Retaining Walls & Concrete Masonry
Durable retaining walls and masonry structures that solve drainage issues, prevent erosion, and create usable space on sloped properties.
Why Retaining Walls Matter
Sloped yards present challenges. Soil erosion washes away landscaping and creates bare spots. Water runoff causes drainage problems. Steep slopes limit how you can use your property. Retaining walls solve these issues by holding back soil and creating level terraces. They turn unusable slopes into functional outdoor spaces.
A well-designed retaining wall does more than just hold dirt. It manages water drainage properly so pressure does not build up behind the wall. It integrates with your landscape to enhance appearance and property value. Whether you need to level a yard for a patio, prevent erosion on a hillside, or create garden beds at different heights, retaining walls provide the structure you need. Our College Station team has the expertise to design and build walls that last.
Types of Retaining Walls
Different wall types work better for different situations:
- Concrete block walls: Versatile and economical, using interlocking blocks that create strong, attractive walls in various styles
- Poured concrete walls: Maximum strength for high walls or heavy loads, finished smooth or textured to match your aesthetic
- Stone veneer walls: Natural stone appearance over concrete structure for a rustic or upscale look
- Segmental retaining walls: Engineered block systems designed specifically for retaining applications with proven performance
- Decorative masonry walls: Brick or stone walls that combine function with elegant appearance
We help you choose the right wall type based on the height needed, soil conditions, your budget, and the look you want to achieve.
Engineering and Design
Retaining walls must be engineered properly to handle the forces acting on them. Soil weighs a lot, and water makes it heavier. The wall must resist this pressure without tipping, sliding, or failing. Taller walls and those holding back steep slopes require more substantial construction.
We evaluate your site carefully before designing a wall. Soil type affects how much pressure the wall faces. Drainage patterns tell us where water goes and how to handle it. Property lines and setbacks determine where we can build. For walls over 4 feet tall, we typically involve a structural engineer to ensure the design meets safety requirements and local codes. This attention to engineering means your wall performs correctly and lasts for decades.
Drainage Is Critical
The biggest threat to retaining walls is water pressure building up behind them. Water saturates soil and makes it much heavier. Freezing water expands and creates even more pressure. Without proper drainage, even well-built walls can fail.
We install drainage systems as part of every retaining wall. Gravel backfill creates a path for water to flow down instead of pressing against the wall. Perforated drain pipes collect water and direct it away. Weep holes allow water to escape through the wall face. These drainage measures are not optional extras. They are essential components that keep walls stable and prevent failure. Similar to our foundation work, proper drainage is key to long-term success.
Installation Process
Building a retaining wall requires precision and proper technique. We start by excavating for the wall footing, which extends below ground to provide a stable base. The footing prevents the wall from sliding or tipping forward. We pour concrete footings for most walls, sized according to the wall height and soil conditions.
Next comes wall construction, whether that means laying concrete blocks, forming and pouring concrete, or installing segmental retaining wall units. Each course must be level and properly aligned. As we build up, we install drainage components. We backfill carefully with gravel behind the wall and compact soil properly in front. The final steps include adding caps or coping to finish the top and any decorative elements you have chosen. Quality installation following proven methods ensures your wall performs as designed.
Masonry Projects Beyond Walls
Our concrete masonry expertise extends beyond retaining walls. We build outdoor kitchens and fire pits using brick or stone. We construct pillars and columns for entryways and covered porches. Concrete block foundations provide durable bases for sheds and outbuildings. Decorative masonry walls create privacy screens or define property boundaries.
Whatever your masonry needs, we bring the same attention to quality and proper technique. Masonry work requires different skills than concrete flatwork, but both demand precision and experience. We have both, which lets us handle complete outdoor projects that combine different concrete and masonry elements into cohesive designs.