Retaining Walls & Concrete Masonry
Durable retaining walls and concrete masonry that holds back soil, creates level areas, and enhances your Lake Oswego property.
Why You Need Retaining Walls
Sloped yards present challenges for landscaping, building, and everyday use. Retaining walls solve these problems by holding back soil and creating usable flat areas. They prevent erosion on slopes, keep soil from washing onto driveways or lower areas, and let you build terraced gardens or level spaces for patios and lawns.
Lake Oswego properties often have sloping terrain that needs retaining walls to make the most of the space. A well-built retaining wall does more than just hold dirt. It adds visual interest to your landscape, defines different areas of your yard, and increases the usable space on your property.
We design and build retaining walls that handle the soil pressure and drainage challenges specific to your site. Poor retaining wall construction leads to bulging, cracking, or complete failure within a few years. Our concrete masonry walls are engineered to last, with proper footings, drainage systems, and reinforcement built in from the start.
Retaining Wall Options
You have several choices for retaining wall materials and styles. The right option depends on the height of your wall, soil conditions, appearance preferences, and budget.
Retaining Wall Types
- Concrete block walls using interlocking masonry units that stack and pin together
- Poured concrete walls with rebar reinforcement for maximum strength
- Decorative stone veneer over concrete block for natural appearance
- Segmental retaining walls with modular blocks in various colors and textures
- Concrete masonry walls for commercial applications and larger projects
Wall height affects design and construction requirements. Walls under 4 feet are usually straightforward. Taller walls need engineering, deeper footings, and stronger reinforcement. Some jurisdictions require permits and engineer stamps for walls over certain heights, typically 4 feet. We handle all the technical requirements and paperwork.
Drainage is absolutely critical for retaining walls. Water pressure behind a wall causes most failures. We install drain rock and perforated pipe behind every wall to channel water away. This prevents buildup of hydrostatic pressure that can push walls over or cause them to crack.
Concrete Masonry Work
Beyond retaining walls, we handle all types of concrete masonry construction. This includes structural block walls, decorative masonry features, and concrete unit projects that require skilled masonry work.
Our Masonry Services
Concrete block construction provides strength and durability for foundation walls, building additions, and structural support. We build block walls for basements, crawl spaces, and above-grade structures. Each course is carefully leveled and reinforced according to building codes.
Decorative masonry adds character to your property. We build block or brick planters, outdoor kitchens, fire pit surrounds, and seat walls. These features coordinate with your patio or landscape design to create cohesive outdoor living spaces.
Concrete masonry units come in many styles. Standard gray block is economical and functional. Decorative split-face blocks add texture and visual interest. Colored units let you match or complement your home exterior. We help you choose materials that fit your aesthetic and budget.
All masonry work starts with proper footings. Just like foundation work, masonry structures need solid concrete bases below frost depth. We pour footings first, then build the block or brick work on top. This ensures your masonry projects stay stable and level over time.
Retaining Wall Questions
Homeowners planning retaining walls or masonry projects ask these questions most often. Reach out to discuss your specific situation.
Most residential retaining walls are 2 to 6 feet tall. Walls can be built higher, but codes typically require engineering for walls over 4 feet. Very tall slopes are often handled with multiple shorter walls terraced up the hillside rather than one tall wall. This is usually more cost effective and creates opportunities for planting areas between tiers. We evaluate your slope and recommend the best approach.
Poor drainage is the number one cause of retaining wall failure. Water building up behind the wall creates pressure that eventually pushes it over. Other common problems include inadequate footings, lack of reinforcement, and improper backfill material. We prevent these issues by following proven construction methods with proper drainage, solid footings, and appropriate reinforcement for the wall height and soil conditions.
Retaining wall costs vary widely based on height, length, materials, and site conditions. Simple block walls might run 25 to 40 dollars per square foot. Poured concrete walls or walls requiring engineering cost more. Difficult access, poor soil, or walls over 4 feet increase costs. The best way to get accurate pricing is to have us visit your property and evaluate your specific situation. We provide detailed written estimates that break down all costs.
Ready to Build Your Retaining Wall?
We will visit your property to evaluate your slope, discuss your options, and provide a comprehensive estimate for your retaining wall or masonry project.
Call (971) 289-1988