Retaining Walls & Concrete Masonry

Why Retaining Walls Are Important

Retaining walls do more than just look good. They serve critical functions that protect your property and make unusable slopes into functional spaces. If you have a sloped yard, erosion problems, or drainage issues, a well-built retaining wall can solve these problems while adding value and usability to your property.

The main purpose of a retaining wall is to hold back soil and prevent erosion on slopes. Without proper retention, sloped areas can wash away during heavy rains, undermining foundations, driveways, and landscaping. Retaining walls stabilize slopes and redirect water away from structures. They also create level terraces where you can add gardens, seating areas, or expand your usable yard space.

We build retaining walls using various materials including poured concrete, concrete block, natural stone, and brick. Each material has advantages depending on the height of the wall, soil conditions, and your aesthetic preferences. Concrete and masonry walls are the most durable options and can last 50 years or more when properly constructed with adequate drainage and reinforcement.

A retaining wall is only as good as its foundation and drainage system. Poor drainage is the number one cause of retaining wall failure. Water buildup behind a wall creates pressure that can crack or topple even the strongest structure. We design every retaining wall with proper drainage including gravel backfill, drain pipes, and weep holes to prevent water pressure buildup.

Types of Retaining Walls We Build

We specialize in several types of retaining wall construction, each suited for different applications and budgets:

Concrete Block Walls

Concrete block retaining walls are versatile, affordable, and durable. We use interlocking concrete blocks specifically designed for retaining walls. These systems are engineered for strength and come in various colors and textures. Block walls work well for heights up to 6 feet and can be built relatively quickly. They are ideal for residential applications where you need good looks and solid performance at a reasonable cost.

Poured Concrete Walls

For taller walls or situations requiring maximum strength, poured concrete is the best choice. We build forms, install heavy reinforcement, and pour solid concrete walls that can handle significant loads. Poured concrete walls are common for basements, commercial applications, and any situation where structural strength is critical. They can be left plain or finished with stucco, stone veneer, or other decorative treatments.

Natural Stone and Brick Masonry

For a classic, elegant look, natural stone or brick retaining walls provide timeless beauty. These walls take more time and skill to construct but create stunning focal points in your landscape. We build stone walls using either dry-stack methods for shorter walls or mortared construction for taller structures. Each stone is carefully selected and placed for both strength and appearance.

Garden and Landscape Walls

Not all retaining walls need to be large engineering projects. We also build smaller landscape walls for flower beds, terraced gardens, and decorative borders. These walls add visual interest and help organize your outdoor spaces. Even smaller walls need proper construction with adequate foundations and drainage to prevent problems.

Our Wall Construction Process

Building a retaining wall that lasts requires engineering knowledge, quality materials, and skilled construction:

• Site evaluation and design: We assess slope conditions, soil type, drainage patterns, and wall height requirements. For walls over 4 feet, we may consult with engineers to ensure proper design and obtain necessary permits.
• Excavation and foundation: We excavate to stable soil and create a solid base using compacted gravel. The foundation is critical for wall stability. We go below the frost line to prevent frost heave in winter.
• Drainage system installation: We install perforated drain pipes behind the wall and backfill with gravel to allow water to flow away. Proper drainage prevents water pressure that causes wall failure.
• Wall construction: We build the wall using proper techniques including batter (slight backward lean), reinforcement where needed, and careful attention to level and alignment. Each course is checked for proper placement.
• Backfill and compaction: Once the wall is complete, we backfill behind it with proper materials and compact in layers. This prevents settling and ensures long-term stability.

We take pride in building walls that combine strength with beauty. Whether you need erosion control, more usable space, or an attractive landscape feature, we create retaining walls that solve problems and enhance your property. We also offer patio installation and walkway construction to complete your outdoor spaces.

Frequently Asked Questions