Retaining Walls & Concrete Masonry

Turn a Problem Slope Into Usable Space

If you have a sloped yard, you know the frustration. Erosion washes away your soil every time it rains. Landscaping slides downhill. You can't set up a patio, play area, or garden because nothing stays level. A properly built retaining wall solves all of these problems and gives you usable outdoor space you never thought you'd have.

At Winder Concrete Professional, we build retaining walls that do their job for decades. We've seen too many walls built by inexperienced contractors that lean, crack, and eventually collapse because they skipped critical steps. Our walls are engineered from the foundation up to handle the soil pressure behind them and the weather conditions in our area.

What Makes a Retaining Wall Last

Most retaining wall failures come down to three things: bad drainage, weak foundations, and not enough reinforcement. Here's what we do differently to make sure your wall stands strong:

• Foundation excavated below the frost line on compacted gravel
• Reinforced concrete footings sized for the wall height and soil load
• Drainage pipe and gravel backfill behind the wall to relieve water pressure
• Steel reinforcement (rebar) properly tied and spaced
• Quality concrete mixed to the right specifications
• Proper backfilling in lifts with compaction at each stage

Every one of these steps matters. Skip the drainage, and water pressure builds up behind the wall until it pushes forward. Skip the proper footing, and the wall settles and cracks. We don't cut corners because the consequences of a failed retaining wall are expensive and dangerous.

Design Options for Your Property

Retaining walls don't have to be plain. We build walls using poured concrete, concrete block, and stone veneer depending on the look you want and the structural requirements. Poured concrete gives you maximum strength and can be finished smooth or with decorative textures. Block walls go up quickly and can be faced with stone or stucco for a natural appearance.

Many homeowners combine retaining walls with other features to create complete outdoor living spaces. A terraced wall system can create flat areas for a patio, garden beds, or a fire pit area. We can build steps into the wall to connect different levels and add walkways that tie everything together. The possibilities are much broader than most people realize.

When Do You Need a Retaining Wall?

You should consider a retaining wall if your yard has noticeable erosion, if soil is washing onto your driveway or neighbor's property, if you want to create level areas on a sloped lot, or if an existing wall is showing signs of failure. Leaning, cracking, or separation from adjacent structures are all warning signs that a wall needs attention.

Walls over 4 feet tall typically require engineering and building permits. We handle all of that for you. Our team works with structural engineers when needed and manages the permit process so you don't have to deal with the paperwork. For walls under 4 feet, we still follow the same construction standards because we want every wall we build to last.

Common Questions About Retaining Walls