Retaining Walls & Concrete Masonry

Turn Sloped Yards Into Usable Space

Sloped yards present challenges. Water runs off instead of soaking in, mowing becomes difficult or dangerous, and usable flat space is limited. Retaining walls solve these problems by holding back soil and creating level areas. At JC Jackson Concrete, we build retaining walls and concrete masonry structures that are both functional and attractive. Our walls handle soil pressure, manage drainage, and last for decades.

Whether you need a small decorative wall for a garden bed or a major engineered wall to create a level yard, we have the expertise to design and build it right. Poor retaining wall construction leads to failure, so we take the time to do proper planning, excavation, drainage, and construction.

Benefits of Retaining Walls

Retaining walls do more than just hold back dirt. They provide several important benefits:

• Create Usable Space: Level areas for patios, lawns, or gardens
• Control Erosion: Stop soil from washing away during rain
• Manage Water Flow: Direct runoff away from buildings and prevent flooding
• Add Visual Interest: Create terraced landscaping and defined spaces
• Increase Property Value: Well-built walls improve both function and appearance
• Support Driveways: Hold soil in place for driveways on slopes
• Prevent Foundation Issues: Keep soil from pushing against basement walls

Types of Retaining Walls We Build

We construct several types of retaining walls, each with specific advantages:

Concrete Block Walls

Concrete masonry blocks create strong, attractive walls. These interlocking blocks come in various sizes, colors, and textures. They install faster than poured concrete and offer flexibility in design. Block walls work well for heights up to 4 feet without engineering, though proper base preparation and drainage are still critical.

Poured Concrete Walls

For taller walls or situations requiring maximum strength, poured concrete walls provide the best solution. We build forms, install reinforcement, and pour concrete to create monolithic structures. These walls handle significant soil pressure and last indefinitely when properly constructed.

Boulder and Natural Stone Walls

Natural stone creates a rustic, organic look that blends with landscaping. We can build dry-stacked walls for lower heights or mortared stone walls for taller applications. Stone walls require more labor but create timeless beauty.

Decorative Garden Walls

Not all retaining walls need to hold back massive slopes. Garden walls create raised planting beds, define spaces, and add structure to landscaping. These shorter walls still need proper construction but involve less excavation and engineering.

How We Build Retaining Walls

Quality retaining wall construction follows a proven process. Here is how we approach every project:

We start with site evaluation to assess slope, soil type, drainage patterns, and any underground utilities. We determine wall height, length, and design requirements. For significant walls, we bring in engineers for proper design.

Next comes excavation and base preparation. We dig down below grade and create a level, compacted base using crushed stone. The base must be solid and properly sized for the wall height. We also excavate for drainage systems at this stage.

Then we build the wall using the chosen materials. For block walls, we carefully level each course and backfill with gravel as we go. For poured walls, we construct strong forms, place reinforcement, and pour in stages if needed. We install drainage systems as construction progresses.

Finally, we complete backfilling, compact soil properly, and establish final grades. We clean the job site and dispose of excess soil. Your property is left ready for landscaping or other improvements.

Additional Concrete Masonry Services

Beyond retaining walls, we handle other concrete masonry projects for your property. This includes decorative block walls for privacy, concrete pillars for fences or entries, outdoor kitchen structures, fire pit surrounds, and planter boxes.

Our experience building foundations and other structural concrete means we understand how to build masonry that lasts. Whether you need something purely functional or a decorative element for your patio area, we can design and build it.

Frequently Asked Questions