Retaining Walls & Concrete Masonry

Why Your Property Needs a Retaining Wall

Retaining walls serve two main purposes on your property. They hold back soil on slopes to prevent erosion and sliding. They also create level areas on hillsides where you can build structures, install landscaping, or simply enjoy outdoor space. Without proper retaining walls, sloped properties lose soil to erosion and offer limited usable space. ApexPoint Thornton Concrete builds retaining walls that solve both problems beautifully.

Several retaining wall types work in different situations. Concrete block walls use interlocking blocks that create attractive patterns while providing strength. Poured concrete walls offer maximum strength for tall walls or heavy soil loads. Stone masonry walls combine natural materials with concrete footings for a timeless look. We help you choose the right type based on your needs, soil conditions, and aesthetic preferences.

Wall height determines construction requirements. Short walls under four feet often work as simple gravity walls that rely on mass to resist soil pressure. Taller walls need reinforcement and sometimes additional engineering. Very tall walls over six feet typically require permits and professional engineering stamps. We handle all aspects of your retaining wall project including permits and engineering when needed.

How We Build Your Retaining Wall

Every retaining wall starts below ground with a solid foundation. We excavate a trench below the frost line and pour a concrete footing that extends wider than the wall itself. This footing distributes the weight of the wall and resists the horizontal pressure from the soil behind it. Without a proper footing, walls settle, crack, and eventually fail regardless of what material you use above ground.

Drainage is critical for retaining wall longevity. Water trapped behind the wall creates enormous pressure that can push even well-built walls over time. We install drainage pipes at the base of the wall, use gravel backfill that allows water to flow freely, and include weep holes that let water escape through the wall face. These drainage systems prevent the water pressure buildup that causes most retaining wall failures. The same drainage principles we apply to foundation work protect your retaining wall.

Wall construction varies by type. Block walls go up course by course with each row slightly set back from the one below to lean into the hillside. We cap the top with specially designed cap blocks or poured concrete. Poured walls use forms to contain the concrete while it cures. Steel reinforcement runs vertically and horizontally throughout poured walls to handle tension forces that concrete alone cannot resist.

Choosing Your Wall Design

Concrete blocks offer the most design flexibility. Manufacturers make blocks in various colors, textures, and sizes that mimic natural stone or create contemporary looks. Some systems include built-in drainage and reinforcement options. Block walls suit most residential applications and cost less than poured concrete or natural stone while offering excellent durability.

Poured concrete walls work best for tall walls or situations requiring maximum strength. They can be finished smooth, stamped to look like stone, or left natural for an industrial appearance. Poured walls are the strongest option and handle heavy loads without issue. They cost more upfront but may be the only suitable choice for challenging sites or tall walls.

Natural stone walls provide unmatched beauty and character. We set stones in mortar over a concrete base, carefully selecting and placing each stone for appearance and structural integrity. Stone walls cost significantly more than block or poured concrete because of the labor-intensive construction and material costs. The result is a one-of-a-kind wall that becomes a landscape feature rather than just a functional necessity.

Color and finish options let you coordinate your wall with existing hardscaping. Many homeowners match their retaining wall to their concrete patio or driveway for a unified look. We show you samples and photos of completed projects so you know exactly how your wall will appear when finished.

Retaining Wall Questions Answered