Retaining Walls & Concrete Masonry
Strong, functional walls that hold back soil, create level spaces, and add structure to your property.
Why Retaining Walls Matter
A retaining wall does more than just look good. It holds back soil, prevents erosion, and creates usable flat space on sloped properties. Without proper retaining structures, slopes can wash away during heavy rain, soil can shift and settle, and your yard can become difficult to use or maintain. A well-built retaining wall solves these problems and adds lasting value to your property.
Here in Bartlesville, we deal with clay soil, varying grades, and weather patterns that put stress on retaining walls. A wall that isn't built correctly won't last. It will lean, crack, or fail entirely, often taking landscaping or other structures with it. That's why proper design, drainage, and construction are so important. We've seen plenty of failed retaining walls over the years, and the common thread is always the same: shortcuts were taken, drainage was ignored, or the foundation wasn't adequate.
Whether you need a short wall to terrace a garden bed or a taller structure to create a level yard, we build retaining walls that hold up. We use proven methods, quality materials, and proper engineering to ensure your wall does its job for decades. We also handle concrete masonry work like block walls, pillars, and other structures that require strength and precision.
Types of Retaining Walls We Build
Different properties and situations call for different types of retaining walls. Here are the options we offer and when each one makes sense.
- •Poured concrete walls: These are the strongest and most durable option. We pour a concrete footing below the frost line, then build forms and pour the wall to the required height and thickness. Poured concrete walls handle the most pressure and are ideal for taller walls or areas with significant soil load.
- •Concrete block walls: Concrete masonry units offer flexibility and strength. We build these on a solid footing, stack the blocks, and fill the cores with concrete and rebar for reinforcement. Block walls work well for a variety of heights and can be finished with stucco or other coatings.
- •Modular block systems: These interlocking retaining wall blocks are designed specifically for soil retention. They're easier to install than poured walls and offer a finished appearance without additional coating. They work best for shorter walls and landscaping applications.
- •Freestanding walls and pillars: Not all masonry is for soil retention. We also build freestanding walls for privacy, property definition, or architectural features, as well as pillars for gates, mailboxes, or decorative purposes.
We'll help you choose the right type of wall based on your property's grade, soil conditions, budget, and the look you want. Every situation is different, and the best solution depends on understanding those specific factors.
How We Build Retaining Walls That Last
A retaining wall is only as good as its foundation and drainage. Here's how we ensure your wall stays stable and functional for decades.
Foundation and Footing
Every retaining wall starts below ground. We excavate and pour a concrete footing that extends below the frost line and provides a solid base for the wall. The footing must be level, properly sized, and reinforced to handle the weight and pressure from the soil. Skipping this step or cutting corners here is the fastest way to end up with a failed wall.
Drainage Systems
Water is the enemy of retaining walls. When water builds up behind a wall, it creates pressure that can cause cracking, leaning, or complete failure. That's why we install drainage systems behind every wall we build. This typically includes gravel backfill and perforated drain pipe that channels water away from the wall and prevents buildup. Proper drainage is not optional. It's essential for long-term performance.
Wall Construction and Reinforcement
Once the foundation and drainage are in place, we build the wall itself. For poured walls, we set forms, install rebar reinforcement, and pour concrete to the specified thickness. For block walls, we stack and reinforce each course, filling cores with concrete and steel as we go. The wall must be strong enough to handle the lateral pressure from the soil, which increases with height. We follow engineering standards and build to specifications that ensure stability.
After the wall is complete, we backfill carefully, compact the soil in layers, and make sure drainage elements are functioning properly. The result is a retaining wall in Bartlesville that holds firm, drains effectively, and lasts for decades without issues.