Does your retaining wall stack up?

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Perhaps this is the year to rid your yard of those pesky railroad ties.

Why? The weather and other elements probably have split and hollowed them by now. And upgrading or adding durable retaining walls can boost the value of a home, whether they’re functional or decorative.

Gregg and Kenda Ottinger of Shawnee, Kan., threw out the railroad ties that lined their 60-foot-long driveway and replaced them with a concrete-block wall two years ago.

“The wall looks great and the house looks so much better,” Kenda says. “The railroad ties were just decrepit. They were falling into the driveway.”

Besides holding the earth in place along the driveway, retaining walls can be installed to divert water in other parts of the yard. They can be used to terrace the back yard so there’s less to mow. Surrounding the patio, they can add extra seating if the top ledge is wide enough. On the more decorative side, they can act as garden walls to edge landscaping.

Before adding a retaining wall, here’s what to consider:

•Size. If the planned wall will be taller than 3 feet, make two phone calls. First, contact the city’s building permits department to check on restrictions. Then consult with an engineer to determine soil conditions, drainage details and construction specifications.

•Building materials. Landscape designers typically prefer limestone because it naturally blends with the yard to complement the home — especially an older one. But many homeowners are opting for segmental concrete block retaining walls because they cost less and their appearance has improved. When the blocks first hit the scene 20 years ago, they didn’t vary much in size or texture — check out the walls along highways.

“You can get them tumbled and weathered, and you can use different sizes and colors together for a better look,” says Lonnie Roberts, owner of Stone Solutions in Merriam, Kan., a supplier of segmental retaining wall units.

Back in the ‘70s and ‘80s, Roberts installed railroad-tie walls because they were all the rage in magazines. Now most of those customers have replaced the heavy timbers with something more permanent.

•Design and installation. Do-it-yourselfers can install short walls along their landscaping. But when it comes to building bigger projects, go with professionals because they have the equipment and expertise. They’ll make sure the walls have proper footings to prevent bowing, cracking and popping out of place.

Keep in mind a wall can provide privacy from neighbors and passers-by, but avoid building a solid one without a break. “You don’t want to be constantly walking around the wall,” says Danne Rhaesa, who with her husband, Michael, owns Flint Hills Masonry in Overland Park, Kan.

Rhaesa, who installs natural stone, says retaining walls can flow into stairs and outdoor fireplaces for a cohesive backyard design.

If you’re getting a new wall where one doesn’t exist, congratulations. But if you’re having an old wall removed, plan on demolition and removal to be about 25 percent of your costs. Getting access to the back yard and hauling old railroad ties to an approved landfill account for the heavy price tag.