Retaining Walls & Concrete Masonry

Why You Need a Retaining Wall

Retaining walls do more than look good. They solve real problems. If your yard slopes, a retaining wall creates level, usable space. If you have erosion issues, a well-built wall holds soil in place and protects your property. If you want terraced gardens or multi-level landscaping, retaining walls make that possible.

Not all retaining walls are the same. Small decorative walls under 2 feet high can be simple structures. But walls over 3 feet or walls holding back significant amounts of soil need proper engineering and construction. This is especially true in Carson City where soil conditions and drainage matter. A poorly built retaining wall will fail, and fixing it costs way more than building it right the first time.

Types of Retaining Walls We Build

We build several types of retaining walls depending on your needs, budget, and the height required:

• Concrete block walls: Interlocking blocks that create strong, attractive walls in many styles and colors
• Poured concrete walls: Custom-formed walls for any height or shape, can be finished smooth or textured
• Boulder walls: Natural stone look using large boulders, perfect for rustic landscapes
• Segmental walls: Engineered block systems for taller walls or heavy load requirements
• Garden walls: Shorter decorative walls for planters and landscape definition

Each type works better for different situations. Block walls are versatile and cost-effective for most residential applications. Poured concrete gives you complete design flexibility for curves and custom shapes. We help you choose the right type for your specific site conditions and aesthetic goals. If you also need patio work or other hardscaping, we can design everything to work together.

Engineering and Drainage

The secret to retaining walls that last is what happens behind them. Water is the enemy of retaining walls. If water builds up behind the wall, pressure increases and the wall can bow, crack, or even collapse. That is why proper drainage is not optional, it is required.

We install drainage systems behind every retaining wall. This includes gravel backfill that lets water flow down instead of building pressure. Perforated drain pipes at the base collect water and channel it away. Weep holes in the wall face let water escape. Filter fabric prevents soil from clogging the drainage system. These details are not expensive, but they are critical for long-term performance.

Taller walls or walls on slopes might need engineered designs. We work with structural engineers when needed to ensure your wall is properly designed for the loads it will carry. This includes calculating proper footing depth, wall thickness, and reinforcement requirements. If you are doing larger projects like foundation work or site development, we coordinate retaining walls with other site improvements.

Installation Process

Building a retaining wall starts with excavation. We dig down to stable soil and create a level, compacted base. Most walls need a buried footer course or concrete footing for stability. From there, we build the wall course by course, ensuring each level is perfectly aligned. As we build, we install drainage systems and backfill properly.

For taller walls, we install tie-backs or geogrids that extend into the soil behind the wall. These anchors dramatically increase wall strength and prevent tipping. The final step is capping the wall for a finished look and protecting the top from water infiltration. Some walls also get railings or built-in lighting for safety and aesthetics.

Frequently Asked Questions