Retaining Walls & Concrete Masonry
Functional and attractive walls that control erosion and create usable space on sloped properties.
Why Your Property Might Need a Retaining Wall
Sloped properties present challenges. Soil erosion washes away your yard. Water runs downhill causing drainage problems. You can't use steep areas for anything practical. Retaining walls solve these issues by holding back soil, controlling water flow, and creating level terraces you can actually use.
A properly built retaining wall does more than just look good. It protects your foundation from water damage, prevents soil from washing into driveways or onto neighbors' properties, and can add significant usable square footage to your yard. We've built walls that transformed unusable slopes into beautiful terraced gardens, level play areas, and extended patios.
The key is understanding that retaining walls are structural elements, not just decorative features. They hold back tons of soil and deal with constant water pressure. Poor construction leads to walls that lean, crack, or collapse. When you work with experienced contractors, your wall gets engineered and built correctly from the foundation up.
Types of Retaining Walls We Build
Different situations call for different wall types. Segmental block walls use interlocking concrete blocks that create attractive, durable barriers. These work well for walls up to 3 or 4 feet tall and offer many design options with different colors, textures, and styles available. Installation is relatively quick and the results look great.
For taller walls or situations requiring maximum strength, poured concrete walls provide unmatched stability. We form, reinforce, and pour concrete to create walls that can handle significant height and pressure. These walls can be finished with various textures or faced with stone or brick for aesthetic appeal. They're more involved to build but last indefinitely when done right.
Retaining Wall Features
- Proper drainage systems to prevent water pressure buildup
- Engineered foundations sized for wall height and soil conditions
- Geogrid reinforcement for taller walls requiring extra strength
- Cap stones and finishing touches for completed appearance
- Integrated steps and terraces for multiple levels
- Matching materials that complement your home and landscaping
We also build concrete masonry walls for boundaries, privacy screens, and architectural features. These applications use similar materials and techniques but serve different purposes than soil retention. If you're planning a patio or other outdoor improvements, incorporating walls into the design can create defined spaces and add visual interest.
What Goes Into Building a Lasting Wall
The most important part of any retaining wall is what you can't see. The foundation must extend below the frost line and be properly sized for the wall height. Drainage behind the wall is essential because water pressure will destroy even the strongest wall if it can't escape. We install drainage pipes and gravel backfill that channel water away effectively.
Base preparation matters enormously. We excavate to proper depth, compact the soil, and install a leveling base of gravel. The first course of blocks or the bottom of a poured wall must be perfectly level. Any mistakes at this stage compound as the wall goes up. We use equipment and techniques that ensure accuracy from the ground up.
As the wall rises, proper backfill and compaction behind each course prevents settling. Reinforcement through geogrid or rebar provides strength where needed. Cap stones or finished tops protect the wall from water infiltration and give it a completed look. Every step matters for walls that will stand strong for decades.
Walls often integrate with other concrete work on your property. If you need a driveway or walkways along with your retaining wall project, coordinating everything ensures proper drainage, matching materials, and efficient scheduling. We look at your property as a whole system, not just individual projects.