Retaining Walls & Concrete Masonry

Why You Need a Retaining Wall

If your property has slopes, you're dealing with erosion, drainage problems, or wasted space that's too steep to use. Retaining walls solve these issues by holding back soil, creating level areas, and directing water where you want it to go. A well-designed retaining wall turns unusable hillsides into functional outdoor spaces while protecting your property from erosion damage.

In Northwest Arkansas, where many properties have significant elevation changes, retaining walls are often essential for creating usable yards and protecting structures from soil movement. They prevent landslides during heavy rain, stop erosion that threatens driveways and foundations, and allow you to create terraced gardens or level patio areas on sloped ground.

We've been building retaining walls in Springdale since 2024, and we understand the engineering required to make them last. A retaining wall isn't just stacked blocks or poured concrete. It's a carefully engineered structure that must resist tremendous pressure from the soil it holds back. Poor design or construction leads to walls that crack, lean, or fail completely. Learn about our approach to quality concrete construction.

Retaining Wall Options for Your Property

Different situations call for different types of retaining walls. Here are the most common options we install:

• Concrete Block Walls: Interlocking masonry units that create strong, attractive walls
• Poured Concrete Walls: Monolithic structures for heavy-duty applications
• Stone Veneer Walls: Concrete walls with natural stone facing for upscale appearance
• Tiered Walls: Multiple shorter walls that handle major elevation changes
• Segmental Retaining Walls: Engineered block systems designed specifically for soil retention

The right choice depends on the height needed, soil conditions, drainage requirements, aesthetic preferences, and budget. Walls under 4 feet tall are relatively straightforward, while taller walls require engineering and may need building permits. We handle all aspects of design and installation to ensure your wall performs properly.

Retaining walls often work together with other concrete features on your property. We can integrate them with patio installations to create beautiful terraced outdoor living spaces.

How We Build Retaining Walls That Last

Building a retaining wall requires careful planning and precise execution. Here's our proven process:

We start by evaluating your site to understand soil conditions, water flow, and the loads the wall must support. This determines the wall design, foundation depth, and drainage requirements. The foundation is critical because any movement at the base compromises the entire wall. We excavate below the frost line and create a level, compacted base.

For block walls, we use a base course of blocks partially buried and perfectly level. Each course gets set precisely with appropriate setback to create a stable structure. Drainage is built in as we go, with gravel backfill and drain pipes that prevent water pressure from building up behind the wall. Water pressure is the number one cause of retaining wall failure, so proper drainage isn't optional.

Poured concrete walls get reinforcing steel placed according to engineering specifications before the concrete pour. The concrete must be properly consolidated to eliminate voids and achieve design strength. After the wall is built, we backfill carefully with free-draining gravel near the wall and compact everything properly.

Taller walls or walls supporting significant loads may require geogrid reinforcement extending back into the soil. This creates a much larger and more stable soil mass. We handle these engineered solutions routinely. Similar engineering principles apply to our foundation work.

Planning Your Retaining Wall Project

Before we start any retaining wall project, we need to understand what you want to accomplish. Are you creating a level area for a patio? Preventing erosion near your driveway? Terracing a hillside for landscaping? The purpose affects the wall design and location.

We'll also discuss aesthetics because retaining walls are prominent features on your property. Block choices range from basic utilitarian blocks to premium architectural units that look like natural stone. Color options, textures, and cap styles all affect the final appearance and cost.

Local regulations may require permits and engineering for retaining walls, especially those over 4 feet tall or supporting structures. We handle the permit process and work with structural engineers when needed to ensure your wall meets all requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions