Retaining Wall Design & Installation

Why Your Property Needs a Retaining Wall

If your yard has slopes, drainage problems, or soil erosion, a retaining wall might be exactly what you need. Retaining walls hold back soil, prevent erosion, and create level areas where you can build patios, gardens, or play spaces. They protect your foundation from water runoff and soil movement. They also add structure and visual interest to your landscape, turning problem areas into attractive features.

Here in Little Rock, AR, heavy rainfall and clay soils make erosion a common problem. Water washes soil down slopes, creates gullies, and undermines foundations. Retaining walls stop this process by holding soil in place and directing water where you want it to go. A well-designed retaining wall is both functional and beautiful, combining engineering with aesthetics to solve problems and enhance your property.

We specialize in designing and building custom retaining walls using block, stone, and brick. Whether you need a simple garden wall or a complex tiered system, our experienced masonry team has the engineering knowledge and construction skills to deliver a wall that performs well and looks great. We handle everything from initial design and permits to excavation, drainage, and final installation.

Common Retaining Wall Applications

Retaining walls solve a variety of landscape challenges. Understanding the different applications helps you see how a retaining wall might benefit your property.

Erosion Control

Sloped yards are vulnerable to erosion, especially during heavy rains. Water runs downhill, carrying soil with it and creating bare spots, ruts, and drainage problems. A retaining wall holds soil in place and prevents erosion. It creates a stable slope that can be planted with grass, shrubs, or groundcover. This protects your investment in landscaping and prevents sediment from washing into storm drains or neighboring properties.

Creating Usable Space

Sloped yards are difficult to use. You cannot put a patio on a hillside, and mowing grass on steep slopes is dangerous. Retaining walls allow you to create level terraces where you can build patios, install play equipment, plant gardens, or simply enjoy flat lawn space. This is especially valuable in Little Rock, where many properties have natural slopes and limited flat areas.

Foundation Protection

When soil slopes toward your house, water follows. This causes foundation problems, basement leaks, and structural damage. A retaining wall redirects water away from your foundation and stabilizes the soil around your home. Combined with proper drainage systems, a retaining wall protects your foundation and prevents costly water damage.

Landscaping and Design

Even if you do not have major erosion or drainage problems, retaining walls add visual interest and structure to your landscape. They create raised beds for flowers and shrubs, define different areas of your yard, and add dimension to flat properties. Low decorative walls around patios or along walkways enhance curb appeal and create a polished, finished look.

• ✓Custom retaining wall design that meets engineering requirements and aesthetic goals
• ✓Proper drainage systems to prevent water buildup and wall failure
• ✓Installation using block, natural stone, brick, or other durable materials
• ✓Compliance with local building codes and permit requirements for safe construction

We have built retaining walls for residential and commercial properties throughout Little Rock. From small garden walls to large engineered systems, we bring the same attention to detail and commitment to quality to every project.

Retaining Wall Materials and Design Options

The material you choose for your retaining wall affects appearance, cost, and performance. Each option has specific advantages depending on your needs and preferences.

Segmental Retaining Wall Blocks

Segmental concrete blocks are the most popular choice for retaining walls. They interlock without mortar, making them flexible and resistant to cracking from soil movement. Modern blocks come in various colors, textures, and sizes, including options that mimic natural stone. They are engineered to handle significant loads and can be used for walls up to several feet tall. Blocks are cost-effective, durable, and work well for most residential applications.

Natural Stone Walls

Natural stone retaining walls offer unmatched beauty and a timeless look. Limestone, sandstone, and fieldstone are common choices. Dry-stacked stone walls use no mortar and rely on careful fitting and gravity to hold the wall together. Mortared stone walls provide more stability and can be built taller. Natural stone is more expensive and labor-intensive than block but creates a premium appearance that blends beautifully with natural landscapes.

Brick Retaining Walls

Brick retaining walls complement traditional homes and offer classic appeal. Clay brick is durable and ages well. Brick walls are typically mortared and require proper footings and drainage. They work well for shorter walls in formal garden settings. Brick costs more than block but adds elegance and ties into existing brick architecture on your home.

We help you choose the right material based on your budget, design vision, and structural requirements. We can combine retaining walls with other features like custom stone and paver patios or brick and stone steps to create a cohesive outdoor environment.

Our Retaining Wall Installation Process

Building a retaining wall is more complex than it looks. It requires careful planning, proper engineering, and skilled construction. Poorly built walls lean, crack, and fail within a few years. Walls built correctly last for decades. Here is how we ensure your retaining wall performs as it should.

Step 1: Site Assessment and Design

We start by evaluating your property to understand soil conditions, drainage patterns, and the amount of soil pressure the wall needs to hold. We measure the height and length of the wall and determine if engineering or permits are required. We create a design that meets structural requirements while matching your aesthetic preferences. For taller walls or complex sites, we work with engineers to ensure the design is safe and compliant with building codes.

Step 2: Excavation and Foundation

We excavate a trench for the wall foundation and prepare a level base using compacted gravel. The depth and width of the foundation depend on wall height and soil conditions. Proper base preparation is critical. A wall built on unstable soil or without adequate base material will settle and fail. We compact the base thoroughly and ensure it is level before starting construction.

Step 3: Drainage Installation

Drainage is the most important part of any retaining wall. Water buildup behind a wall creates hydrostatic pressure that can cause the wall to lean or collapse. We install drainage systems including perforated pipes, gravel backfill, and weep holes to direct water away from the wall. Proper drainage extends the life of your wall and prevents failure.

Step 4: Wall Construction

We build the wall course by course, ensuring each row is level and properly aligned. For block walls, we use geogrid reinforcement when needed to increase stability. For stone walls, we carefully select and fit each stone to create a strong, attractive structure. We step walls back slightly to counteract soil pressure. Attention to detail during construction determines how well the wall performs over time.

Step 5: Backfilling and Finishing

After the wall is complete, we backfill behind it with gravel and soil, compacting as we go. We install caps on top of the wall for a finished look and to protect the structure from water intrusion. We clean up the site, haul away excess soil, and leave your property looking clean and professional. You get a wall that solves your drainage and erosion problems while enhancing your landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions