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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
Terrain Auto Level

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.

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

Terrain High Point

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 Low Point

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. 


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. 

Terrain Grade Retaining Walls

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.

Terrain Grade Level Tiers
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.