Retaining Walls & Concrete Masonry
Control erosion, create level spaces, and add structure to your landscape.
Why Retaining Walls Matter
If your property has slopes, you probably know the challenges they bring. Soil washes away when it rains. Mowing is difficult or dangerous. You lose usable yard space because everything's on an angle. Retaining walls solve these problems by holding back soil and creating level areas where you need them.
In Land O Lakes, we deal with sandy soil that erodes easily and heavy rainfall that accelerates the problem. A properly built retaining wall stops erosion, protects your foundation, and turns unusable slopes into functional space. You gain flat areas for patios, gardens, or just regular yard activities.
What Retaining Walls Do:
- •Prevent soil erosion and protect landscaping from washing away
- •Create level terraces on sloped properties for multiple uses
- •Protect foundations from water damage and soil movement
- •Add structure and definition to your landscape design
- •Increase property value with functional outdoor improvements
Height matters when building retaining walls. Short walls under 3 or 4 feet are simpler and less expensive. Taller walls need more engineering because they're holding back significantly more weight. We assess your property and recommend the right solution that balances cost with what actually needs to happen.
Types of Walls and Masonry We Build
We build several types of retaining walls and masonry structures depending on your needs, budget, and aesthetic preferences. Each has advantages for different situations. Let's walk through what works best for various applications.
Retaining Wall Options:
Poured Concrete Walls
Strong, permanent walls that can be finished smooth, textured, or stamped. Best for taller walls and structural applications. Most durable option that handles any height.
Concrete Block Walls
Versatile masonry using concrete blocks stacked and reinforced. Can be faced with stucco, stone veneer, or left natural. Cost-effective for medium heights.
Segmental Block Walls
Interlocking blocks in various styles and colors. Good for residential applications with decorative appeal. Works well for terraced landscaping.
Decorative Masonry
Walls that combine function with appearance using natural stone, brick facing, or specialty finishes. Great for front yards and visible areas.
Beyond retaining walls, we also build other masonry structures. Seat walls around patios and outdoor living areas provide extra seating and define spaces. Planters made from concrete or block create raised beds for gardens. Garden walls add privacy without the cost of full fencing.
The key to any masonry project is proper footings and drainage. Walls fail when water builds up behind them or when they're not anchored properly. We build drainage systems into every retaining wall so water flows where it should instead of creating pressure that pushes walls over.
How We Build Retaining Walls That Last
Building retaining walls isn't like pouring a driveway or patio. These structures hold back tons of earth and water pressure. Cut corners and they fail, sometimes spectacularly. We do everything by the book so your walls perform for decades.
Everything starts below ground. We excavate and create stable footings that go below frost line and bear on solid, undisturbed soil. Even though Land O Lakes doesn't freeze deeply, proper footings prevent settling that causes walls to lean or crack over time.
As we build the wall, we install drainage systems. This usually means a perforated pipe behind the wall that collects water and carries it away to designated drainage areas. We also use proper backfill material that drains well rather than holding water. This removes the pressure that would otherwise push your wall over.
For taller walls, we add reinforcement. Steel rebar in concrete walls or geogrid in segmental block systems ties the wall back into the earth behind it. This creates a much stronger system that can handle significant loads without budging.
We finish according to your preferences. Smooth concrete can be painted or left natural. Textured finishes add visual interest. Stone or brick veneer gives the look of natural materials with concrete's strength. For decorative concrete work, we can stamp patterns that look like stone or other materials at a fraction of the cost.
Permits and engineering matter for taller walls. Most areas require engineered plans for walls over 4 feet tall. We coordinate with engineers and handle permits so everything's done legally and safely. This protects you and ensures your wall meets code requirements.
Retaining Wall Questions
Need a Retaining Wall?
Get expert advice on the best retaining wall solution for your property.
Call (813) 535-8615