Retaining Walls & Concrete Masonry

Why Properties Need Retaining Walls

Retaining walls solve common property problems. If your yard has slopes, you may deal with erosion, unusable space, or drainage issues. Retaining walls hold back soil, create level areas, and prevent erosion. They turn challenging terrain into functional outdoor space.

Here in Wilkes-Barre, many properties have significant grade changes. Hillside lots are common. Heavy rain can cause erosion that damages landscaping and threatens foundations. Retaining walls control water runoff, prevent soil loss, and protect your property investment.

Retaining walls also create usable space. A sloped backyard becomes level areas for patios, gardens, or play spaces. Terraced walls turn steep slopes into attractive multi-level landscapes. The functional and aesthetic benefits make retaining walls one of the most valuable improvements you can make to sloped property.

Types of Retaining Walls We Build

Several retaining wall systems work for different situations. We help you choose the right approach based on wall height, soil conditions, aesthetics, and budget.

Concrete block retaining walls are popular because they combine strength with aesthetic options. Modern retaining wall blocks interlock and set back slightly for inherent stability. They come in many textures and colors to complement your landscape. Block walls work well for heights up to about 4 feet without additional engineering.

Poured concrete walls provide maximum strength for taller walls or heavy soil loads. These are built with concrete footers and reinforced walls. The face can be left natural, textured with form liners, or veneered with stone. Poured walls are more expensive but necessary for some applications. We recommend them for walls over 4 feet tall or where soil conditions are challenging.

Engineering and Design Considerations

Retaining walls are structural elements that require proper design. The wall must resist soil pressure, water weight, and sometimes vehicle loads. Failure can cause wall collapse, property damage, or injury. This is why proper engineering matters.

Wall height affects design complexity. Walls under 3 feet are relatively straightforward. Walls 3 to 4 feet require more careful design and stronger bases. Walls over 4 feet often need engineering calculations and may require permits. We help you understand what your specific wall needs.

Soil type influences wall design significantly. Clay soils expand when wet, creating more pressure. Sandy soils drain better but may not provide good bearing. We evaluate your soil conditions and design accordingly. Sometimes soil testing is needed for tall walls or problem soils.

Drainage is the most critical factor in retaining wall performance. Water buildup behind walls creates hydrostatic pressure that can cause failure. Every retaining wall needs proper drainage. We install gravel backfill, perforated drain pipe, and weep holes to ensure water drains away from the wall.

Foundations provide the base for stable walls. We excavate below frost depth and install compacted gravel bases. For poured walls, concrete footers distribute loads into the soil. Inadequate foundations cause settling and wall failure, so we never skip this critical step.

The Building Process

Building quality retaining walls follows a systematic process. It starts with site evaluation and design. We look at the slope, measure the grade change, and discuss your goals. Drainage patterns are evaluated to ensure our wall design manages water properly.

Excavation creates space for the wall foundation and establishes proper grades. We dig below the frost line and create level bases. The amount of excavation depends on wall type and height. Material removed during excavation is usually hauled away or used elsewhere on your property.

Base installation is next. A compacted gravel base provides stable footing and aids drainage. For poured walls, footers are formed and poured at this stage. The base must be level and solid to prevent settling.

Wall construction methods vary by type. Block walls are built course by course, ensuring each level is straight and properly set back. Poured walls require forming, reinforcement installation, and concrete placement. Quality control during construction ensures your wall is built to last.

Backfilling happens after the wall is stable. We use free-draining gravel behind the wall for a foot or more, then native soil for the remainder. Drainage pipe is installed in the gravel to collect and redirect water. Proper compaction prevents settling. Cap blocks or coping are installed to finish the wall top and protect it from water infiltration.

Combining Walls With Other Features

Retaining walls often work together with other landscape and hardscape elements. Planning these connections creates cohesive outdoor spaces that work well and look great.

Terraced walls create multiple level areas on steep slopes. Each terrace can serve different purposes like planting beds, lawn areas, or patios. Steps between terraces provide access to each level. This approach works beautifully for hillside properties where one tall wall would be impractical.

Walls integrated with patios and walkways create unified outdoor living spaces. A retaining wall can form one edge of a patio, eliminating the need for railings while providing built-in seating. Walls along walkways hold back slopes and create attractive borders. These combined elements feel intentional and well-planned.

Decorative features enhance retaining walls. Lighting can be incorporated for safety and ambiance. Planters built into wall tops add color and soften the hardscape. Columns or pilasters create visual interest on long walls. We help you design walls that work functionally while contributing to your overall landscape design.

Common Questions About Retaining Walls