Retaining Walls & Concrete Masonry

Transform Your Property with Retaining Walls

Retaining walls do important work. They hold back soil on sloped properties, prevent erosion, manage water drainage, and create level areas where you can build patios, gardens, or additional usable space. A well-designed retaining wall is both functional and attractive, adding structure and visual interest to your landscape while solving practical problems.

Whether your property has natural slopes, needs terracing for better drainage, or you want to add raised planting beds, concrete and masonry retaining walls provide a permanent solution. Unlike timber walls that rot or stone walls that shift over time, properly built concrete walls last for decades with minimal maintenance. They stand up to Florida's heavy rains, resist insect damage, and look great year after year.

As an experienced concrete contractor serving Pembroke Pines, we design and build retaining walls that combine structural integrity with aesthetic appeal. We understand soil mechanics, drainage requirements, and local building codes. More importantly, we know how to build walls that will stand strong for the life of your property.

Types of Concrete and Masonry Walls We Build

We offer several types of concrete and masonry wall construction to match your needs, budget, and style preferences:

• Concrete Block Walls: Versatile and economical, concrete block walls work for property boundaries, privacy screens, and retaining applications. They can be finished with stucco, paint, or decorative veneers.
• Poured Concrete Retaining Walls: The strongest option for high walls or challenging soil conditions, poured walls are custom formed and reinforced to handle significant loads and pressure.
• Segmental Block Retaining Walls: Interlocking concrete blocks create attractive walls with a natural stone appearance. These modular systems are ideal for garden walls and terracing.
• Decorative Masonry Walls: Combining different block types, textures, and colors creates custom looks that enhance your landscape design while providing structure and function.
• Property Line and Privacy Walls: Solid walls that define boundaries, provide security, and reduce noise from busy streets or neighboring properties.
• Planters and Raised Beds: Low decorative walls that contain soil for gardens, create definition between landscape areas, and add dimension to flat yards.

The right choice depends on your wall height, soil conditions, intended purpose, and aesthetic goals. We will evaluate your property and recommend the most appropriate solution for your situation.

Engineering Walls That Last

Building retaining walls is not as simple as stacking blocks or pouring concrete. The soil behind a retaining wall exerts tremendous pressure, especially when saturated with water. A poorly designed or constructed wall can lean, crack, or even fail completely. That is why engineering and proper construction methods are critical.

Foundation and Footing

Every retaining wall needs a solid foundation. We excavate below grade and pour a concrete footing that distributes the wall's weight and anchors it firmly. The footing size and depth depend on wall height, soil type, and expected loads. This foundation work is critical and must be done correctly before any visible wall construction begins.

Drainage Systems

Water pressure behind a retaining wall is the biggest cause of failure. We install drainage systems including weep holes, gravel backfill, and perforated drain pipes that channel water away from the wall. This prevents pressure buildup and protects the structural integrity of your wall. Good drainage is not optional. It is essential for wall longevity.

Reinforcement and Structural Design

Depending on wall height and application, we incorporate steel reinforcement, tie-backs, or engineering features that add strength. For walls over 4 feet tall or those holding back significant slopes, we work with structural engineers to ensure proper design. Our goal is to build walls that exceed code requirements and will never give you problems.

Proper Backfilling and Compaction

After wall construction, we backfill with appropriate materials and compact in layers. This prevents settling and ensures the drainage system works as designed. We use the right type of backfill material, not just whatever dirt is available. These details make the difference between a wall that lasts and one that fails.

Design Options and Finishing Touches

Your retaining wall does not have to look like a plain concrete barrier. We offer numerous design options to create walls that complement your landscape and add beauty to your property.

Concrete block walls can be finished with stucco in any color, painted to match your home, or covered with stone or brick veneer for a high-end appearance. Segmental retaining wall blocks come in various colors and textures that mimic natural stone. We can create curves, tiers, and built-in planters that add visual interest.

Cap stones provide a finished top edge and create a place to sit or set plants. Lighting integrated into or around your wall adds safety and drama at night. If you have specific landscaping plans, we coordinate with your landscape designer to ensure the wall works with your overall vision.

For a truly custom look, poured concrete walls can be formed with decorative textures, patterns, or even stamped finishes that resemble natural stone. The right finishing touches transform a functional retaining wall into a landscape feature that enhances your property value.

Common Questions About Retaining Walls and Masonry