Retaining Walls & Concrete Masonry
Build strong retaining walls and masonry structures that hold up and look great.
Why Retaining Walls Matter
Retaining walls do more than just look nice. They hold back soil on sloped properties, prevent erosion, create usable flat spaces on hillsides, and protect your property from water damage. A properly built retaining wall handles tons of soil pressure and channels water safely away from your home and foundation.
Building retaining walls requires understanding soil mechanics, drainage, and structural engineering. Walls that aren't built correctly can fail catastrophically when soil shifts or water pressure builds up. We've built retaining walls throughout Highland that handle our local soil conditions and occasional heavy rains. Your wall will stay solid and functional for many years.
Types of Retaining Walls We Build
Different situations call for different wall types. Here's what we install:
- Concrete block walls: Interlocking modular blocks in various styles
- Poured concrete walls: Solid reinforced concrete for maximum strength
- Brick and stone veneer: Traditional masonry appearance over concrete
- Segmental walls: Engineered block systems for taller walls
- Garden walls: Low decorative walls for landscaping features
- Terraced systems: Multiple walls creating level planting areas
The right choice depends on wall height, soil conditions, budget, and the look you want. Walls over 4 feet tall typically need engineering and permits. We'll help you understand your options and recommend what works best for your property.
How We Build Retaining Walls
A retaining wall that lasts starts with proper foundation work. We excavate below frost line to solid, undisturbed soil for stable footing. Then we install gravel base material that provides drainage and prevents settling. We build the wall with proper setback so it leans slightly into the soil it's holding. Behind the wall, we install drainage pipes and gravel fill to prevent water pressure buildup. Finally, we backfill and compact soil properly to avoid future settling.
Drainage is critical for retaining walls. Water buildup behind walls creates pressure that can push them over or cause cracking. We install weep holes, drainage pipes, and gravel layers that channel water away safely. The result is a wall that handles rain and irrigation without problems. Looking for reliable concrete and masonry work in Highland? We build structures that last. We also offer foundation services for all types of projects.
Masonry Work Beyond Retaining Walls
Our masonry skills extend beyond retaining walls. We build decorative planters and raised beds for landscaping, outdoor fireplaces and fire pits for entertaining, brick and stone mailbox posts for curb appeal, concrete and block columns for fences and structures, step systems connecting different elevations, and seat walls creating outdoor seating areas.
Masonry work combines function with aesthetics. We build structures that are both strong and attractive. Whether you need something purely functional or want a decorative feature that enhances your landscape, we can design and build it. We provide expert patio installation and other concrete services for complete outdoor living spaces.