Boulder walls and pre-cast concrete retaining walls are two different types of retaining walls that are used for different purposes and in different environments. We used both on our project on Couch Mountain outside of Asheville, NC.
A boulder wall is a type of retaining wall that is constructed using large rocks or boulders. These walls are typically found in natural settings and are often used to retain soil or rock in areas where there is a steep slope or a potential for erosion. They are often used in landscaping and can be used to create a natural-looking boundary or to retain a garden bed. The main advantage of boulder walls is that they blend in well with the natural environment and can be used to create a natural-looking barrier. They are also relatively inexpensive to construct and can be built using materials found on site.
On the other hand, pre-cast concrete retaining walls are man-made structures that are typically used in urban or suburban environments. They are made by pouring concrete into a mold and then allowing it to cure. The pre-cast concrete blocks are then transported to the site and stacked to create the wall. These walls are often used to retain soil or rock in areas where there is a steep slope or a potential for erosion. They are also used to create boundaries or to retain garden beds. The main advantage of pre-cast concrete retaining walls is that they are extremely durable and can last for many years. They are also relatively inexpensive to construct and can be built using materials found on site.
The main difference between boulder walls and pre-cast concrete retaining walls is the appearance and the materials used to construct them. Boulder walls are natural-looking and blend in well with the environment, while pre-cast concrete retaining walls are man-made and can look out of place in natural settings. Boulder walls are also typically less expensive to construct than pre-cast concrete retaining walls.
Another difference is the size and weight of each material. Boulder walls are made up of large rocks and boulders that can weigh several tons each, while pre-cast concrete blocks are smaller and typically weigh less than a ton each. This means that boulder walls may require more labor and equipment to construct, while pre-cast concrete retaining walls can often be built using manual labor and simple tools.
In conclusion, both boulder walls and pre-cast concrete retaining walls are effective ways to retain soil or rock in areas where there is a steep slope or a potential for erosion. However, the main difference between the two is the appearance and the materials used to construct them. Boulder walls are natural-looking and blend in well with the environment, while pre-cast concrete retaining walls are man-made and can look out of place in natural settings. Boulder walls are also typically less expensive to construct than pre-cast concrete retaining walls. The choice between the two will ultimately depend on the specific needs of the project and the desired aesthetic.