Retaining Walls & Concrete Masonry
Control erosion, create level spaces, and add structure to your landscape with durable retaining walls.
Why You Need a Retaining Wall
If your property has slopes, erosion, or uneven terrain, a retaining wall solves real problems. Retaining walls hold back soil, prevent erosion, and create usable flat areas for patios, gardens, or driveways. They also protect your property from water runoff and soil movement that can damage structures.
In Champaign, IL, we deal with clay soil and heavy rains that cause erosion and shifting. A properly built retaining wall handles these challenges and lasts for decades.
Types of Retaining Walls We Build
Different projects need different wall types. Here's what we specialize in:
- Concrete block retaining walls: Interlocking blocks that create strong, attractive walls. Popular for residential landscaping.
- Poured concrete walls: Solid concrete walls reinforced with rebar for maximum strength. Ideal for large slopes and heavy loads.
- Stone and masonry walls: Natural stone or brick walls for a classic, timeless look.
- Segmental retaining walls (SRW): Engineered block systems designed for taller walls and structural applications.
What Makes a Retaining Wall Last
A retaining wall is more than stacked blocks. It needs proper base preparation, drainage, and engineering to handle the pressure of soil and water behind it. Here's what we do:
First, we excavate and create a level, compacted base. The base supports the wall and prevents settling. Next, we install drainage systems behind the wall to relieve water pressure. Water buildup is the number one cause of retaining wall failure. We use gravel backfill and drain pipes to keep water moving away from the wall.
For taller walls or heavy loads, we add reinforcement like geogrids or rebar. This ties the wall into the soil behind it and distributes pressure. Finally, we cap and seal the wall to protect it from weather and wear.
When to Hire an Engineer
Most residential retaining walls under 4 feet tall don't require engineering, but taller walls, walls near structures, or walls on steep slopes often do. We'll let you know if your project needs an engineer and coordinate with them to ensure your wall meets all structural and code requirements.
Retaining Walls as Landscape Features
Retaining walls don't have to be purely functional. They can be beautiful landscape features that define garden beds, create terraced spaces, or add visual interest to your yard. With options like natural stone, colored blocks, and decorative caps, we build walls that look as good as they perform.