Retaining Walls & Concrete Masonry

Expert Retaining Wall and Masonry Solutions

Sloped yards, erosion problems, and uneven terrain create challenges for homeowners and property managers. Retaining walls solve these issues while adding functional outdoor space and visual appeal. At ValleyCrew Springfield Concrete, we design and build retaining walls that hold back soil, manage water flow, and enhance your property. Whether you need a small garden wall or a large structural retaining system, we have the expertise to do it right.

Since 2024, we have been helping Springfield, OH property owners with retaining walls and concrete masonry projects. We understand local soil conditions, drainage requirements, and the engineering principles that make walls stable and long-lasting. Our team combines structural knowledge with aesthetic design to create walls that are both strong and attractive.

Types of Retaining Walls We Build

We build several types of retaining walls, each suited to different situations and budgets:

• •Segmental Block Walls: Interlocking concrete blocks that create strong, flexible walls perfect for most residential applications.
• •Poured Concrete Walls: Custom formed walls for taller heights or when specific engineering is required.
• •Concrete Block Walls: Traditional CMU construction for structural walls and commercial applications.
• •Decorative Garden Walls: Low walls for planters, garden borders, and landscape definition.
• •Boulder Walls: Natural stone walls for a rustic, organic appearance.

Planning Your Retaining Wall

Proper retaining wall design starts with understanding the site conditions. We evaluate the slope, soil type, drainage patterns, and how much earth the wall needs to hold back. Walls over 4 feet tall typically require engineering analysis to ensure they can handle the lateral earth pressure safely.

Drainage is the most critical factor in retaining wall success. Water buildup behind a wall creates tremendous pressure that can cause failure. That is why we always include proper drainage solutions. This typically involves gravel backfill, perforated drainage pipe, and weep holes or drainage channels to allow water to escape. Getting drainage right prevents most retaining wall problems.

We also consider how the wall fits into your overall landscape plan. Retaining walls can create level areas for patios, expand usable yard space, or provide tiered planting beds. We can integrate steps, lighting, and caps to make the wall both functional and attractive. The style and color should complement your home, and we offer many options to match your vision.

How We Build Retaining Walls

Every retaining wall starts with excavation and base preparation. We dig below the frost line and create a level, compacted gravel base. This foundation is crucial for preventing settling and ensuring the wall stays plumb and level over time. For taller walls, we may pour a concrete footing for additional stability.

We then build the wall course by course, ensuring each level is properly aligned and secured. For block walls, we use construction adhesive and pins as specified by the manufacturer. We install drainage systems as we backfill, placing gravel behind the wall and routing drain pipes to safe outlet points. This prevents water pressure from building up.

The finishing touches include caps for a clean top edge and grading the area around the wall for proper water flow. We can also add stairs, walkways, or paths to integrate the wall into your landscape. For commercial projects or larger residential walls, we work with engineers to ensure the design meets all safety and code requirements. Just as with our foundation work, structural integrity is our top priority.

Frequently Asked Questions