Retaining Walls & Concrete Masonry
Build functional, attractive retaining walls that manage slopes and create usable outdoor spaces.
The Purpose of Retaining Walls
Retaining walls do more than hold back soil. They turn sloped, unusable property into level, functional outdoor spaces. In Franklin, TN, where many properties feature rolling terrain, retaining walls help homeowners create level areas for patios, gardens, driveways, and buildings. They prevent erosion on slopes, protect structures from soil movement, and add visual interest to landscaping.
A properly designed retaining wall handles significant pressure from the soil behind it. This requires solid engineering and construction practices. Poorly built walls fail, sometimes catastrophically, causing property damage and safety hazards. We approach retaining wall projects with respect for the forces involved, using appropriate materials, proper drainage systems, and construction techniques that ensure long-term stability.
Retaining Wall Materials and Styles
We install retaining walls using various materials, each with specific advantages. The best choice depends on wall height, soil conditions, drainage requirements, and the look you want to achieve. We help you select materials that meet structural needs while fitting your property's aesthetic.
Retaining Wall Options
- Poured concrete walls: Monolithic walls for maximum strength and long life
- Concrete block walls: Mortared or dry-stacked block systems for various heights
- Segmental retaining walls: Interlocking blocks that create attractive, engineered systems
- Decorative finishes: Stamped patterns or stone veneer on concrete walls
- Tiered wall systems: Multiple shorter walls creating terraced landscape levels
- Built-in features: Seating walls, planters, and stairs integrated into the design
Engineering and Installation
Retaining wall construction starts with proper planning and design. For walls over 3 to 4 feet tall, or walls supporting structures like driveways or buildings, we work with structural engineers to ensure the design handles the loads safely. The design accounts for soil type, slope angle, drainage patterns, and any additional loads from buildings, vehicles, or other features above the wall.
The foundation is critical for any retaining wall. We excavate below the frost line and create a compacted gravel base that provides stable support. For taller walls or challenging soil conditions, we install deeper footings to anchor the wall securely. As we build up the wall, we install drainage systems behind it. These drainage systems prevent water pressure from building up, which is one of the main causes of retaining wall failure.
During construction, we use proper reinforcement based on engineering specifications. This might include steel rebar in concrete walls, geogrid reinforcement extending back into the soil, or tiebacks anchoring the wall to stable ground. We backfill with drainage gravel rather than clay soil, allowing water to flow to the drainage system instead of building pressure against the wall. These details make the difference between a wall that lasts decades and one that fails within a few years.
Transforming Your Property
Retaining walls create opportunities to use your property in ways that weren't possible before. A sloped backyard becomes a level entertaining area. A challenging driveway approach becomes manageable and safe. An eroding hillside becomes a stable, attractive terraced garden. We've helped Franklin area homeowners solve drainage problems, create usable spaces, and enhance property values through thoughtful retaining wall design and quality construction.