Retaining Walls & Concrete Masonry

Why Retaining Walls Are Essential for Your Property

If you have a sloped yard, you know the challenges. Water runs downhill and washes away soil. Your lawn gets uneven and hard to mow. You lose usable space where you could have a patio or garden. Retaining walls solve all these problems while making your property look more polished.

We build retaining walls and concrete masonry structures throughout Westfield and the surrounding area. A properly built wall does more than hold back dirt. It prevents erosion that can damage your foundation. It creates flat, usable spaces on sloped lots. It adds curb appeal and increases your home value.

Many homeowners try DIY retaining walls or hire inexperienced contractors. Within a few years, these walls lean, crack, or collapse. The problem is usually poor drainage or weak foundations. We engineer every wall to handle the soil pressure and water flow specific to your property. Our walls stay straight and strong for decades.

• Prevents soil erosion that threatens your foundation and landscape
• Creates level, usable outdoor spaces on sloped properties
• Improves drainage and prevents water damage to your home
• Adds architectural interest and curb appeal
• Increases property value with functional outdoor improvements

Types of Retaining Walls and Masonry We Build

You have several options depending on your needs, budget, and style preferences. Each type has specific advantages. We help you choose the right solution based on wall height, soil conditions, and your aesthetic goals.

Poured Concrete Walls

Poured concrete walls are the strongest option for tall walls or heavy loads. We build forms, place steel reinforcement, and pour concrete to create a solid, monolithic structure. These walls can handle extreme pressure and last 50 years or more. You can finish them with smooth or textured surfaces, or even stamp them to look like natural stone.

Poured walls work best when you need maximum strength or when you are building walls over 6 feet tall. They are also ideal for basement walls or foundation work. The downside is they cost more than other options due to the labor and materials involved.

Concrete Block and Segmental Systems

Concrete block walls offer excellent strength at a lower cost. We use concrete masonry units to build walls that are reinforced with steel and filled with concrete. These walls are durable and can be finished with stucco, stone veneer, or left with an exposed block appearance.

Segmental retaining wall blocks are interlocking units that stack without mortar. These systems come in many colors and textures that look like natural stone. They are easier to install than poured walls and cost less while still providing good strength. For most residential projects, we recommend segmental block systems because they offer excellent value and appearance.

Garden Walls and Decorative Masonry

Low decorative walls define spaces and add character to your landscape. These walls typically stand 2 to 3 feet tall and serve aesthetic purposes more than structural needs. We build them from brick, natural stone, or decorative concrete block depending on your preference.

Garden walls work great for creating raised planting beds, separating different areas of your yard, or adding visual interest along pathways. We frequently combine retaining walls with concrete patios to create tiered outdoor living spaces that maximize usable area on sloped lots.

How We Build Walls That Stand the Test of Time

Building a retaining wall is serious work. Walls over 4 feet tall face thousands of pounds of pressure from soil and water. If the engineering is wrong, the wall will fail. Here is how we make sure your wall lasts.

Site Analysis and Design

We start by evaluating your soil type, slope angle, and drainage patterns. We check local building codes because walls over a certain height need permits. Then we design the wall structure, including depth of the footer, drainage system, and reinforcement needed. For complex projects or walls over 6 feet tall, we bring in a structural engineer to ensure everything meets safety standards.

Proper planning prevents failures. We identify potential issues like underground utilities, property lines, and water flow before we start digging. This upfront work saves time and money during construction.

Foundation Work

Every wall starts with a solid foundation below the frost line. In our area, that means digging down at least 36 inches. We excavate a trench, compact the base, and add crushed stone for drainage. For poured walls, we build forms and place rebar. For block walls, we pour a concrete footer that anchors everything in place.

The footer is the most important part of any retaining wall. If it moves or settles, the entire wall fails. We never skip this step or cut corners on footer depth. Similar to our foundation work, we build footers that provide a stable base for decades of service.

Drainage and Backfill

This step separates professional walls from amateur work. We install drainage pipes behind the wall to carry water away. We use gravel backfill that allows water to flow instead of building up pressure. We also slope the top of the backfill away from the wall. Proper drainage prevents 90 percent of retaining wall failures.

Water is the enemy of retaining walls. When water builds up behind a wall, it creates enormous pressure that can push the wall over. Our drainage systems ensure water never becomes a problem. Construction time varies by project size. A small garden wall might take 2 to 3 days. A major retaining wall can take 1 to 2 weeks. We always clean up the site and haul away all excavated material. You can learn more about our comprehensive approach on our concrete services page.

Common Questions About Retaining Walls