Retaining Walls & Concrete Masonry

Why Your Property Needs a Retaining Wall

Retaining walls are more than just decorative features. They serve important structural and functional purposes. If your property has a slope or uneven terrain, a retaining wall can hold back soil, prevent erosion, and create level areas for landscaping, patios, or walkways. Without proper retaining structures, heavy rain can wash away soil, undermine foundations, and damage your property.

A well-built retaining wall also adds value and curb appeal. It can define different areas of your yard, create terraced gardens, or provide seating along a patio. Retaining walls give your property structure and make it more functional. Whether you are dealing with drainage issues, looking to expand usable space, or simply want to improve the look of your landscape, a retaining wall can help.

For Duncanville homeowners, retaining walls are especially useful because of our clay soil and occasional heavy rains. These conditions can cause erosion and settling if slopes are not properly supported. We design and build retaining walls that handle these challenges and last for decades with minimal maintenance.

Types of Retaining Walls and Masonry We Build

There are several types of retaining walls, each suited to different situations. The right choice depends on the height of the wall, soil conditions, budget, and the look you want. We work with all types of retaining wall systems and can recommend the best option for your property.

Retaining Wall Options

• •Concrete block walls: Interlocking blocks that stack and lock together without mortar. These walls are strong, relatively quick to install, and come in many styles and colors. They work well for walls up to four or five feet tall.
• •Poured concrete walls: Solid concrete walls formed and poured on site. These walls can handle greater heights and heavier loads. They are ideal for larger projects or situations where maximum strength is needed.
• •Natural stone walls: Walls built with stacked stone or stone veneer. These walls offer a rustic, natural look and blend beautifully with landscaping. They require skilled craftsmanship to ensure stability and proper drainage.
• •Brick masonry walls: Traditional brick walls laid with mortar. Brick provides a classic look and works well for lower walls and decorative applications. We can match existing brick or choose a style that complements your home.
• •Timber and concrete hybrid walls: Walls that combine treated wood posts with concrete or masonry. This approach can be cost-effective for certain applications and provides a unique aesthetic.

No matter which type of wall you choose, proper drainage is critical. Water buildup behind a retaining wall can cause pressure that leads to failure. We install drainage systems, including weep holes, gravel backfill, and perforated pipes, to keep water from accumulating. These details are what separate a wall that lasts from one that fails after a few years.

Our Retaining Wall Construction Process

Building a retaining wall starts with evaluating your site. We look at the slope, soil conditions, drainage patterns, and any existing structures. If the wall will be more than a few feet tall or if soil conditions are challenging, we may recommend a soil test or engineer consultation. Safety and performance are our top priorities, so we do not cut corners on planning.

Next, we excavate and prepare the base. A solid, level base is essential for a stable wall. We dig below the frost line if needed and compact a gravel base to provide support. For taller walls or walls that will retain significant amounts of soil, we add reinforcement such as geogrids or tiebacks that anchor the wall into the slope.

As we build the wall, we install drainage systems behind it. We use gravel backfill to allow water to drain down and weep holes or drain pipes to carry water away from the wall. This step is critical for long-term performance. Once the wall is complete, we backfill the area, compact the soil, and clean up the site. The result is a retaining wall that holds strong and looks great.

We also offer additional masonry services, including outdoor kitchens, fire pits, and decorative columns. If you are building a retaining wall and want to add other masonry features to your landscape, we can handle it all in one project. This approach saves time and ensures a cohesive design throughout your property.

Common Questions About Retaining Walls