Retaining Walls & Concrete Masonry
Structural retaining walls and masonry work that manages grade changes and enhances your property.
Retaining Walls That Work
Retaining walls serve both functional and aesthetic purposes on your property. They hold back soil on slopes, create level areas for patios or lawns, prevent erosion, and add structure to your landscape design. A properly built retaining wall can transform a challenging sloped property into usable outdoor space. Whether you need to manage a steep grade, create terraced garden areas, or define different levels in your yard, we build retaining walls that handle the structural demands while looking great.
The engineering behind retaining walls is critical. These structures must resist significant forces from soil, water, and gravity. Poor design or installation leads to walls that lean, crack, or fail completely. We understand the structural requirements for retaining walls and build them to last. This includes proper footing depth, adequate drainage behind the wall, appropriate wall thickness, and correct reinforcement. We handle walls of various heights and can work with engineers when projects require structural calculations.
We work with different retaining wall materials including poured concrete, concrete block, and natural stone. Each material has advantages for specific applications. Poured concrete walls offer maximum strength for tall walls or heavy loads. Concrete block walls combine structural integrity with flexibility in design. Natural stone creates a timeless look that blends with traditional landscapes. We help you choose the right material and design for your needs, budget, and property aesthetic. When you need retaining wall installation, we deliver solutions that perform correctly and enhance your property.
Retaining Wall and Masonry Services
Structural Solutions for Your Property
We provide comprehensive retaining wall and masonry services for residential and commercial properties. Our experience includes projects ranging from small garden walls to large structural installations. Each project receives careful planning and professional execution to ensure long-term performance.
Here are the retaining wall and masonry services we offer:
- Poured concrete retaining walls
- Concrete block retaining walls
- Natural stone retaining walls
- Terraced wall systems for steep slopes
- Garden walls and landscape edging
- Concrete steps and landings
- Masonry repairs and rebuilds
- Foundation walls for structures
Poured concrete retaining walls provide maximum strength and durability. We excavate to below frost depth, pour reinforced concrete footings, and build walls with proper thickness for the height and soil conditions. Reinforcing steel is placed according to engineering requirements. Drainage systems behind the wall prevent water buildup that can cause problems. The result is a solid, permanent structure that handles significant loads and lasts for decades.
Segmental concrete block walls offer versatility in design and installation. These interlocking blocks create strong walls that can follow curves and create various patterns. Block walls work well for medium-height applications and allow for planted terraces or decorative elements. We ensure proper base preparation, use appropriate blocks for the wall height, and install geogrid reinforcement when needed for taller walls. This system combines structural performance with aesthetic flexibility.
Planning and Building Your Retaining Wall
The Construction Process
Retaining wall projects begin with site evaluation and design. We assess the slope, soil conditions, drainage patterns, and structural requirements. For walls over a certain height, engineering may be required by local building codes. We work with engineers when needed to ensure your wall meets all requirements. The design process also considers how the wall fits with your overall landscape and what material will work best for your situation.
Excavation and base preparation set the stage for a successful retaining wall. We dig down to solid, undisturbed soil and below the frost line to prevent heaving. A compacted gravel base provides stable support and drainage. The footing or base course must be level and properly prepared. This foundation work is critical because any settling or movement in the base affects the entire wall structure.
Wall construction follows engineering specifications and best practices. For concrete walls, we build strong forms, install reinforcement, and pour quality concrete. Block walls are built course by course with proper alignment and reinforcement. Drainage systems are installed behind the wall as we build. This typically includes gravel backfill and drainage pipe that carries water away. Proper drainage prevents hydrostatic pressure from building up behind the wall, which is a common cause of wall failure.
Finishing details complete your retaining wall project. Cap blocks or concrete caps provide a finished top edge and protect the wall structure. We backfill and grade properly to direct water away from the wall. Landscaping can be coordinated to integrate the wall into your property. If your retaining wall project includes other concrete work like patios or walkways in the terraced areas, we can handle multiple aspects of your landscape transformation efficiently.
Retaining Wall Design Considerations
The height and location of your retaining wall affect design requirements. Short walls under 3 or 4 feet may not require engineering, though proper construction is still essential. Taller walls need structural design to ensure they can handle the forces involved. Building codes specify when engineering is required and what permits you need. We guide you through these requirements and ensure your project complies with local regulations.
Terraced walls work well for steep slopes that would require one very tall wall. Multiple shorter walls create level areas at different elevations. This approach is often more economical than a single tall wall and creates interesting multi-level landscapes. The terraces can be used for planting, lawn areas, or outdoor living spaces. We design terraced systems that manage the grade effectively while creating attractive, functional outdoor areas.
Drainage is the most critical factor in retaining wall longevity. Water buildup behind walls creates pressure that can cause cracking, leaning, or complete failure. We install drainage systems including gravel backfill, perforated drain pipe, and outlets that carry water away. Surface drainage is also important, directing water away from the top of the wall. These drainage measures protect your investment and ensure your retaining wall performs correctly for decades.