Retaining Walls & Concrete Masonry

Why Properties Need Retaining Walls

Many Marion properties have slopes and grade changes that create challenges and opportunities. Retaining walls solve these issues while adding functionality:

• •Create level spaces: Turn sloped yards into usable areas for patios, lawns, or gardens
• •Prevent erosion: Hold soil in place and protect landscaping from washing away
• •Manage water: Direct runoff away from foundations and prevent pooling
• •Add visual appeal: Create terraced gardens, raised planting beds, and defined outdoor rooms
• •Increase property value: Well-designed retaining walls enhance curb appeal and functionality

Types of Retaining Walls We Build

Poured Concrete Retaining Walls

Poured concrete walls offer maximum strength for taller walls or heavy soil loads. We excavate, install proper footings, set forms, place reinforcement, and pour concrete to create monolithic walls that last for generations. These walls can be finished smooth, stamped with patterns, or veneered with stone or brick for different aesthetic looks.

Concrete Block Retaining Walls

Modular concrete block systems provide design flexibility and faster installation than poured walls. We use engineered block systems designed specifically for retaining wall applications. These interlocking units create strong, attractive walls with various textures and colors available. Block walls work well for both residential landscaping and larger structural applications.

Garden and Planter Walls

Shorter decorative walls for raised beds, planters, and garden borders add structure to your landscaping. These walls typically range from 1-3 feet high and can be built with various materials to match your home and existing hardscaping. They work beautifully alongside concrete patios and walkways.

Structural Masonry

Beyond retaining walls, we handle other concrete masonry projects including outdoor fireplaces and fire pits, privacy walls and screen walls, pillar and column construction, and masonry repairs and restoration. Our masonry work follows the same quality standards as our foundation installations, ensuring structural integrity and long-lasting performance.

Engineering and Construction Process

Retaining walls are structural elements that must be properly engineered. We start by evaluating your site conditions including soil type, drainage patterns, height requirements, and loads from above. Walls over a certain height require engineering plans and permits, which we help coordinate.

Proper drainage behind the wall is critical. We install gravel backfill and drainage pipes to prevent water pressure from building up, which is the number one cause of retaining wall failure. The base or footing must extend below the frost line and be wide enough to resist overturning and sliding forces.

During construction, we compact base materials thoroughly, ensure walls are perfectly level and plumb, install reinforcement where required, and backfill carefully in stages to prevent displacement. Each step is done correctly because there are no shortcuts with structural work.

The finished wall should look great, function properly, and last for decades with minimal maintenance. Whether we are building a small garden wall or a major retaining structure, we apply the same engineering principles and quality construction methods.