Retaining Wall Design & Installation

The Purpose and Benefits of Retaining Walls

Retaining walls do more than look attractive. They solve serious problems that affect your property's usability, safety, and value. If your yard slopes significantly, you face challenges with erosion, drainage, and limited usable space. Water runs down slopes, washing away soil and creating muddy messes. Steep areas are difficult or impossible to mow, plant, or use. Erosion undermines foundations, driveways, and other structures. A properly designed retaining wall addresses all these issues while creating attractive, functional outdoor spaces.

In Shreveport, LA, our soil conditions and rainfall patterns make retaining walls particularly valuable. Heavy rains cause significant erosion on sloped properties. Clay soils expand when wet and shrink when dry, creating pressure on retaining structures. A well-designed retaining wall accounts for these local conditions, providing decades of reliable service. We understand Louisiana soil mechanics and design walls that handle our specific challenges. This local expertise ensures your retaining wall performs properly year after year.

The right retaining wall transforms your property. It creates level areas for patios, gardens, or play spaces. It controls water flow, directing runoff away from your home and preventing basement flooding. It stops soil erosion that would otherwise damage your landscape and neighboring properties. Retaining walls also add substantial curb appeal and property value. When buyers see a professionally built retaining wall, they recognize quality construction that solves problems and creates opportunities. Whether you need a small garden wall or a large structural retaining system, proper design and construction are essential for safety and longevity.

Types of Retaining Walls We Build

Different situations call for different retaining wall types. We recommend the best option based on your needs, budget, and site conditions.

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  Natural stone retaining walls: These walls offer timeless beauty and incredible strength. We use locally sourced stone when possible, creating walls that complement your landscape naturally. Stone walls work well for heights up to six feet and provide excellent drainage. They require skilled installation but reward you with a distinctive appearance that improves with age.
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  Concrete block retaining walls: Modern concrete blocks come in many styles and colors, offering versatility and reliability. These interlocking units create strong walls perfect for residential applications. They install faster than natural stone while providing excellent structural performance. Many homeowners appreciate the clean, contemporary look of concrete block walls.
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  Brick retaining walls: When you want to match existing brickwork or prefer traditional aesthetics, brick retaining walls deliver. We build them with proper footings and drainage to ensure stability. Brick walls complement historic homes and create formal garden spaces. They work best for walls under four feet tall.
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  Poured concrete walls: For maximum strength and the ability to create custom shapes, poured concrete walls excel. These walls handle any height and can be finished with various textures or veneers. We recommend poured concrete for large commercial projects or residential walls exceeding six feet in height.
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  Boulder walls: Large natural boulders create dramatic, rustic retaining walls that blend seamlessly with natural landscapes. These walls work particularly well for informal gardens and native plantings. Boulder walls require careful selection and placement but create one-of-a-kind features.

During your consultation, we discuss the advantages and considerations of each wall type. We consider your aesthetic preferences, budget, soil conditions, required height, and intended use. Our recommendation balances all these factors to give you a retaining wall that looks great and performs flawlessly.

Our Retaining Wall Process

Building a retaining wall that lasts requires careful planning and skilled execution. Here is how we ensure your wall performs properly for decades.

Site Assessment and Design

Every project starts with thorough site evaluation. We examine soil conditions, drainage patterns, slope angle, and existing structures. We check for underground utilities and evaluate access for equipment. This assessment informs our design recommendations. We create walls that handle the specific pressures and conditions of your site. For walls over four feet tall or in challenging conditions, we may recommend soil testing to ensure proper engineering. Building codes in Shreveport, LA require permits for certain retaining walls, and we handle all permitting requirements.

Proper Foundation Work

A retaining wall is only as good as its foundation. We excavate to stable soil and create level base trenches. We install compacted gravel bases that provide drainage and prevent settling. The foundation extends below the frost line to prevent frost heave. For taller walls, we pour concrete footings that distribute weight properly. Cutting corners on foundation work causes walls to lean, crack, or collapse. We never skip these critical steps, even though they are not visible in the finished wall.

Drainage Systems

Water pressure behind retaining walls causes most failures. We install drainage pipes behind the wall to collect water and direct it away safely. We place gravel backfill that allows water to flow to the drain pipes rather than building up pressure. We also consider surface water management, directing it away from the wall top. Proper drainage is not optional. It is essential for wall longevity and safety. Our drainage systems keep walls dry and stable even during heavy Louisiana rainfall.

Quality Construction

We build walls with attention to every detail. Each course is level and properly aligned. We use appropriate ties and reinforcement as needed. For brick walls, we mix mortar to correct strengths and tool joints properly. Block walls receive proper backfill compaction at each layer. Stone walls get carefully selected and placed stones with proper bonding. We take the time to do the work right because we stand behind our construction.

Finishing Touches

After building the wall, we cap it with appropriate materials. Capstones protect the wall top from water intrusion while providing a finished appearance. We backfill, compact, and grade areas adjacent to the wall. We clean up thoroughly, leaving your property looking better than before we arrived. For walls with integrated patios or walkways, we coordinate all elements into a cohesive design that maximizes functionality and beauty.

Frequently Asked Questions About Retaining Walls