Retaining Wall Design & Installation

Why Your Property Needs a Retaining Wall

If your yard slopes or you have uneven terrain, you probably deal with erosion, drainage problems, or wasted space. A well-designed retaining wall solves these issues while adding functional outdoor living areas and boosting your property value. Retaining walls are not just about looks, they are engineered structures that hold back soil and manage water flow.

Many homeowners in Augusta, GA face challenges with sloped properties. Heavy rain washes away soil, creating gullies and undermining foundations. Steep slopes make it hard to mow or use your yard. Retaining walls transform problem areas into level terraces perfect for patios, gardens, or play spaces.

• Prevent soil erosion: Retaining walls hold soil in place, stopping erosion that damages your landscape and creates muddy runoff.
• Create usable space: Turn steep, unusable slopes into level areas for patios, gardens, walkways, or play areas.
• Improve drainage: Properly designed retaining walls include drainage systems that direct water away from your home and prevent pooling.
• Protect your foundation: By controlling water flow and preventing soil movement, retaining walls protect your home's foundation from damage.
• Increase property value: A professionally installed retaining wall improves curb appeal and expands usable outdoor space, making your home more attractive to buyers.

At AGM Augusta Masonry, we have built hundreds of retaining walls throughout Augusta, GA and surrounding areas. We understand local soil conditions, drainage patterns, and building codes. Our walls are engineered to last for decades, not just years.

Retaining Wall Options for Your Property

Not all retaining walls are created equal. The right choice depends on the height you need, soil conditions, drainage requirements, your budget, and the look you want. Here are the main types we install:

Segmental Block Retaining Walls

These walls use interlocking concrete blocks designed specifically for retaining wall applications. They come in many colors, textures, and styles to match your home's aesthetic. Segmental blocks are versatile, durable, and work well for walls up to 8 feet tall. They are also more forgiving if minor soil settlement occurs since the blocks can shift slightly without cracking.

Natural Stone Retaining Walls

For a timeless, high-end look, nothing beats natural stone. We build dry-stacked stone walls for a rustic appearance or mortared stone walls for a more formal look. Stone walls blend beautifully with the landscape and get better looking as they age. They work well for shorter walls (typically under 4 feet for dry-stack) and add significant aesthetic value to your property.

Brick Retaining Walls

Brick retaining walls offer a classic, elegant appearance that complements traditional architecture. Brick masonry requires skilled craftsmanship to ensure proper drainage and structural integrity. These walls work best for shorter applications and areas where aesthetic appeal is a priority.

Boulder Walls

Large boulders create massive, dramatic retaining structures perfect for steep slopes or where you need to move large amounts of earth. Boulder walls have a natural, rugged look that works well in wooded or naturalized settings. The weight and size of the boulders provide excellent stability.

Professional Design and Installation

Site Assessment and Design

We start every project with a thorough site evaluation. We assess the slope, soil type, drainage patterns, and any underground utilities. We measure the area and discuss your goals for the space. Do you want a patio area behind the wall? Multiple terraces? Garden beds?

Then we design a wall system that meets your needs and complies with local building codes. For walls over a certain height (typically 4 feet in most areas), we work with structural engineers to ensure the design is safe and properly engineered. We provide detailed drawings and explain exactly what we will build.

Proper Base Preparation

The foundation is the most critical part of any retaining wall. We excavate the area and install a compacted gravel base that provides a stable, level platform. The base must be deep enough to prevent frost heaving and wide enough to support the wall's weight. Cutting corners on base preparation leads to wall failure down the road.

Built-In Drainage Systems

Water pressure is the biggest threat to retaining walls. We install drainage pipes and gravel backfill behind every wall to channel water away and prevent buildup. Proper drainage extends the life of your wall and prevents bulging, cracking, or collapse.

Expert Construction

Our experienced crew builds your wall according to engineering specifications and best practices. We pay attention to details like proper setback (the backward lean of the wall), alignment, and level coursing. We install geogrid reinforcement when needed for taller walls. The result is a wall that looks great and will stand strong for decades.

Frequently Asked Questions