Retaining Walls

What we do

Retaining walls are structural elements that hold back soil on sloped sites. We design and build concrete retaining walls for residential and commercial properties — from simple garden walls to engineered systems managing significant grade change. Every wall is designed for load, drainage, and long-term stability.

Retaining wall types

• Cast-in-place concrete: Poured walls with rebar reinforcement for maximum strength and custom design
• Concrete block (CMU): Modular masonry units for mid-height walls with clean lines
• Segmental block systems: Interlocking concrete units for flexible design and quick installation
• Tiered walls: Multi-level systems for steep slopes and complex grading

Our process

1. Site assessment: Measure grade change, assess soil conditions, and plan drainage strategy
2. Design & engineering: Calculate loads, determine wall height and thickness, specify reinforcement
3. Excavation & footing: Dig below frost line, pour reinforced footing to support wall weight
4. Wall construction: Build wall with proper batter (lean), install drainage behind wall
5. Backfill & drainage: Place gravel drainage layer, install drain pipe, compact backfill properly

Engineering & drainage

Retaining walls fail when water builds up behind them or when foundations aren't deep enough. We address both issues:

• Drainage systems: Gravel backfill, perforated drain pipe, and weep holes relieve hydrostatic pressure
• Proper footing: Below-frost footings sized for wall height and soil bearing capacity
• Reinforcement: Horizontal and vertical rebar tied to footing for structural integrity
• Batter & setback: Walls lean into the retained soil for stability and reduced overturning forces

When structural engineering is required

Walls over 4 feet in height typically require engineered plans and permits. We coordinate with structural engineers and local building departments to ensure compliance with code and proper design for site conditions.

When to call us

If you're managing grade on a sloped lot, terracing a hillside, or replacing a failing wall, proper design and execution are critical. We work with homeowners, builders, and landscape architects to deliver retaining walls that perform structurally and integrate with your property design.