Retaining Wall Design & Installation

Why Retaining Walls Matter for Your Property

A retaining wall does serious work. It holds back soil on sloped properties, prevents erosion, and creates level areas where you can build patios, gardens, or walkways. Without proper retaining walls, Louisiana's heavy rains wash away your soil, undermine your foundation, and turn your yard into a muddy mess. A well-designed retaining wall solves these problems while adding beauty and value to your property.

Many homeowners in Metairie need retaining walls but don't realize it until they have serious problems. Signs include soil washing down slopes after rain, pooling water near your foundation, exposed tree roots on hillsides, and cracks in driveways or walkways caused by shifting ground. These issues only get worse over time. The longer you wait, the more soil you lose and the more expensive the solution becomes.

We design and build retaining walls that work with your property's natural drainage and soil conditions. Whether you need a small garden wall or a large structural wall to stabilize a slope, we have the expertise to design it correctly and build it to last. Our walls combine engineering and aesthetics, so you get both function and beauty. We use materials that complement your home's style, from natural stone to modern concrete block systems.

Types of Retaining Walls We Build

The right retaining wall depends on your property's slope, soil type, drainage needs, and aesthetic preferences. We work with several types of retaining wall systems, each with its own advantages. Here's what we recommend for different situations.

Retaining Wall Options for Your Property

• •Natural stone walls: Built with fieldstone, limestone, or other natural materials. These walls offer timeless beauty and can be dry-stacked for a rustic look or mortared for maximum strength. Perfect for properties with traditional or historic architecture.
• •Concrete block systems: Engineered retaining wall blocks interlock and stack for structural strength. Available in many colors and textures that mimic natural stone. These walls go up faster than natural stone and cost less for large projects.
• •Brick retaining walls: Classic brick construction that matches your home's existing masonry. Ideal for shorter walls and garden beds where appearance matters as much as function.
• •Veneer stone walls: Concrete or concrete block cores covered with natural or manufactured stone veneer. Combines the structural benefits of engineered systems with the appearance of natural stone.
• •Tiered wall systems: Multiple shorter walls stepped down a slope instead of one tall wall. Better for steep grades and creates terraced planting areas that add visual interest.

During your free consultation, we assess your property and recommend the best wall type for your situation. We consider the height needed, soil conditions, drainage requirements, local building codes, and your budget. You'll see samples of different materials and get a clear explanation of the pros and cons of each option.

Our Design and Installation Process

Building a retaining wall that lasts requires proper planning, precise engineering, and skilled installation. We've been building retaining walls throughout Metairie for years, and we follow a proven process that ensures your wall will perform correctly for decades.

Step One: Site Assessment and Design

We start by evaluating your property's grade, soil type, and drainage patterns. We measure the slope, check for underground utilities, and identify any challenges that might affect the wall design. For walls over four feet tall or in challenging conditions, we may recommend a soil test or engineering consultation to ensure proper design. We then create a detailed plan that shows the wall location, height, materials, and drainage system.

Step Two: Proper Foundation and Base Preparation

The foundation is critical to retaining wall performance. We excavate to stable soil, compact the subgrade, and install a proper base of crushed stone. The base extends below the frost line and provides drainage behind the wall. We use landscape fabric to separate the base from the native soil and prevent erosion. This foundation work takes time, but it's what separates walls that last from walls that fail within a few years.

Step Three: Wall Construction and Drainage Integration

As we build the wall, we install drainage systems behind it. This includes perforated drain pipe at the base, gravel backfill for drainage, and weep holes to release water pressure. Water pressure is the number one cause of retaining wall failure, so proper drainage is not optional. We level and secure each course, ensure proper setback for stability, and compact backfill in lifts to prevent settling.

Step Four: Finishing and Landscaping Integration

After the wall is complete, we finish the top with capstones for a polished look and added protection. We grade the surrounding area to direct water away from the wall and restore landscaping disturbed during construction. For properties that need additional hardscaping, we can integrate your retaining wall with patios, walkways, or planting beds for a cohesive outdoor design.

Frequently Asked Questions About Retaining Walls