Retaining Walls & Concrete Masonry
Strong retaining walls that protect your property and add functional outdoor space.
The Important Work Retaining Walls Do
Retaining walls aren't just decorative landscape features. They solve real problems that threaten your property. Erosion washes away soil, weakens foundations, and creates drainage nightmares. Slopes make yards unusable and dangerous. Retaining walls fix these issues while creating more functional outdoor space.
A properly built retaining wall holds back soil and manages water pressure. This protects your foundation, prevents erosion, and stops landslides. In Kent's climate with freeze-thaw cycles and heavy rain, you need walls engineered to handle these forces year after year.
Retaining walls also let you use sloped areas that would otherwise be wasted. A steep hillside becomes level terraces for gardens, patios, or play areas. You gain usable yard space while solving drainage and erosion problems. It's practical and valuable.
Beyond function, retaining walls add visual interest to your landscape. They create defined spaces, add height variation, and can be designed to complement your home's architecture. A well-designed wall system transforms a problem slope into an attractive outdoor living area.
Retaining Wall Options We Build
Different situations call for different wall types. We build several styles of retaining walls, each with specific advantages. Here's what works best in different scenarios.
Concrete Block Walls
- •Interlocking concrete blocks create strong, stable walls without mortar
- •Available in many colors, textures, and sizes to match your style
- •Perfect for walls up to 6 feet tall in most residential applications
- •Built-in drainage systems prevent water pressure buildup
Poured Concrete Walls
For taller walls or heavy-duty applications, poured concrete provides maximum strength. We build forms, install reinforcement, and pour solid concrete walls that can handle extreme loads and pressure. These walls work well for basements, commercial properties, and areas with significant elevation changes.
Concrete Masonry Walls
Concrete masonry units (CMUs) offer the look of traditional masonry with the strength of reinforced concrete. These hollow blocks are stacked and reinforced with rebar and concrete fill. You get a strong, durable wall that can be finished with stucco, stone veneer, or left natural. CMU walls work for both residential and commercial projects.
We help you choose the right wall type based on your specific situation. Height, soil conditions, drainage needs, and budget all factor into the decision. Every wall we build is engineered for your site's unique conditions.
How We Build Walls That Last Decades
Retaining wall failures usually happen because of poor planning or cutting corners during construction. We take the time to build walls that stand strong for generations.
Site Evaluation
We start by evaluating your property's soil, slope, drainage, and any existing retaining structures. Soil tests tell us about load-bearing capacity and drainage characteristics. We measure the slope and calculate the pressure the wall needs to resist. This engineering work happens before we move any dirt.
Excavation and Foundation
Every retaining wall needs a solid foundation below the frost line. In Ohio, that means digging down at least 12 inches, sometimes deeper for taller walls. We excavate carefully to maintain stable soil and create a level base. The foundation typically includes compacted gravel for drainage and stability.
Drainage Systems
Water pressure is the biggest enemy of retaining walls. We install drainage systems behind every wall, including gravel backfill and perforated drain pipes. These systems channel water away before it builds up pressure. Proper drainage extends your wall's life from years to decades.
Wall Construction
We build walls level, plumb, and properly reinforced. For block walls, we ensure proper setback so the wall leans slightly into the slope for stability. For poured concrete walls, we install rebar reinforcement before pouring. Quality control happens at every step, not just at the end.
Backfilling and Finishing
After the wall is complete, we backfill with proper drainage material and compact it in layers. This prevents settling that could damage the wall. The top of the wall gets a cap for a finished look and protection from weather. We grade the area for proper drainage and leave your property clean.
What Makes Retaining Walls Fail and How We Prevent It
Walk around Kent and you'll see failing retaining walls. Tilting, cracking, bulging walls are everywhere. These failures aren't random. They happen for specific reasons that proper construction prevents.
The most common problem is inadequate drainage. When water can't escape from behind the wall, pressure builds up and pushes the wall over. We install comprehensive drainage systems so water flows out rather than building pressure. This single detail prevents most wall failures.
Poor foundations cause many failures too. A retaining wall built on topsoil or without proper depth will shift and fail. We dig down to stable soil and install proper foundations for every wall, no exceptions. It takes extra work, but it's the only way to build walls that last.
Inadequate reinforcement is another culprit. Tall walls need deadmen, tiebacks, or reinforcement to resist the enormous pressure from the soil behind them. We engineer reinforcement for your wall's specific height and soil conditions. Over-engineering is cheaper than rebuilding.
Finally, poor soil preparation leads to settlement and failure. We compact soil properly, use appropriate backfill material, and ensure drainage works before considering a wall complete. These steps take time but they're essential for long-term stability.
When you hire us, you're not just paying for blocks or concrete. You're paying for engineering knowledge, proper materials, and construction techniques that prevent these common failures. Your wall will still be standing strong decades from now when others need replacement.
Retaining Wall Questions
Ready to Solve Your Erosion Problems?
Get a free consultation for your retaining wall project
Call (330) 771-9879