Retaining Walls & Concrete Masonry

Turn Slopes Into Usable Space

If your property has slopes, uneven terrain, or erosion problems, a retaining wall can solve those issues while adding beauty and functionality. Retaining walls hold back soil to create level areas for patios, gardens, driveways, or lawns. They prevent erosion, manage water drainage, and turn unusable hillsides into attractive, functional spaces.

Concrete and masonry retaining walls are built to last. They are stronger and more durable than timber or interlocking block systems. They can handle taller heights and heavier loads without shifting or failing. And they offer design flexibility, from clean modern lines to textured stone finishes that blend with your landscape. Whether you need a small garden wall or a large structural retaining system, we have the experience to design and build it right.

Types of Retaining Walls and Masonry Work

We specialize in concrete and masonry walls for residential and commercial properties in Hackensack and surrounding areas. Our services include:

• Poured concrete retaining walls: The strongest option for tall walls or heavy loads. Poured concrete can be finished smooth, stamped, or faced with stone veneer.
• Concrete block walls: Built with stacked concrete blocks and reinforced with rebar and grout. Ideal for medium-height walls with a clean, uniform appearance.
• Brick and stone veneer walls: Add natural stone or brick facing to concrete walls for a high-end look that combines beauty with strength.
• Garden and landscape walls: Low decorative walls that define planting beds, create seating areas, or add visual interest to your yard.
• Foundation walls: Structural walls for basements, crawl spaces, or building foundations.
• Privacy walls and screens: Tall masonry walls that provide privacy, block noise, and create enclosed outdoor spaces.
• Fire pits and outdoor kitchens: Custom masonry features built with concrete block, brick, or stone to enhance your outdoor living area.

Every wall we build is engineered for your specific site conditions and designed to meet building codes. If you are also planning outdoor living spaces, check out our concrete patio services to complete your backyard transformation.

Engineering and Drainage

A retaining wall is only as good as its foundation and drainage system. Walls that are not properly engineered will crack, lean, or fail under the pressure of the soil behind them. Water buildup behind the wall creates hydrostatic pressure that can cause catastrophic failure. That is why we take engineering and drainage seriously on every project.

We start by evaluating your site conditions, including soil type, slope angle, and drainage patterns. For walls over 4 feet tall or walls supporting heavy loads, we work with engineers to design a wall that meets structural requirements and local building codes. We excavate to solid soil or bedrock and install a compacted gravel base to provide a stable foundation.

Drainage is critical. We install drainage pipes, gravel backfill, and weep holes to allow water to escape instead of building up behind the wall. We also ensure the wall slopes slightly back into the hillside for added stability. These steps might not be visible in the finished wall, but they make all the difference in how long it lasts. For related concrete work like foundations or slabs, see our slab and foundation services.

Design and Aesthetics

Retaining walls do not have to be purely functional. They can be beautiful focal points in your landscape. We offer several design options to match your home's style and your personal taste. Poured concrete walls can be stamped to look like natural stone or stacked ledgestone. We can add stone veneer or brick facing for a high-end appearance. Curved walls create visual interest and soften hard edges.

We can also incorporate steps, planters, lighting, and seating into the wall design to make it more functional and inviting. Tiered walls create multiple levels for planting or outdoor living spaces. Decorative caps add a finished look and provide a place to sit. We will work with you to design a wall that solves your site issues while enhancing your property's beauty and value. For more decorative concrete options, explore our stamped and decorative concrete page.

Maintenance and Longevity

Properly built concrete and masonry retaining walls require very little maintenance. Periodically inspect the wall for cracks, leaning, or drainage issues. Keep weep holes and drainage pipes clear of debris so water can flow freely. Clean the wall surface as needed to remove dirt, algae, or stains.

If you notice any problems like cracks, bulging, or water staining, address them quickly before they get worse. Small repairs are inexpensive, but major structural problems can be costly to fix. A well-built retaining wall should last 30 to 50 years or more with minimal maintenance. If you have an existing wall that needs attention, we offer repair services to restore its function and appearance. Check out our full range of concrete services for more information.