Retaining Walls & Concrete Masonry

Retaining walls are more than just landscaping features. They hold back soil, prevent erosion, create level spaces on sloped properties, and protect structures from water damage. If your yard slopes toward your house, your garden washes away after heavy rain, or you want to add usable space to a hilly lot, a retaining wall is the solution.

We have been building retaining walls and concrete masonry structures in Bloomington, IL since 2024, and we know how to design and install walls that stand up to the pressure of soil and water behind them. Whether you need a short decorative wall or a tall structural wall to level your property, we will build it to last.

Why You Need a Retaining Wall

Retaining walls solve several common property problems. Slopes and hillsides erode over time, washing away soil and plants. Water runoff damages foundations, basements, and driveways. Sloped yards are hard to mow and limit your usable outdoor space. A retaining wall addresses these issues by holding back soil, redirecting water, and creating level areas.

Here is when you should consider a retaining wall:

• Erosion control: Your hillside is washing away and leaving bare soil or exposed roots.
• Water drainage: Water flows toward your house or pools in your yard after rain.
• Slope management: Your yard is too steep to use for gardening, play areas, or outdoor living.
• Property damage: Soil is shifting and threatening your driveway, patio, or foundation.
• Landscaping: You want to create terraced garden beds or define outdoor spaces.

Retaining walls also add value and curb appeal to your property. A well-designed wall blends function with aesthetics, creating attractive outdoor spaces that last for decades.

Types of Retaining Walls We Build

We build several types of retaining walls depending on your needs, budget, and the height and slope of the area. Here are the most common options:

• Segmented concrete block walls: Interlocking concrete blocks that stack without mortar, ideal for DIY-friendly lower walls.
• Poured concrete walls: Reinforced concrete walls that handle heavy loads and tall heights, best for structural applications.
• Concrete masonry walls: Mortared concrete block walls that provide strength and flexibility for custom designs.
• Natural stone veneer walls: Concrete core with stone facing for a high-end natural look.

The right wall type depends on the height of the wall, the soil conditions, drainage requirements, and your design preferences. Walls over 4 feet tall usually require engineering and permits to ensure they are built safely and meet code requirements.

If you are also planning other concrete work, we offer patio construction and walkway installation to complete your outdoor space.

How We Build Retaining Walls

Building a retaining wall is more complex than stacking blocks. The wall must have a solid foundation, proper drainage behind it, and the right reinforcement to resist soil pressure. If these steps are skipped, the wall will lean, crack, or collapse within a few years.

Here is our step-by-step process:

• Site evaluation: We assess the slope, soil type, drainage, and wall height to design the right solution.
• Excavation: We dig a level trench below grade for the wall foundation.
• Base preparation: We install a compacted gravel base to provide drainage and stability.
• Wall construction: We build the wall using blocks, poured concrete, or masonry units with proper reinforcement.
• Drainage system: We install drainage pipe and gravel behind the wall to prevent water buildup and pressure.
• Backfill and compaction: We backfill behind the wall with gravel and compact it to lock the wall in place.

Most retaining wall projects take 3 to 7 days depending on the size, height, and site conditions. Taller walls and complex designs take longer. We handle the engineering, permits, and inspections if required so your wall meets all building codes.