Retaining Wall Design & Installation

Why Your Property Needs a Quality Retaining Wall

Retaining walls do more than hold back dirt. They solve real problems that can damage your home and landscape. Sloped yards send water rushing toward your foundation during storms. Soil erosion washes away your landscaping and creates muddy messes. Uneven terrain makes it hard to use your outdoor space effectively.

A well-designed retaining wall fixes these issues while adding value and beauty to your property. It creates level spaces for patios, gardens, or play areas. It redirects water away from your foundation to prevent basement flooding and foundation damage. It stops soil from sliding down slopes and taking your plants with it.

In Columbia, MO, many homes sit on sloped lots that need proper terracing and drainage solutions. We design retaining walls that handle our soil conditions, weather patterns, and drainage requirements while complementing your home style. Whether you need a small decorative wall or a large structural system, we build it right so it lasts. For complete property care, we also provide expert masonry services throughout Columbia.

Choosing the Right Retaining Wall for Your Property

Materials and Styles That Work

Not all retaining walls are created equal. The right choice depends on your wall height, soil conditions, drainage needs, and aesthetic preferences. Here are the options we recommend most often:

• Natural stone walls offer timeless beauty and exceptional durability, perfect for upscale landscapes
• Concrete block walls provide strength and versatility with many color and texture options
• Brick retaining walls match your home exterior and create a cohesive traditional look
• Segmental retaining wall blocks allow for curves and design flexibility while being cost-effective
• Poured concrete walls handle the heaviest loads and steepest slopes with maximum strength

Each material has advantages. Natural stone looks stunning but costs more and takes longer to install. Concrete blocks install faster and cost less while still looking great. We walk you through the options and help you choose materials that fit your budget, timeline, and vision for your landscape.

When to Install or Replace a Retaining Wall

Problem Signs and Solutions

Some properties clearly need retaining walls. Others have existing walls that are failing and need replacement. Here is how to know if you need our help:

If your yard slopes toward your house, water probably runs toward your foundation during rain. This causes wet basements, foundation cracks, and landscape erosion. A retaining wall with proper drainage redirects that water safely away from your home while creating level planting areas.

If you have an existing retaining wall that bulges, leans, or shows large cracks, it is failing and needs attention soon. Walls fail because of poor drainage behind them, weak foundations, or incorrect construction. A failing wall can collapse suddenly, especially after heavy rain, creating a dangerous and expensive mess.

If soil erosion keeps washing away your landscaping or creating ruts in your yard, you need terracing with retaining walls to stabilize the slope. We also see problems with steep yards that are difficult to mow or use. Retaining walls create functional flat areas that expand your usable outdoor space. Along with retaining walls, many homeowners add brick repair services to maintain other masonry features on their property.

How We Design and Install Retaining Walls

Building a retaining wall that lasts requires proper planning, correct engineering, and skilled installation. We have built hundreds of retaining walls across Columbia, and we know what works in our local soil and weather conditions.

First, we evaluate your property to understand the slope, soil type, drainage patterns, and intended use of the space. We measure the height needed and determine whether permits are required. In Columbia, walls over four feet typically need engineering and permits to ensure they meet building codes.

Next, we design your wall with proper drainage systems built in. This is the most critical step that many contractors skip. Without drainage, water pressure builds up behind your wall and eventually pushes it over. We install drainage pipes, gravel backfill, and weep holes that channel water away safely.

During construction, we excavate to the proper depth, compact the base thoroughly, and build the wall level and plumb. We use proper techniques for your chosen material, whether that means setting natural stone precisely, installing geogrid reinforcement for tall walls, or ensuring proper batter (backward lean) for stability.

Finally, we backfill properly, compact the soil in layers, and finish the top of your wall cleanly. We also install cap stones or finished tops that shed water and complete the look. The result is a retaining wall that performs perfectly and enhances your landscape for decades. We also offer tuckpointing services to maintain the mortar joints in brick or stone retaining walls over time.

Frequently Asked Questions