Retaining Walls & Concrete Masonry

Why You Might Need a Retaining Wall

Retaining walls are not just about looks, though they can definitely improve your property's appearance. They serve important structural purposes that solve real problems.

The most common reason for a retaining wall is to hold back soil on a slope. If your property has a hill or uneven terrain, a retaining wall can create flat, usable space. This might be for a patio, garden, parking area, or just to make your yard easier to maintain.

Erosion control is another big reason. Oklahoma gets some serious rain, and water running down slopes can wash away your soil. A retaining wall stops that erosion and protects your property. It also helps manage drainage by directing water where you want it to go instead of letting it run wild.

Some homeowners need retaining walls to protect structures. If you have a basement or foundation on a slope, a retaining wall can take pressure off the structure and prevent soil from pushing against it. This is especially important here in Owasso where our clay soil expands and contracts with moisture changes.

Retaining walls also add property value. A well-built wall that creates usable space or solves drainage problems makes your property more functional and attractive. It is an investment that pays off both now and when you eventually sell.

Types of Retaining Walls We Build

Different situations call for different types of retaining walls. Here are the options we recommend most often for residential properties in the area.

• Poured concrete walls: These are the strongest option for taller walls or heavy loads. We build forms and pour concrete reinforced with rebar. They can be finished smooth or textured and can include decorative elements.
• Concrete block walls: Built with interlocking concrete masonry units, these walls are versatile and cost-effective. They work well for walls up to 4 or 5 feet tall and can be faced with stone or stucco for a finished look.
• Segmental retaining walls: These use manufactured blocks designed specifically for retaining walls. They are relatively quick to install and come in various colors and textures to match your landscape.
• Mortared stone walls: For a natural, upscale look, we can build walls using natural stone set in mortar. These take more time and cost more but create a beautiful, permanent feature.

After we complete your retaining wall project, you might want to add more outdoor living space. Check out our concrete patio services to create an entertaining area on your newly leveled ground.

What Makes a Good Retaining Wall

Building a retaining wall is more complicated than stacking blocks or pouring concrete. There is engineering involved, especially for taller walls. Here is what we pay attention to so your wall lasts for decades.

Foundation is critical. The wall needs a solid base below the frost line. In Oklahoma, that is typically 18 to 24 inches deep. We excavate, add compacted gravel, and usually pour a concrete footing. Skipping this step or doing it wrong leads to walls that lean, crack, or fail.

Drainage is equally important. Water building up behind a retaining wall creates tremendous pressure. That is why we install drainage systems behind every wall we build. This typically means gravel backfill and perforated drain pipes at the base to carry water away. Without proper drainage, even a well-built wall will eventually fail.

The wall needs to be thick and strong enough for its height. As a general rule, the taller the wall, the thicker it needs to be. Walls over 4 feet tall usually need engineering calculations to ensure they are safe. We always build to code and get required permits for taller walls.

Finally, the wall needs reinforcement. For concrete walls, that means rebar. For block walls, it means vertical rebar and filled cores. For segmental walls, it means proper base preparation and sometimes geogrid reinforcement. The reinforcement ties the wall together and gives it strength to resist the pressure from behind.

Concrete Masonry Services

Beyond retaining walls, we do all kinds of concrete masonry work for residential and commercial properties. Here are some of the projects we handle regularly.

Concrete block structures are common. This might be a storage building, pump house, pool equipment enclosure, or trash enclosure. Concrete block is durable, fire-resistant, and requires minimal maintenance. We can build these structures to any size and finish them to match your property.

Privacy walls and fencing is another service we provide. A concrete or block wall provides security and privacy while lasting much longer than wood fencing. We can build these to any height and finish them smooth, textured, or with decorative caps.

Planters and raised beds made from concrete or block look great and last forever. These are perfect for creating garden areas on patios or in yards with poor soil. We can build them in custom sizes and shapes to fit your landscaping plan.

We also do repairs on existing masonry. Whether it is repointing mortar joints, replacing damaged blocks, or stabilizing a failing wall, we have the skills and experience to restore masonry structures to good condition.

Looking to complete your outdoor space with quality concrete work? Browse our full range of services from the Owasso Concrete homepage or learn about sidewalks and walkways to connect your new structures.

Common Questions About Retaining Walls

Here are answers to the questions we hear most often about retaining wall projects.