Retaining Walls & Concrete Masonry

Building Walls That Last

Retaining walls serve an important purpose on sloped properties. They hold back soil, prevent erosion, and create level areas for landscaping, patios, or driveways. A properly built retaining wall in Methuen can transform an unusable slope into functional outdoor space while adding visual interest to your property.

We build retaining walls using concrete block, poured concrete, and natural stone. Each material has advantages depending on your situation. Concrete block walls are cost-effective and work well for most residential applications. Poured concrete walls provide maximum strength for taller walls or heavy soil loads. Natural stone offers a beautiful, rustic appearance but costs more due to labor intensity.

Beyond retaining walls, we handle all types of concrete masonry including foundation walls, garden walls, step systems, and decorative block work. Our masons have years of experience with these specialized techniques. We understand soil mechanics, drainage requirements, and proper construction methods that ensure your wall stands strong for decades.

What Makes a Good Retaining Wall

A retaining wall is only as good as its foundation and drainage. Here is what goes into a quality installation:

• •Proper Foundation: Walls need a solid base below the frost line to prevent heaving and movement
• •Drainage System: Gravel backfill and drain pipes remove water pressure that can push walls over
• •Reinforcement: Rebar or geogrid ties the wall back into the soil for stability
• •Proper Batter: Walls should lean slightly into the slope for natural strength
• •Cap Stones: Finished top course protects the wall and provides a clean appearance

We engineer walls according to height and soil conditions. Short walls under 3 feet are fairly straightforward. Taller walls require more substantial foundations, reinforcement, and sometimes engineering approval. If you need a wall to create space for a new patio, we coordinate both projects together.

Our Wall Construction Process

Every retaining wall project starts with site evaluation. We look at the soil type, slope angle, drainage patterns, and proximity to structures. These factors determine the wall design, material selection, and construction approach. For walls over 4 feet tall or those near property lines, we may recommend getting an engineer involved.

Excavation comes next. We dig down to stable soil and create a level base extending below the frost line. Then we install the drainage system including perforated pipe and gravel backfill. This is the most important step because water pressure is what causes most retaining wall failures. Get the drainage right and the wall will last.

Wall construction proceeds in courses, with each row set level and properly aligned. For block walls, we use construction adhesive between courses for added strength. Poured concrete walls are formed, reinforced with rebar, and poured in one continuous operation. As the wall goes up, we install backfill in lifts and compact it properly. Finally, we cap the wall and finish the grading. If you also need driveway work at the top of the wall, we coordinate that too.

Beyond Retaining Walls: Other Masonry Work

Our masonry capabilities extend to other structures. We build concrete block foundations for sheds and garages, often combined with slab foundations. We construct outdoor kitchen walls, privacy walls, and decorative garden walls. We install concrete steps and landings that tie into retaining walls or create transitions on sloped yards.

For decorative work, we can face concrete block walls with stone veneer or stucco. This gives you the structural benefits of block with the appearance of more expensive materials. We also repair existing masonry including repointing mortar joints, replacing damaged blocks, and reinforcing walls that have started to lean or crack.

Common Questions About Retaining Walls