What this covers
A retaining wall holds back soil and the water in it, and the water is what brings walls down. The company excavates a trench, compacts a gravel base, and sets the first course dead level, because every course above follows it. Segmental block, natural stone or poured concrete goes up with a slight backward lean called batter. Behind the wall, clean drainage stone and a perforated pipe carry water out through weep holes or to daylight instead of letting it push on the wall. Taller walls get geogrid layers tied back into the compacted fill, and walls above a certain height need an engineer and a permit. Caps finish the top.
When to call
- A slope that erodes into the yard or onto a walk or drive.
- An old timber or block wall leaning, bulging or with soil washing through.
- A yard you want terraced for a patio, garden or level lawn.
- A driveway or foundation that a slope is encroaching on.
What to expect
- DesignHeight, material and drainage are planned, with an engineer on taller walls.
- BaseThe trench is dug, gravel compacted and the first course set level.
- BuildCourses go up with batter, drainage stone and pipe behind, and geogrid where specified.
- Backfill and capFill is compacted in layers, caps glued on, and the grade finished.
Get a certified company
Look up a certified company by ZIP code. Every company's license, insurance and trades are verified before it is listed, and placement is never paid.
Questions people ask
Why did my old wall lean?
Almost always water. Without drainage stone and a pipe behind it, saturated soil pushes harder than the wall was built to resist, and freezing makes it worse.
Do I need an engineer?
Many codes require engineering and a permit above a set height, often around four feet, or when the wall holds a driveway or structure. The company knows the local threshold.
Block, stone or poured concrete?
Segmental block is the most common and goes up quickly. Natural stone suits older homes and gardens. Poured or block-and-veneer walls suit tall or structural situations.
Related: Stone masonry repair · Paver driveways · Yard grading and drainage · All concrete and masonry
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