Retaining Walls & Concrete Masonry
When your yard is sloped or your soil is shifting, a solid retaining wall holds everything in place and gives you back usable outdoor space.
Call (253) 354-9370Free estimates. Available 24/7.
Why a Well-Built Retaining Wall Matters More Than You Think
A retaining wall does two things. It holds back soil to prevent erosion and slope movement, and it creates level, usable space on a sloped property. But a retaining wall is also one of those structures where a poor installation creates serious problems over time. A wall that was not designed for the load it is carrying, that lacks proper drainage, or that was built without footings will lean, crack, or fail.
In Tacoma, WA, the combination of heavy rainfall and clay-heavy soils means water pressure behind a wall is a real concern. When water cannot drain out from behind the wall, it builds up hydrostatic pressure that pushes the wall forward. Proper drainage behind the wall, including gravel backfill and weep holes or drain pipe, is not optional. It is part of building a wall that will still be standing in 20 years.
At Precision Tacoma Concrete Contractor, we build retaining walls with the right footings, proper drainage, and materials appropriate for the height and load of each wall. We do not guess at what your wall needs. We assess the site, look at the soil conditions, consider what is above and below the wall, and then build accordingly.
Retaining Wall and Masonry Work We Do
- Poured concrete retaining walls
- Concrete block (CMU) retaining walls
- Segmental retaining wall systems
- Garden walls and landscape borders
- Tiered retaining wall systems
- Concrete masonry unit (block) walls
- Erosion control structures
- Retaining wall repair and rebuilding
Which Type of Retaining Wall Is Right for Your Property?
There is no single right answer here. The best wall for your situation depends on how tall it needs to be, what is above it, the soil conditions, your budget, and how you want it to look. Here is a quick breakdown of the most common options:
Poured Concrete Walls
Poured concrete walls are the strongest option for taller walls or walls that need to hold back significant loads like a sloped driveway or a fill area near a foundation. They require forms, rebar, and a proper footing, but when built right they last for generations with almost no maintenance.
Concrete Block (CMU) Walls
Concrete masonry unit walls use precast concrete blocks that are stacked and filled with concrete and rebar. They are strong, durable, and can be finished in multiple ways including stucco, paint, or a stone veneer. They work well for both structural retaining walls and decorative garden walls.
Segmental Retaining Wall Systems
Segmental blocks like Allan Block or similar systems stack without mortar and are designed to create a slight batter (backward lean) that helps them resist soil pressure. They are a popular option for residential retaining walls under 4 feet tall because they install relatively quickly and have a clean, finished look. For walls taller than 4 feet, we typically add geogrid reinforcement into the backfill.
Not sure which type makes sense for your situation? Call us and describe what you are working with. We will give you our honest recommendation with no sales pressure. You can also visit our full concrete services page to see everything we do in Tacoma, WA.
Signs Your Retaining Wall Needs Attention Now
Retaining walls rarely fail all at once. They give warning signs first, and catching those signs early can mean the difference between a repair and a full rebuild. Here is what to watch for:
- The wall is visibly leaning or bowing outward
- Cracks running horizontally across the wall face
- Soil spilling out from behind or under the wall
- Water pooling at the base of the wall after rain
- Sections of the wall that have shifted or separated
- The area above the wall has started to sink or crack
If you see any of these signs, do not wait. A leaning wall that is not repaired will continue to move and can fail suddenly, taking the soil above it with it. Call us and we will come out to assess the situation. For surface cracks on flat concrete near the wall, also see our concrete repair and replacement service.
Frequently Asked Questions About Retaining Walls
Get a Free Quote on Your Retaining Wall Project
We will come out, look at your site, and give you a clear written estimate. No pressure and no obligation. Call us now.
(253) 354-9370Available 24/7. Precision Tacoma Concrete Contractor.