Retaining Walls & Concrete Masonry

More Than Just Holding Back Dirt

Retaining walls serve critical functions on properties with slopes, elevation changes, or drainage issues. They hold back soil, prevent erosion, create usable flat areas, and manage water flow. Done right, a retaining wall solves problems while enhancing your property's appearance. Done wrong, it fails within a few years, creating bigger headaches than you started with.

We build retaining walls and masonry structures engineered to handle the forces working against them. Soil pressure, water saturation, and gravity constantly push on retaining walls. Our designs account for these forces with proper footings, adequate drainage, appropriate materials, and correct construction techniques. The result is a wall that does its job reliably for many years.

Retaining Wall and Masonry Solutions

Different situations call for different approaches. We assess your property's specific conditions and recommend the right solution. Our retaining wall and masonry services include:

• •Poured concrete retaining walls for maximum strength
• •Concrete block walls with decorative finishes
• •Segmental retaining wall systems
• •Terraced walls for steep slopes
• •Garden walls and planters
• •Decorative masonry features and columns
• •Outdoor kitchen and entertainment area structures

The height of the wall, soil conditions, and intended use determine which approach works best. Taller walls handling significant loads need engineered designs. Shorter decorative walls have simpler requirements but still need proper construction to perform well.

Drainage Makes or Breaks a Retaining Wall

Here's what most people don't understand about retaining walls: the water behind the wall causes more problems than the soil. When water saturates the ground behind a wall, it adds tremendous pressure. Without proper drainage, that pressure eventually pushes the wall over or causes it to crack and fail.

Every retaining wall we build includes drainage provisions. This typically means gravel backfill that allows water to percolate down, perforated drain pipes at the base that carry water away, and weep holes that let water escape through the wall face. These features cost a little more upfront but prevent expensive failures down the road. We also ensure the finished grade directs surface water away from the wall.

Integrating Walls with Your Landscape

A retaining wall shouldn't look like an afterthought. We design walls that complement your home's architecture and integrate naturally with your landscape. Capping options, finish textures, and color choices help walls blend in or stand out as designed focal points.

We often coordinate retaining walls with other concrete work. Adding a patio on the flat area created by the wall makes sense for many projects. Walkways connecting different levels need to integrate smoothly with walls. Steps through or alongside walls require careful planning. We handle all these elements together for a cohesive result that works well and looks intentional.

Frequently Asked Questions