Retaining Walls & Concrete Masonry
Control erosion, create usable space, and add structure to your property with professional retaining walls.
Why You Need a Retaining Wall
Retaining walls serve an important purpose beyond just looking good. They hold back soil on slopes, prevent erosion, and create level areas where you can build, plant, or simply enjoy your yard. If your property has a slope, you've probably seen how rain washes away soil, exposing roots and creating gullies. Over time, this erosion can damage your landscaping, threaten your foundation, or even cause part of your yard to collapse. A well-built retaining wall stops this process and protects your investment.
In Fort Eisenhower, where we have clay-heavy soil and occasional heavy rains, erosion control is critical. A retaining wall does more than just hold dirt. It redirects water, stabilizes slopes, and creates functional outdoor space. You can turn a steep, unusable hillside into a terraced garden, a level patio area, or a safe play space for kids. Retaining walls also add visual interest to your property, defining different areas and creating natural borders between landscaping features.
At FH Fort Eisenhower Concrete, we design and build retaining walls that are both functional and attractive. We assess your property's slope, soil type, and drainage patterns to determine the right wall design. Then we use quality materials and proper construction methods to ensure your wall lasts for decades. Whether you need a simple garden wall or a complex terraced system, we have the experience to get it done right.
Benefits of Retaining Walls
- Prevents soil erosion and protects your landscaping
- Creates level, usable space on sloped properties
- Protects foundations and structures from water damage
- Adds visual interest and defines outdoor areas
- Increases property value and curb appeal
- Provides structural support for driveways and walkways
- Allows for terraced gardens and creative landscaping
Types of Retaining Walls and Materials
Retaining walls come in different styles and materials, each suited to specific situations. The right choice depends on the height of your wall, the soil conditions, your budget, and the look you want. We offer several options and can help you choose the best solution for your property.
Poured Concrete Retaining Walls
Poured concrete walls are the strongest option and work well for tall walls or heavy loads. We excavate and prepare the site, build forms, add steel reinforcement, and pour the concrete. The result is a solid, permanent structure that can handle significant pressure from soil and water. Poured concrete walls can be finished with various textures or veneered with stone or brick for a decorative look. These walls require proper drainage systems behind them to prevent water buildup and pressure.
Concrete Block Retaining Walls
Concrete block walls use interlocking or mortared blocks to create a strong, modular system. These blocks come in various styles, from smooth-faced to textured stone patterns. Block walls are versatile, cost-effective, and easier to install than poured concrete for many applications. We build a solid footing, stack the blocks with proper reinforcement and drainage, and cap the top for a finished appearance. Block walls work well for both residential and commercial projects and can be built to almost any height.
Segmental Retaining Walls
Segmental walls use specially designed interlocking blocks that don't require mortar. These systems rely on gravity and the weight of the blocks to hold back soil. They're popular for residential landscaping because they look great and are relatively quick to install. We offer a range of block styles and colors to match your home and landscaping. Segmental walls work best for shorter heights, typically under 4 feet, though taller walls can be built with engineered designs and reinforcement.
Concrete Masonry and Decorative Options
Beyond basic retaining walls, we also build decorative masonry features like planters, seat walls, columns, and pillars. These elements add character to your outdoor space and tie together different areas of your landscaping. We can match the style of your home, coordinate with existing patio installations, or create a custom look that's uniquely yours. Natural stone veneer, colored concrete, and textured finishes give you endless design possibilities.
Design, Engineering, and Installation
Building a retaining wall that lasts requires careful planning and proper construction. A poorly built wall can fail within a few years, leaning forward, cracking, or even collapsing. We take the time to assess your site, design the right solution, and build it to last. Here's how we approach each project:
Site Assessment and Design
We start by evaluating your property to understand the slope, soil type, drainage patterns, and how much pressure the wall will need to withstand. For walls over 4 feet tall, we work with engineers to design a system that meets structural requirements and building codes. This includes calculating the proper footing depth, reinforcement needs, and drainage systems. We also consider access for equipment, impact on existing landscaping, and how the wall will tie into other site features.
Foundation and Drainage
Every retaining wall needs a solid foundation and proper drainage. We excavate below the frost line and pour a concrete footing that provides a stable base. Behind the wall, we install drainage pipes and gravel backfill to channel water away and prevent pressure buildup. This drainage system is critical because water trapped behind a wall creates hydrostatic pressure that can push the wall over. We also make sure surface water is directed away from the top of the wall to minimize the amount flowing into the backfill.
Construction and Finishing
Once the foundation is ready, we build the wall using the chosen materials. For poured walls, this means setting forms, placing reinforcement, and pouring concrete. For block or segmental walls, we stack and level each course, adding reinforcement as needed. We step back taller walls slightly to increase stability and improve appearance. After the wall is built, we backfill carefully to avoid damaging the structure, compact the soil properly, and finish the top with caps or coping. The result is a professional-looking wall that performs flawlessly for decades.
If you're planning other projects like driveway work or landscaping, we can coordinate the retaining wall installation to tie everything together. We work with landscapers, irrigation contractors, and other trades to ensure a seamless result. Our goal is to deliver a finished project that solves your erosion problems, creates usable space, and enhances your property's appearance.