Retaining Walls & Concrete Masonry

Why Retaining Walls Matter

Retaining walls serve critical functions beyond looks. They hold back soil on slopes, prevent erosion, and create usable flat areas in your yard. A properly built retaining wall can last 50 years or more. A poorly built one fails within a few years, creating expensive problems and potential safety hazards.

The pressure from soil behind a retaining wall is enormous. Water adds to that pressure. In Buckeye's climate, where rain comes in heavy bursts after dry periods, drainage design is critical. We build walls engineered to handle these loads safely. No guesswork, just proven structural techniques.

Beyond function, retaining walls define spaces and add character to your landscape. They create terraced gardens, level areas for patios, and interesting elevation changes. The right wall design complements your home's architecture and integrates naturally with your landscape.

How We Build Walls That Last

The Engineering Behind Strong Walls

Every retaining wall project starts with understanding the site. How much height do you need? What's the soil type? Where does water flow? These factors determine the wall design. Walls over 4 feet typically require engineering plans and permits. We handle that process.

• Site evaluation and engineering design when required
• Proper footing excavation below frost line
• Rebar reinforcement for structural strength
• Drainage system installation behind the wall
• Quality masonry materials and expert installation
• Backfill and compaction for long-term stability

The footing must be solid and below frost depth. We excavate, compact the base, and pour a reinforced concrete footing. The wall goes up course by course with proper reinforcement. Behind the wall, we install drainage. Gravel and perforated drain pipe let water escape instead of building pressure. Weep holes in the wall also help drainage. Finally, we backfill carefully and compact in lifts to prevent settling.

Retaining Wall Options and Styles

Concrete block walls are the most common and cost-effective option. Modern blocks come in many textures and colors. Some look like natural stone. Others have smooth contemporary finishes. The blocks interlock for strength and stack quickly.

Poured concrete walls provide maximum strength for tall walls or heavy loads. We can form and pour walls with various finishes. Stamped concrete creates stone or brick texture. Boulder walls use large decorative blocks for a natural look. They work well in desert landscapes and around patio areas.

Natural stone facing over concrete block gives you the beauty of stone with better structural performance. Caps and coping finish the top of the wall and prevent water from getting into the blocks. We also build seat walls, garden walls, and decorative masonry features that tie into your overall landscape design.

Retaining Wall Questions