Retaining Walls & Concrete Masonry
Strong, attractive retaining walls and masonry work that holds back soil and enhances your landscape.
Why You Need a Retaining Wall
Retaining walls hold back soil on sloped properties, prevent erosion, create level planting or living areas, and protect your home from water and soil movement. If you have a sloped yard, a failing hillside, or want to create terraced garden beds, a retaining wall is the solution.
In Mount Vernon, our wet climate and clay soil create challenges for retaining walls. Proper drainage behind the wall is critical. Without it, water pressure builds up and can push the wall over. When we build a retaining wall, we design it to handle soil loads and water management from the start.
We build retaining walls using concrete, concrete blocks, natural stone, and timber. The right choice depends on wall height, site conditions, and your aesthetic preferences. Our team has built hundreds of retaining walls throughout Skagit County.concrete services in Mount Vernon
Types of Retaining Walls We Build
Different situations call for different wall types. Here are the most common:
- Concrete Block Walls: Interlocking concrete blocks stack to create strong, attractive walls. Available in many colors and textures. Works for walls up to 6 feet or more. Relatively affordable and fast to install.
- Poured Concrete Walls: For taller walls or heavy loads, poured concrete provides maximum strength. We can add decorative finishes or veneers for appearance. Required for walls over certain heights per building codes.
- Natural Stone Walls: Stacked stone creates a timeless, natural look that blends with landscaping. Labor-intensive but beautiful. Works for walls of any height with proper foundation and engineering.
- Timber Walls: Pressure-treated timbers create a rustic look and work well for shorter walls in residential settings. Less permanent than concrete or stone but more affordable.
- Masonry Veneer Walls: A concrete structure faced with brick, stone, or decorative block. Combines the strength of reinforced concrete with the appearance of traditional masonry.
What Makes a Retaining Wall Last
A retaining wall is only as good as its foundation and drainage. Here is what we focus on:
Proper Foundation
Every retaining wall needs a solid base. We excavate below frost depth, add compacted gravel, and pour a concrete footing for taller walls. The footing distributes the wall's weight and prevents settling.
Drainage System
We install drain tile behind the wall, backfill with gravel, and add weep holes or drainage pipes. This lets water escape instead of building up pressure behind the wall. Proper drainage is the difference between a wall that lasts and one that fails.
Reinforcement and Backfill
Taller walls need reinforcement like rebar or geogrid fabric that ties the wall to the soil behind it. We backfill in layers, compacting as we go. This creates a stable mass that resists movement.
Engineering When Needed
Walls over a certain height require engineering and permits. We work with structural engineers and handle the permitting process. Following engineering specifications ensures your wall is safe and legal.
Local Expertise for Challenging Sites
Skagit County's clay soil, high rainfall, and varied terrain create unique challenges for retaining walls. Our crew has built walls on steep slopes, near property lines, and in challenging soil conditions. We know what works here.
When you hire us, we evaluate your site, discuss your goals, and design a wall that solves your problem while fitting your budget. We handle excavation, construction, drainage, and cleanup. You get a finished wall that looks great and lasts.
Skagit County's clay soil, high rainfall, and varied terrain create unique challenges for retaining walls. Our crew has built walls on steep slopes, near property lines, and in challenging soil conditions. We know what works here.concrete patios and outdoor spaces.
We also offer other concrete services, so if you need a new patio, walkway, or foundation work, we can handle it all. foundation services to see how we can transform your outdoor space.
Common Questions About Retaining Walls & Concrete Masonry
Ready to Get Started?
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote on your retaining walls & concrete masonry project.