Retaining Walls & Concrete Masonry
Control erosion, create level spaces, and add functional beauty to your property with professional retaining walls and masonry work.
Why You Need a Retaining Wall
Sloped yards create challenges. Soil erodes every time it rains, leaving bare spots and gullies. You lose usable space because steep slopes are hard to maintain or build on. Drainage becomes unpredictable as water rushes downhill. A properly built retaining wall solves these problems by holding soil in place and creating functional level areas.
Retaining walls do more than just hold back dirt. They prevent erosion that can undermine driveways, patios, and foundations. They create terraced levels where you can add landscaping, patios, or lawn areas. They manage drainage by controlling how water moves across your property. And they add visual interest with clean lines and structural presence that plain slopes don't provide.
In Florida, heavy rains test every yard. Without proper retaining structures, water carves new paths through your landscaping and carries soil away. A well-engineered retaining wall stands up to these conditions, protecting your property investment while making your outdoor space more usable and attractive.
- •Stops soil erosion that damages landscaping and structures
- •Creates level, usable space from sloped terrain
- •Manages drainage and prevents runoff problems
- •Adds property value and visual appeal
Types of Retaining Walls We Build
Different wall types work better for different situations. Height, soil conditions, appearance goals, and budget all factor into choosing the right retaining wall system for your property.
Poured Concrete Walls
For taller walls or situations requiring maximum strength, poured concrete provides unmatched durability. We excavate, build forms, place reinforcement, and pour concrete walls that can handle significant loads and heights. These walls work well when you need to retain large amounts of soil or create substantial level changes. They can be finished with various textures and colors to match your property aesthetic.
Concrete Block Walls
Concrete masonry units (CMU blocks) create strong, versatile retaining walls. We build block walls with proper footings, reinforcement, and drainage. These walls can be left natural gray, painted, or finished with stucco or stone veneer. Block walls work for heights from 2 feet to over 10 feet when properly engineered. They're often more economical than poured walls while providing excellent strength and longevity.
Segmental Block Systems
Interlocking concrete blocks create attractive retaining walls without mortar. These systems work well for shorter walls (under 4 feet) and curved layouts. They come in various styles and colors that mimic natural stone. Installation is faster than poured walls, and the modular nature allows for easier repairs if needed. Proper base preparation and drainage are still critical for these systems to perform correctly.
Engineering and Installation
Retaining walls are structural elements that must be engineered correctly. The forces involved are substantial. Soil weighs roughly 100 pounds per cubic foot, and water adds even more weight and pressure. A poorly designed or built wall will fail, creating expensive damage and safety hazards.
For walls over 4 feet tall or any wall supporting significant loads, we work with structural engineers to design the wall system. The engineer considers soil type, drainage, slopes, and loads to specify wall thickness, reinforcement, and footing requirements. Following engineered specifications ensures your wall performs safely and lasts decades.
Drainage is the most critical aspect of retaining wall success. Water pressure behind walls causes most failures. We install drainage systems behind every retaining wall, including drainage rock, perforated pipe, and weep holes. These systems relieve water pressure and direct water away safely. Proper drainage turns a potentially problematic wall into a reliable, long-lasting structure.
The foundation matters just as much as the wall itself. We excavate to stable soil and pour adequate footings that won't settle or shift. The footing size and depth depend on wall height and soil conditions. Getting the foundation right prevents the tilting and cracking that plague poorly built retaining walls.
Common Questions About Retaining Walls
Need to control erosion or create usable space on a slope? Contact us for a site evaluation and retaining wall consultation.