Retaining Walls & Concrete Masonry

Solve Slope Problems and Create Usable Space

If your yard has slopes or grade changes, you know the challenges they create. Erosion washes away soil, water runs off instead of soaking in, and you can't use the sloped areas for much of anything. A well-built retaining wall solves these problems while adding visual interest to your landscape.

Retaining walls hold back soil to create level terraces, control erosion, manage water drainage, and turn unusable slopes into functional outdoor spaces. They're not just practical. A properly designed retaining wall can be a landscape feature that enhances your property's appearance and value.

At PCT Metairie Concrete, we design and build retaining walls and concrete masonry structures that are both structurally sound and attractive. We understand Louisiana's soil conditions, drainage requirements, and the engineering principles needed for walls that last. Whether you need a small garden wall or a large structural retaining wall, we handle the entire project from design through completion. We also coordinate retaining wall projects with other concrete work like patios or walkways to create a cohesive outdoor space.

Types of Retaining Walls and Masonry We Build

We construct several types of retaining walls and masonry structures to meet different needs and aesthetics:

• •Concrete block retaining walls: Modular concrete blocks that interlock for stability, available in various colors and textures for a finished look.
• •Poured concrete walls: Custom-formed concrete walls that can follow any contour and handle significant height and load requirements.
• •Natural stone walls: Fieldstone or cut stone walls that provide a rustic, natural appearance for garden areas and landscape features.
• •Brick masonry walls: Traditional brick walls for garden beds, property boundaries, or decorative landscape elements.
• •Segmental walls: Dry-stacked concrete units designed specifically for retaining walls, with built-in drainage and set-back for stability.
• •Concrete seat walls and planters: Low walls that define spaces, provide seating, or create raised planting areas.

Proper Design Is Critical for Retaining Walls

A retaining wall isn't just stacking blocks. It's holding back thousands of pounds of soil and water pressure. Poor design or construction leads to walls that lean, crack, or fail completely. That's an expensive problem to fix.

Foundation and Base Preparation

Every retaining wall needs a solid foundation below the frost line. We excavate to the right depth, create a level base, and install compacted gravel for drainage and stability. The base width depends on wall height and soil conditions.

Drainage Systems

Water pressure behind a wall is one of the main causes of failure. We install drainage systems including perforated pipes, gravel backfill, and weep holes to relieve water pressure. Proper drainage is not optional, it's essential for wall longevity.

Reinforcement and Setback

Taller walls need reinforcement for stability. This might include geo-grid anchors that extend back into the soil, steel reinforcement in poured concrete walls, or proper setback angle in segmental block walls. We follow engineering principles to ensure your wall stays put.

Height and Code Requirements

Most areas require permits and engineering for retaining walls over 4 feet high. We handle the permit process and work with engineers when needed. For walls under 4 feet, we follow best practices to ensure stability without formal engineering, though we recommend professional design for any wall holding back significant soil loads.

Beyond Retaining Walls: Other Masonry Services

Our masonry expertise extends beyond retaining walls. We build various concrete and masonry structures:

• •Outdoor kitchens and fireplaces: Custom masonry structures for outdoor entertaining, including counters, fire pits, and fireplace surrounds.
• •Columns and pillars: Structural or decorative columns for entryways, porches, or landscape features.
• •Garden walls and planters: Low walls that create defined garden beds and raised planting areas for better drainage and easier maintenance.
• •Property boundary walls: Solid masonry walls for privacy, security, or defining property lines.
• •Steps and staircases: Masonry steps that navigate grade changes with style and safety.

We coordinate masonry work with your other projects to create outdoor spaces that work together visually and functionally. If you're planning a complete outdoor renovation, we can also handle foundation work for outdoor structures. Visit our home page to see examples of completed masonry projects.

Frequently Asked Questions