Retaining Walls & Concrete Masonry
Strong, attractive walls that hold back soil, create level spaces, and add structure to your property.
Turn Problem Slopes Into Usable Space
If your property has slopes, hillsides, or areas where the ground changes elevation, you know the challenges. Erosion washes away soil. Grass is hard to mow. You can't use the space effectively. Drainage creates problems. That's where retaining walls come in.
A well-built retaining wall holds back soil, stops erosion, and creates flat, usable areas on your property. It can turn a steep, unusable backyard into level terraces perfect for a patio, garden, or play area. It can protect your foundation from soil pressure. It can create attractive landscaping features that add value and visual appeal.
In Pine Bluff and Jefferson County, we deal with clay soil that shifts with moisture changes and terrain that often includes slopes and elevation changes. Building a retaining wall here isn't just about stacking blocks or pouring concrete. It's about understanding soil mechanics, drainage, and structural engineering. Done right, a retaining wall lasts decades. Done wrong, it fails within years. We've been building walls that last throughout Pine Bluff and the surrounding area for years, and we know what works.
Types of Retaining Walls We Build
Different situations call for different solutions. A small garden wall has different requirements than a tall wall holding back a hillside. Your budget, the wall's purpose, and how it fits with your property all factor into choosing the right approach.
Wall Options for Your Property
- •Poured Concrete Walls: The strongest option, perfect for tall walls or heavy soil pressure situations
- •Concrete Block Walls: Versatile and cost-effective, available in various styles and finishes
- •Interlocking Block Systems: Modular units that create attractive walls without mortar
- •Stone and Brick Masonry: Traditional materials that blend beautifully with landscaping
- •Segmental Retaining Walls: Pre-cast units designed specifically for retaining applications
We'll assess your property, discuss your goals, and recommend the best option for your situation. Sometimes the answer is clear. Other times, multiple options could work, and we'll explain the pros and cons of each so you can make an informed decision. We can also incorporate decorative finishes to match your home's style.
Engineering That Matters
The part you see is just the beginning. Behind and below every successful retaining wall is a system designed to handle enormous forces. Soil weighs about 100 pounds per cubic foot. When you're holding back several feet of it, you're talking about tons of pressure pushing against the wall. Add water, and the pressure increases even more.
What Makes a Wall Last
We start with proper excavation and a solid base. The foundation must be deep enough and strong enough to support the wall and resist movement. For most walls, that means excavating below the frost line and creating a compacted gravel base that drains well and won't shift.
Drainage is critical. Water building up behind a retaining wall creates hydrostatic pressure that can push the wall over or cause it to crack and fail. We install drainage systems behind the wall, backfill with gravel, and include weep holes or drainage pipes to keep water from accumulating. This step matters more than almost anything else.
The wall itself must be strong enough for the job. That means proper reinforcement in concrete walls, correct installation in block walls, and adequate mass in all designs. For walls over a certain height, engineering calculations and sometimes permits are required. We handle all of that, ensuring your wall meets code and will perform as expected for decades.
More Than Just Walls
We also build other concrete masonry structures. Garden walls, property boundary walls, decorative columns, outdoor fireplaces and fire pits, mailbox supports, and architectural features that add character to your property. If you need concrete or masonry work beyond basic patios and driveways, we can help. Our experience with structural work means we understand how to build things that last and look good doing it.
Common Questions About Retaining Walls
Ready to solve your slope and drainage problems? We'll visit your property, assess the situation, and provide a detailed plan.
Schedule Site Visit