Retaining Walls & Concrete Masonry

Sloped yards create challenges for landscaping, drainage, and usable space. Retaining walls solve these problems by holding back soil and creating level areas. A well-designed retaining wall turns unusable hillside into functional space for patios, gardens, or lawns while controlling erosion and managing water runoff.

Retaining walls are structural elements that must be engineered correctly. The wall holds back significant weight from soil, water, and anything on top of the retained area. Poor design or construction leads to wall failure, which means collapsed walls, damaged property, and expensive repairs. This is not work for trial and error.

We design and build retaining walls for residential and commercial properties throughout Zebulon, NC. Our walls are built to last, with proper foundations, adequate drainage, and construction methods that handle the forces acting on them. Whether you need a short decorative wall or a tall structural wall, we build it right.

Different situations call for different retaining wall types. The right choice depends on wall height, soil conditions, appearance preferences, and budget. We help you select the best option for your specific needs.

Retaining Wall Options:

• •Poured Concrete Walls: Strongest option for tall walls or heavy loads. Built with reinforced concrete and proper footings. Can be faced with stone or brick for appearance.
• •Concrete Block Walls: Cost-effective for medium height walls. Blocks are stacked and reinforced with rebar and concrete fill. Versatile and relatively quick to install.
• •Segmental Block Walls: Interlocking concrete blocks designed for retaining walls. Many styles and colors available. Good for curved walls and terraced designs.
• •Concrete Masonry Walls: Custom walls built with concrete and masonry materials. Can match existing architecture or create specific aesthetic effects.
• •Tiered Wall Systems: Multiple shorter walls instead of one tall wall. Reduces engineering requirements and creates terraced planting areas.

Walls over 4 feet tall typically require engineering stamps and building permits. We work with structural engineers when needed and handle all permit requirements. You get a retaining wall that meets code and performs as intended.

Retaining walls fail when critical construction elements are ignored or done incorrectly. We follow engineering principles and best practices on every wall we build, regardless of size.

Foundation is the starting point. The wall needs a solid base below the frost line that will not settle or shift. We excavate to proper depth, compact the base, and pour adequate footings. Skimping on foundation work guarantees problems later.

Drainage behind the wall is equally critical. Water trapped behind a retaining wall creates enormous pressure that can push the wall over. We install drainage systems including gravel backfill, perforated drain pipe, and weep holes that direct water away from the wall. Proper drainage dramatically extends wall life and prevents failure.

Reinforcement gives walls strength to resist the forces acting on them. This includes rebar in concrete walls, proper block core filling, and connection to footings. We follow engineering specifications or industry standards for the specific wall type and height.

Backfill behind the wall must be done in layers with proper compaction. Dumping loose soil behind a wall creates settling and drainage problems. We take the time to backfill correctly even though it takes longer.

Looking to level your yard for a new patio or need steps and walkways to work with your retaining wall? We design complete site solutions that address all your grading and access needs.