Property
      Back to home
      1. Help Center
      2. Design Stages
      3. Property

      Terrain Grade (Slope) and Retaining Walls

      Learn how to create multiple slopes and level areas.

      Retaining Wall Video

      Auto Level Terrain


      When you draw a complete shape and set the height, all terrain inside the shape will remain level.

      Everything inside the shape will have a level elevation based on the value entered in the Contour Height box.

      Step 1: Establish 0'

      Set a flat area with a 0' starting point

      The 0' starting point will normally be around the house.

      Step 2: Specify Specific Areas

      In this example, the backyard steps down with the house and pool area flat.

      Auto Level Terrain 1
      In 2D, activate Multiple Slope in the Panel and draw 3 large rectangles to mark each area:
      • 0 ft. around the house
      • - 1 ft. 6 in. around the patio
      • - 2 ft. around the pool area
      Auto Level Terrain 2

      Terrain Grade (Slope) 

      Now we'll add a slope to the yard.

      Terrain Grade 1

      Set the High Point

      In this example, the left side elevation is 0 ft.

      TIP: Add a measurement from the level area to help establish the necessary distance. 


      Activate the Rectangle or Line Tool to add the flat area. In the Panel, set the elevation to 0 ft.

      Terrain Grade Level

      Set the Low Point

      The right side elevation is -10 ft. lower. Draw a line on the right side that is set at negative 10 ft. 

      Terrain Grade Negative

      See the Slope in 3D

      The terrain lines are visible in 3D while in Stage 4: Terrain.

      Once the main 2D terrain lines are set, it is easy use the 3D Terrain tools to focus on the details. 

      Terrain Grade Slope

      NOTE: Every project is unique. Once the starting level area is established, build other terrain lines from that flat area. 

      Terrain Grade

      Retaining Walls

      Create retaining walls in the Hardscapes Stage. Hardscapes will hold back the terrain.

      Activate the Rectangle Tool, to draw the retaining wall. 

      For this example, we have 3 tiered retaining walls on a steep slope. 

      TIP: Turn ON height labels to make it easier to assign contour terrain lines. 


      Retaining Walls 1

      Level Tiers

      To create flat tiers, draw hardscapes between the retaining walls.

      Set the height of the new shape to the same height as the retaining wall in front of it.

      Retaining Walls 2
      Change the material of these hardscapes to grass, rock or mulch to match the surrounding terrain.

      Retaining Walls 3 

      TIP: Add a hardscape to the frontside or backside of a retaining wall to use the 3D terrain tools without affecting the other side of the retaining wall. 

       
      Terrain Stage Video

      See just how easy it is to use the slope and 3D terrain tools to achieve the perfect yard slope in your next design.