Retaining Walls & Concrete Masonry
Professional retaining wall construction and concrete masonry work to control slopes and enhance your landscape in Leavenworth.
Solving Slope Problems With Retaining Walls
If you have a sloped yard, you know the challenges. Erosion washes away soil, slopes are hard to mow and landscape, and usable flat space is limited. A retaining wall solves these problems by holding back soil and creating level areas. This gives you more functional outdoor space and protects your property from erosion damage.
Retaining walls are not just functional. They add structure and visual interest to your landscape. A well-designed wall can turn a problem slope into an attractive multi-level yard with terraced gardens, level patios, and defined spaces. The wall becomes a landscape feature, not just a solution to a problem.
We design and build retaining walls using various materials including poured concrete, concrete block, and natural stone. Each has advantages depending on the height needed, your budget, and the look you want. Our walls are engineered to handle the soil pressure and built to last for decades. This expertise extends to all the concrete services we provide throughout Leavenworth.
Types of Retaining Walls We Build
Different situations call for different retaining wall systems. We help you choose the right type based on wall height, soil conditions, drainage, and your aesthetic preferences.
Concrete Block Retaining Walls
Concrete blocks designed for retaining walls offer strength, versatility, and good looks. These interlocking blocks are engineered specifically for holding back soil. They come in various colors and textures that look like natural stone. Block walls work well for most residential applications up to 4 or 5 feet tall. They are also more affordable than poured concrete or natural stone.
Poured Concrete Walls
For taller walls or heavy-duty applications, poured concrete provides maximum strength. We build forms, place steel reinforcement, and pour solid concrete walls. These walls can be finished smooth, textured, or faced with stone or brick veneer. Poured concrete works for any height and handles the highest loads. It costs more but provides ultimate durability.
Natural Stone and Masonry
Natural stone walls have a timeless look that fits well in landscape settings. We build mortared stone walls using locally sourced stone when available. These walls require skilled masonry work and cost more than other options, but the results are beautiful and permanent. Stone works especially well for shorter walls where appearance is a priority.
Essential Elements of Retaining Wall Construction
- Proper footer or base that extends below frost line for stability
- Gravel backfill for drainage so water does not build up behind the wall
- Perforated drain pipe at the base to carry water away
- Compacted backfill to prevent settling
- Appropriate batter or backward lean to resist soil pressure
- Engineered design for walls over 4 feet tall
Drainage is critical for retaining walls. Water buildup behind a wall creates pressure that can cause failure. We design drainage systems into every wall to keep water moving away instead of building up pressure.
Other Concrete Masonry Services
Beyond retaining walls, we handle various concrete masonry projects that add function and beauty to your property.
Outdoor Fireplaces and Fire Pits
An outdoor fireplace or fire pit creates a gathering spot and extends your outdoor season. We build custom fireplaces using concrete block, stone, or brick. Fire pits can be simple rings or elaborate built-in designs with seating walls. These features pair perfectly with our concrete patio installations to create complete outdoor living spaces.
Planters and Garden Walls
Built-in planters and low garden walls define spaces and create visual interest. We construct these features to match your retaining walls or home exterior. They can be any height from a few inches to several feet. Planters built into patios or stairs add greenery and soften hard concrete surfaces.
Pillars and Columns
Decorative pillars mark entrances, support structures, or add architectural detail. We build pillars from concrete block, brick, or stone, sized and styled to fit your property. These can support gates, mailboxes, or simply serve as visual markers.
All our masonry work uses quality materials and proper construction techniques. We build these features to last and to enhance your property value.
Common Questions About Retaining Walls
Here are answers to the questions Leavenworth homeowners ask most about retaining walls and concrete masonry.
How tall can a retaining wall be without engineering?
Most building codes require engineering for retaining walls over 4 feet tall. Below that height, standard construction methods work for most situations. However, soil conditions, drainage, and loads above the wall can all affect this. Some situations require engineering even for shorter walls.
We evaluate your specific site and let you know if engineering is needed. For walls that require it, we work with structural engineers to develop proper plans. The engineer determines footing size, wall thickness, reinforcement, and other specifications. We build according to these engineered plans.
Engineering adds cost upfront but ensures your wall is safe and will not fail. A failed retaining wall is expensive to fix and can damage property below it. We recommend engineering whenever there is any question about whether a wall can handle the loads safely.
Can I build a retaining wall right at my property line?
Property line restrictions vary by location and local code. Some jurisdictions allow retaining walls at the property line if they are under a certain height. Others require setbacks. If the wall affects drainage onto neighboring property, there may be additional restrictions.
We recommend checking with your local building department before planning a wall near property lines. You may also want to discuss plans with affected neighbors, especially if the wall changes drainage patterns. Good neighbor relations matter.
In some cases, a shared wall on the property line makes sense and both neighbors can split costs. We can help facilitate these discussions and ensure the wall design works for both properties. Getting agreement upfront prevents disputes later.
How much does a retaining wall cost?
Retaining wall costs depend on height, length, materials, site access, and soil conditions. As a rough guide, concrete block walls run $25 to $40 per square foot of wall face. Poured concrete walls cost $50 to $75 per square foot. Natural stone walls run $60 to $100 per square foot or more depending on stone type.
A typical 3-foot tall, 30-foot long block wall would cost roughly $2,250 to $3,600. The same wall in poured concrete might run $4,500 to $6,750. These prices include excavation, footer, drainage, backfill, and finishing. Difficult access, poor soil, or steep slopes increase costs.
We provide detailed estimates that break down all costs. This includes materials, labor, drainage, engineering if needed, and any site-specific factors. We discuss options at different price points so you can choose what fits your budget. Like our driveway installations, retaining walls are investments that add value and function to your property.