Retaining Walls & Concrete Masonry
Strong, attractive walls that hold back soil, prevent erosion, and add structure to your landscape.
Why You Need a Retaining Wall
Retaining walls do more than just look good. They solve real problems on sloped properties. If your yard slopes, you might have issues with erosion, water runoff, or unusable space. A properly built retaining wall holds back soil, creates level areas for patios or gardens, and protects your property from water damage.
In Vero Beach, we see a lot of properties with drainage challenges and uneven terrain. A retaining wall can transform a difficult yard into a functional, beautiful outdoor space. Whether you need a small garden wall or a large structural wall, we design and build it to last.
What Retaining Walls Can Do
- •Prevent soil erosion on slopes
- •Create usable flat space on hilly yards
- •Direct water away from your foundation
- •Add visual interest and curb appeal
- •Define property boundaries
- •Increase your property value
A retaining wall is a structural element, which means it needs proper engineering and construction. Your experienced concrete contractor knows how to design walls that handle the pressure from soil and water while looking great.
Types of Retaining Walls and Masonry
We build several types of retaining walls and masonry structures, each suited to different situations and budgets. The right choice depends on how high the wall needs to be, what kind of soil you have, and what look you want.
Poured Concrete Walls
Poured concrete retaining walls are the strongest option for larger projects. We build forms, add steel reinforcement, and pour concrete to create a solid, permanent structure. These walls can handle significant height and pressure. We can finish them smooth, add texture, or apply stucco for different looks.
Concrete Block Walls
Concrete masonry units, also called CMUs or concrete blocks, offer versatility and strength at a lower cost than poured walls. We stack and mortar the blocks, fill the cores with concrete and rebar, and cap the top for a finished appearance. Block walls work well for medium-height applications.
Segmental Retaining Walls
Segmental walls use interlocking concrete blocks that stack without mortar. These walls are great for residential landscaping projects and come in many colors and textures. They are easier to install than poured walls and still provide excellent strength for typical residential heights.
Other Masonry Work
Beyond retaining walls, we also build garden walls, seat walls, outdoor kitchens, fire pit surrounds, and decorative columns. Any structure that uses concrete, block, or stone falls under masonry work. We can match existing masonry on your property or create something completely new.
No matter which type of wall you choose, proper drainage is critical. We install weep holes, gravel backfill, and drainage pipes to make sure water does not build up behind the wall. This prevents pressure that could cause the wall to fail. Our foundation work expertise applies directly to retaining wall construction.
Our Retaining Wall Process
Building a retaining wall requires careful planning and execution. We handle every step from design to final inspection to make sure your wall is safe, functional, and attractive.
Step 1: Site Assessment
We visit your property to evaluate the slope, soil type, drainage patterns, and any underground utilities. We measure the area and discuss what you want to accomplish. Then we recommend the best type of wall for your situation and provide a detailed estimate.
Step 2: Design and Engineering
For taller walls or walls that support driveways or structures, we work with engineers to create plans that meet building codes. We determine the right footing depth, wall thickness, and reinforcement. We also plan the drainage system to keep water from building up behind the wall.
Step 3: Excavation and Base Prep
We excavate the area where the wall will sit and prepare a level, compacted base. This foundation is critical to the long-term stability of the wall. We make sure the base is deep enough to prevent frost heave and settling.
Step 4: Wall Construction
We build the wall using your chosen method, whether that is poured concrete, block, or segmental units. We add reinforcement, install drainage, and backfill with gravel as we go. Each layer is checked for level and proper alignment. Once complete, we cap the wall and clean up the site. If you are also planning patio installation, we can coordinate both projects to create a cohesive outdoor space.