Retaining Walls & Concrete Masonry

Sloped yards are common in Woodland. They create challenges for landscaping, drainage, and usable outdoor space. Retaining walls solve these problems by holding back soil, creating level areas, and preventing erosion. When built correctly, they're both functional and attractive additions to your property.

At BMT Woodland Concrete, we build retaining walls and concrete masonry structures that last. We understand the engineering behind walls that hold tons of soil. We know how to handle drainage so walls don't fail. And we create walls that add value and beauty to your property while solving real functional problems.

Why Retaining Walls Need Professional Installation

Retaining walls look simple. Stack blocks or pour concrete and you're done, right? Not even close. Retaining walls fight constant pressure from soil, water, and gravity. Build them wrong and they crack, lean, or collapse within a few years. Build them right and they stand strong for decades.

What Makes a Wall Fail

• Inadequate foundation depth or width for the wall height
• Poor drainage causing water pressure behind the wall
• Insufficient reinforcement in taller walls
• Wrong materials for the soil type and load conditions
• Lack of proper backfill and compaction
• No provisions for expansion and movement

Professional retaining wall installation addresses all these factors. We don't just stack blocks. We engineer walls that work with your specific soil, slope, and drainage conditions.

Types of Retaining Walls We Build

Different situations call for different wall types. We'll recommend what works best for your property, budget, and aesthetic preferences.

Concrete Block Walls

Interlocking concrete blocks are versatile and attractive. Modern block systems come in various colors, textures, and sizes. They work well for walls up to 4 feet high and can be built quickly. Blocks get placed on a compacted gravel base with proper drainage behind them. Taller walls need reinforcement with steel rebar and concrete-filled cores.

Poured Concrete Walls

For taller walls or heavy loads, poured concrete provides maximum strength. We excavate for footings, install reinforcement, build forms, and pour in place. These walls can be finished smooth, textured, or faced with stone or brick. Poured walls work well where you need structural strength and don't mind the more industrial appearance.

Seat Walls and Garden Walls

Not all walls are about holding back slopes. Low seat walls around patios provide built-in seating and define outdoor spaces. Garden walls separate planting beds from lawns or create raised planters. These decorative walls still need proper footings and construction but offer more design flexibility.

The Engineering Behind Strong Walls

Retaining walls over 4 feet typically need engineering. Even shorter walls benefit from understanding load calculations and soil mechanics. We work with structural engineers when required and follow proven design principles for all our wall projects.

Foundation Requirements

The taller the wall, the deeper and wider the foundation needs to be. A 2-foot wall might need a 6-inch gravel base. A 6-foot wall needs a concrete footing that goes 12 to 18 inches below grade. We calculate foundation requirements based on wall height, soil conditions, and loads. Shortcuts here lead to failure.

Drainage Systems

Water is the enemy of retaining walls. Pressure from saturated soil can push walls over or cause them to bulge and crack. Every retaining wall we build includes proper drainage: gravel backfill, perforated drain pipes at the base, and weep holes or drainage outlets. This lets water escape instead of building pressure behind the wall.

Other Concrete Masonry Services

Beyond retaining walls, we handle all types of concrete masonry work. This includes block walls for privacy, decorative pillars and columns, outdoor fireplaces and fire pits, built-in planters and seating, and trash enclosures for commercial properties. If it involves concrete blocks or masonry, we can build it.

These projects often tie into other concrete work. A seat wall might connect to your patio. A retaining wall might be part of creating a level area for a new concrete slab. We coordinate everything so all your concrete work looks cohesive and functions properly together.

Design Considerations

Retaining walls are permanent features. Choose materials and styles that complement your home and landscaping. Modern block systems offer lots of options: smooth faces, split faces that look like natural stone, colors from gray to brown to red. Caps and accents add finished details.

Curved walls cost more than straight walls but often look better and can strengthen the structure. Stepped walls work well on steep slopes, creating terraces for planting or usable space. Lighting integrated into walls adds both safety and ambiance for evening enjoyment of your yard.

Frequently Asked Questions