Retaining Walls & Concrete Masonry

More Than Just Looks

Retaining walls serve critical functions on your property. They hold back soil on slopes, prevent erosion, create level terraces for landscaping or building, and manage water runoff. A well-built retaining wall protects your property from damage while adding visual appeal and usable space. Poor wall construction leads to failure, which can mean collapsed walls, washed-out soil, and expensive emergency repairs.

Concrete masonry gives you the strength and durability needed for retaining walls that last. We design and build walls using proven engineering principles, proper drainage, and quality materials. Whether you need a short garden wall or a tall structural retaining system, we handle every aspect of the project from initial design through final construction. The result is a wall that performs its job reliably for decades.

Types of Retaining Walls and Masonry Work

We install several types of retaining walls and masonry structures depending on your needs, budget, and site conditions:

• Concrete block walls: Versatile and strong, available in many styles and finishes.
• Poured concrete walls: Maximum strength for tall walls or heavy loading conditions.
• Segmental block systems: Interlocking blocks designed specifically for retaining applications.
• Decorative masonry walls: Attractive walls that define spaces and provide privacy.
• Garden and landscape walls: Shorter walls for planting beds and yard features.

Each wall type has advantages in different situations. We help you choose the right system for your specific project requirements.

Critical Design and Construction Elements

A retaining wall must resist significant forces from the soil and water behind it. This requires proper engineering, not just stacking blocks. We start with a solid foundation or footing that goes below frost line and provides stable support. The wall itself needs adequate thickness and reinforcement based on height and soil conditions.

Drainage is absolutely critical for retaining wall success. Water pressure behind a wall is one of the main causes of failure. We install drainage systems including weep holes, drainage pipes, and gravel backfill to channel water away properly. This prevents pressure buildup that could push the wall over or cause it to crack and fail.

Proper backfill and compaction complete the installation. We use the right materials behind the wall and compact them in layers to prevent settling. The area in front of the wall might connect to patios or other hardscaping features, which we can coordinate as part of your overall landscape plan.

When You Need a Retaining Wall

Many situations call for retaining wall construction. Sloped yards benefit from terracing that creates usable flat areas for lawns, gardens, or outdoor living spaces. Properties with erosion problems need walls to hold soil in place and prevent washouts during heavy rain. If you are adding a driveway or building pad to a sloped lot, retaining walls make the project possible.

Waterfront properties often need seawalls or bulkheads to protect against erosion and flooding. Pool installations on sloped lots require retaining structures. Even decorative purposes like defining garden beds or creating raised planting areas benefit from proper wall construction. We evaluate your property, discuss your goals, and design a retaining wall solution that works for your situation and budget.

Retaining Wall Questions