Retaining Walls & Concrete Masonry

Retaining walls do more than just hold back dirt. They create usable space on sloped properties, prevent erosion, manage water drainage, and add visual interest to your landscape. But a retaining wall is only as good as its engineering and construction. A poorly built wall will fail, sometimes catastrophically. We build retaining walls and concrete masonry structures in San Tan Valley that are engineered properly and built to last.

Whether you need a short decorative wall for a garden bed or a tall structural wall to create level areas on a steep slope, we have the expertise to design and build it correctly. We work with concrete blocks, natural stone, poured concrete, and combinations of materials to create walls that are both functional and beautiful.

Types of Retaining Walls We Build

Different retaining wall types work better for different situations. Here are the main options.

Concrete Block Walls

Concrete masonry blocks are the most popular choice for residential retaining walls. They're strong, cost-effective, and available in many styles and colors. Modern retaining wall blocks are designed specifically for this purpose, with interlocking features and hollow cores for reinforcement. These walls can handle significant heights and loads when properly engineered.

Poured Concrete Walls

For taller walls or situations requiring maximum strength, poured concrete walls are the answer. We build forms, install reinforcement, and pour concrete to create monolithic walls that can handle extreme loads. These walls can be finished smooth, textured, or faced with stone or brick for aesthetic appeal.

Natural Stone Walls

Stone walls offer a timeless, natural appearance that blends beautifully with Arizona landscapes. We can build dry-stack walls (no mortar) for a rustic look, or mortared stone walls for more formal applications. Stone walls work particularly well for shorter heights and decorative applications.

Boulder Walls

Large boulders can create dramatic retaining walls with a natural, rugged appearance. This works especially well for desert landscaping themes. Boulder walls require heavy equipment to place the stones and careful engineering to ensure stability.

Why Engineering Matters for Retaining Walls

A retaining wall holds back tremendous pressure from soil, water, and gravity. If it's not designed and built correctly, it will fail. Here's what proper engineering addresses.

• Soil Pressure: Calculate the lateral earth pressure the wall must resist based on soil type and wall height
• Foundation: Design adequate footing depth and width to prevent settling or overturning
• Drainage: Prevent water buildup behind the wall, which multiplies pressure and causes failure
• Reinforcement: Determine if and where steel reinforcement, geogrids, or tiebacks are needed
• Surcharge Loads: Account for additional loads like slopes above the wall, structures, or heavy equipment

Walls over 4 feet tall typically require engineered plans and permits. We work with structural engineers when needed to ensure your wall is designed correctly for your specific site conditions and loads.

Our Retaining Wall Construction Process

Building a retaining wall requires careful planning and precise execution. Here's how we approach every project.

Site Evaluation and Design

We start by evaluating your site. What's the height change? What's the soil like? How's the drainage? Are there utilities to work around? Based on this assessment, we recommend the appropriate wall type and design. For taller or more complex walls, we'll get engineering plans drawn up.

Excavation and Foundation

We excavate to proper depth for the foundation. The taller the wall, the deeper the foundation needs to be. We typically excavate 6-12 inches below grade for shorter walls, more for taller ones. The foundation needs to be level and compacted to provide stable support. For poured concrete walls, this includes forming and pouring a concrete footing.

Drainage Installation

Proper drainage is critical. We install drainage pipe behind the wall at the base to collect water. We also backfill with gravel to allow water to flow down to the drain instead of building pressure behind the wall. Some walls also need weep holes to release water that does accumulate. Our drainage experience from foundation work translates directly to retaining wall drainage design.

Wall Construction

We build the wall course by course, making sure each level is perfectly level and properly aligned. For block walls, we often pin the blocks together with reinforcing pins or rebar. For poured walls, we build forms, install rebar cages, and pour the concrete. As we build up, we install any required tiebacks or geogrids that anchor the wall into the soil behind it.

Backfilling and Finishing

Once the wall is complete, we carefully backfill behind it, compacting in layers to prevent voids and settling. We cap the top of the wall if needed for finished appearance. Finally, we clean up the site and make sure everything drains properly.

Other Concrete Masonry Services

Beyond retaining walls, we handle all types of concrete masonry work for your property.

Garden Walls and Planters

Low decorative walls define spaces, create raised planting beds, and add architectural interest to your landscape. These don't require the same engineering as tall retaining walls, but they still need proper construction to look good and last.

Block Privacy Walls

Concrete block walls provide privacy and security around your property. Arizona allows 6-foot walls in most residential areas. We build these with proper footings and reinforcement to handle wind loads and ensure longevity.

Seat Walls and Outdoor Features

Built-in seating walls around patios create comfortable gathering spaces. We can build these with concrete block, poured concrete, or stone, and top them with comfortable capping materials. These features pair perfectly with our custom concrete patios.

Columns and Pillars

Decorative columns at driveway entrances, gate posts, or mailbox bases add curb appeal and architectural detail. We can build these with block or pour them in place, and finish them with stone veneer, stucco, or other materials.

Fire Pits and Outdoor Kitchens

Built-in fire features and outdoor kitchen structures use concrete and masonry as their foundation. We can build the masonry components while coordinating with other trades for gas lines, electrical, and finishing materials.

Frequently Asked Questions