they are under a certain height, usually around 4 feet. Most homeowners, however, would benefit from allowing a licensed and insured contractor to do the work for them. Those interested in installing a retaining wall would do well to see all the materials options available before making their final selection, as they all have advantages and disadvantages for particular projects.