Retaining Walls & Concrete Masonry
Transform sloped yards and create functional outdoor spaces with professionally built retaining walls.
Why Your Property Needs a Retaining Wall
If you have slopes or grade changes on your property, a retaining wall does more than look good. It prevents soil erosion, creates usable flat spaces, and protects your home's foundation from water runoff and settling. A well-built retaining wall can turn unusable hillsides into attractive gardens, terraced lawns, or level areas for patios and outdoor living.
At Hillstone Woodbury Concrete, we build retaining walls that combine structural integrity with visual appeal. We understand the engineering behind proper wall construction and know how to design systems that handle Minnesota's soil conditions and freeze-thaw cycles. A failing retaining wall can cause major property damage, so getting it right from the start is critical.
Benefits of Professional Retaining Walls
- •Prevent erosion: Stop soil from washing away during heavy rains and spring thaws
- •Create usable space: Turn steep slopes into flat, functional areas for gardens or recreation
- •Protect foundations: Redirect water away from your home to prevent basement flooding and foundation damage
- •Add property value: Well-designed retaining walls enhance curb appeal and property functionality
- •Define outdoor spaces: Create clear zones for different uses in your yard
Retaining Wall Options for Woodbury Properties
We install several types of retaining walls, each with its own advantages. The right choice depends on your wall height, soil conditions, drainage needs, and aesthetic preferences.
Concrete Block Walls
Segmental concrete blocks offer strength, durability, and design flexibility. These interlocking units come in various colors and textures that can match or complement your home. They work well for walls up to several feet high and can include curves and design features that add visual interest.
Poured Concrete Walls
For taller walls or situations requiring maximum strength, poured concrete walls provide superior holding power. These walls can be finished smooth, textured, or stamped to match other decorative concrete on your property. They require proper footings and reinforcement to handle the load.
Natural Stone Veneer
Want the look of natural stone with the strength of concrete? We can install stone veneer over concrete walls to create high-end aesthetics. This gives you the best of both worlds: structural integrity from concrete and the timeless beauty of natural stone.
How We Build Retaining Walls That Last
Building a retaining wall requires more than stacking blocks or pouring concrete. The engineering, drainage, and foundation work behind the wall are what determine whether it will stand strong for decades or fail within a few years.
Site Evaluation and Design
We start by evaluating your soil type, slope angle, water flow patterns, and wall height requirements. Walls over 4 feet typically need engineering plans and permits. We help you navigate these requirements and design a wall system that meets code and performs reliably.
Foundation and Base Preparation
Every retaining wall needs a solid foundation. We excavate below the frost line and create a level, compacted base. For concrete block walls, this might be a gravel base. For poured walls, we install concrete footings with proper reinforcement. Getting the foundation right is the most important step.
Drainage Systems
Water pressure behind a retaining wall can cause failure even if the wall itself is built perfectly. We install proper drainage systems including perforated pipes, gravel backfill, and weep holes that let water escape. This prevents hydrostatic pressure from building up and pushing your wall over.
Wall Construction and Finishing
We build your wall according to engineering specifications, ensuring proper setback angles, reinforcement, and connections. For block walls, we check level and alignment at every course. For poured walls, we use quality forming and finishing techniques. The result is a wall that looks great and performs its job year after year.