Retaining Walls & Concrete Masonry

Why You Need a Retaining Wall

Issaquah sits in hilly terrain, and many properties have slopes that create challenges. A sloped yard limits how you can use your outdoor space and can lead to erosion problems. Retaining walls solve these issues by holding back soil and creating level areas where you can build, landscape, or simply enjoy your property.

Beyond function, retaining walls add value and beauty to your property. They create definition between different areas of your yard, provide planting beds for gardens, and add architectural interest to the landscape. A well-designed retaining wall can transform an unusable slope into attractive terraced spaces that increase your usable outdoor area.

We have built retaining walls throughout the Issaquah area using various materials and techniques. From small garden walls to large structural walls that hold back entire hillsides, we know how to build walls that last. When you work with our masonry team, you get walls that are engineered properly, built to code, and designed to complement your property.

Types of Retaining Walls We Build

Different situations call for different wall types. The height, soil conditions, and look you want all influence which type of wall works best. Here are the main options:

• Concrete Block Walls: Interlocking concrete blocks that stack together to create strong, attractive walls. Available in many colors, textures, and styles. Good for walls up to 4 to 6 feet high.
• Poured Concrete Walls: Solid concrete walls formed and poured on site. The strongest option for tall walls or heavy loads. Can be left natural or faced with stone or stucco.
• Natural Stone Walls: Dry-stacked or mortared stone creates a timeless, natural look. Labor intensive but beautiful. Best for shorter walls in highly visible areas.
• Concrete Masonry Walls: Traditional concrete block with mortar joints. Very strong and durable. Can be faced with stucco, stone veneer, or left natural for an industrial look.

Each type has advantages depending on your needs. Block walls go up quickly and look great right away. Poured walls handle the highest loads and tallest heights. Stone walls provide unmatched natural beauty. We help you choose the right wall type for your site conditions, budget, and aesthetic preferences.

Retaining walls often work together with other site improvements. If you are adding a patio or driveway, retaining walls can create the level area you need. We coordinate all the concrete work so everything flows together seamlessly.

Engineering and Installation Process

Retaining walls are not just stacked blocks or poured concrete. They need to be engineered to handle the tremendous forces of soil and water pushing against them. A wall that is not built right will lean, crack, or fail completely. That is why proper design and construction matter so much.

Design Considerations

Wall height determines whether engineering is required. Most jurisdictions require engineered designs for walls over 4 feet tall. Even shorter walls benefit from proper design to ensure they last. We consider soil type, slope angle, drainage, and loads above the wall when planning your retaining wall.

Drainage is critical for retaining wall success. Water pressure behind a wall can cause failure even if the wall itself is built perfectly. We install drainage systems behind walls to remove water before it builds up pressure. This includes gravel backfill, perforated drain pipes, and weep holes that let water escape.

Construction Steps

We excavate for the wall footer, creating a level base below the frost line. The footer provides a solid foundation that keeps the wall from settling. For block walls, we start with a level base course and build up from there, checking level and alignment constantly. Each course is set back slightly to create batter, which angles the wall into the hillside for stability.

Poured concrete walls require forming both sides, installing reinforcement, and carefully placing concrete to avoid voids. The concrete needs to be vibrated to remove air pockets and ensure full contact with the reinforcement. After the concrete cures, we strip the forms and install drainage behind the wall.

Backfilling happens in layers, with each layer compacted before adding the next. Proper compaction prevents settlement that could damage the wall. The drainage system is carefully placed and protected during backfilling to ensure it functions correctly for the life of the wall.

Common Questions About Retaining Walls