Retaining Walls & Concrete Masonry

Retaining walls solve real problems for Apache Junction property owners. If your yard has slopes, erosion issues, or wasted space due to grade changes, a retaining wall can transform your property's functionality and appearance.

During heavy rain, sloped yards lose soil to erosion. This damages landscaping, creates runoff problems, and can even threaten foundations. A properly designed retaining wall holds soil in place while managing water drainage safely. You keep your soil where it belongs instead of watching it wash away.

Retaining walls also create usable flat spaces from sloped terrain. That unusable hillside becomes a level yard, garden area, or additional parking. In areas with limited flat land, this adds real value to your property. We design walls that match your landscape and architectural style, turning functional structures into attractive features.

We build several types of walls depending on your needs and site conditions:

• Concrete block retaining walls: Built with reinforced concrete blocks and rebar. These are strong, durable, and cost-effective for walls up to 6 feet high. The blocks can be faced with stone or stucco for improved appearance.
• Poured concrete walls: The strongest option for taller walls or heavy loads. We set up forms, install rebar, and pour concrete to create a monolithic structure. Can be finished smooth, stamped, or textured.
• Decorative block walls: Split-face blocks, burnished blocks, or architectural units that look attractive while providing structural support. Popular for front yard walls and property boundaries.
• Segmental retaining walls: Modular blocks designed specifically for retaining walls. These interlock without mortar and can curve or follow contours. Good for lower walls with terraced designs.
• Garden walls and raised planters: Lower walls designed to create planting areas, define spaces, or add visual interest. These combine function with landscaping.
• Property walls and fences: Masonry walls along property lines for privacy, security, and aesthetics. We handle walls up to code-allowed heights.

The right wall type depends on height requirements, soil conditions, drainage needs, and your budget. We recommend the best solution for your specific situation during our free consultation.

Retaining walls are structural elements that must be properly engineered to be safe and effective. Here's what goes into wall design:

Height and Load Requirements

Walls under 4 feet tall generally don't require engineering in Apache Junction, though best practices still apply. Walls taller than 4 feet need engineering and permits. The engineer calculates loads, determines footing depth, specifies reinforcement, and ensures the wall can handle soil pressure. We work with qualified engineers and follow their specifications exactly.

Drainage Design

Water pressure behind a retaining wall is the main cause of failure. We design proper drainage into every wall. This includes gravel backfill that allows water to drain freely, perforated drain pipes at the base to carry water away, and weep holes that relieve pressure. Without proper drainage, even the strongest wall will eventually fail.

Foundation Requirements

Retaining walls need solid foundations. We excavate below grade and pour reinforced concrete footings sized for the wall height and soil conditions. The footing must be level and deep enough to prevent frost heave or settling. Corners and ends get extra reinforcement since these areas handle increased stress.

Reinforcement and Connections

Rebar ties the entire wall system together. Vertical rebar extends from the footing up through the wall. Horizontal rebar runs the length of the wall. For taller walls, we add additional reinforcement mid-height. Every cell around rebar gets filled with concrete. This creates a strong, integrated structure that resists the enormous pressure from retained soil.

Building a retaining wall correctly requires expertise and attention to detail. Here's our process:

• Site assessment: We evaluate soil conditions, drainage patterns, and slope to determine the best wall design and location
• Engineering and permits: For walls requiring engineering, we coordinate with engineers and obtain necessary permits
• Excavation: We dig the footing trench to engineered depth and prepare the base with compacted gravel
• Footing installation: We form and pour the concrete footing with embedded rebar extending upward
• Wall construction: We build the wall course by course, placing rebar and filling cells with concrete as we go
• Drainage system: We install drain pipes, gravel backfill, and weep holes according to design specifications
• Backfilling: We carefully backfill behind the wall with proper drainage materials and compact in layers
• Finishing touches: We add caps, apply stucco or facing if specified, and clean up the site completely

Most retaining wall projects take several days to a week depending on size and complexity. We work efficiently while maintaining the quality standards that ensure your wall lasts for decades. If you're also installing a patio or other concrete work, we can coordinate the projects for efficiency.

Properly built retaining walls require minimal maintenance but some attention keeps them performing well:

• Keep drainage weep holes clear of debris so water can flow freely
• Ensure downspouts and surface drainage direct water away from the wall
• Don't pile soil, mulch, or materials against the wall above design height
• Check for and address any cracks or movement early
• Trim vegetation that might damage the wall or block drainage
• Seal the wall if recommended for your climate and wall type

Watch for signs of problems like cracks, tilting, or bulging. These indicate the wall is under stress and needs professional evaluation. Most issues are easier and cheaper to fix when caught early. We offer repair services if your retaining wall needs attention.

A well-designed and properly installed retaining wall should last 50-100 years with minimal maintenance. We build walls meant to outlast us all.