Retaining Walls & Concrete Masonry
Hold back soil, prevent erosion, and create usable outdoor space with professionally built retaining walls.
Solve Erosion and Slope Problems for Good
If your yard has a slope, a hill, or areas where soil washes away every time it rains, a retaining wall is the solution. Retaining walls hold back earth, redirect water, and turn unusable sloped ground into flat, functional space. They are one of the most practical and valuable improvements you can make to a property with grade changes.
At Advanced North Augusta Concrete, we build retaining walls and concrete masonry structures that are engineered to last. We do not just stack blocks and hope for the best. Every wall we build starts with a proper footing, includes drainage behind the wall to relieve water pressure, and uses the right materials for the height and soil conditions on your property.
We work with homeowners, landscapers, and commercial property owners across North Augusta, Augusta, Aiken, and the greater CSRA area. Whether you need a small garden wall to define a flower bed or a tall structural wall to hold back a hillside, our team has the experience and equipment to get it done right.
Call us at (803) 991-5033 for a free on-site consultation. We will look at your property, discuss your goals, and give you a detailed quote.
Types of Retaining Walls We Build
The right type of retaining wall depends on how much soil you need to hold back, the look you want, and your budget. Here are the options we offer:
- Poured concrete walls are the strongest option for tall walls and heavy loads. They are formed and poured in place with steel reinforcement for maximum structural integrity.
- Concrete masonry unit (CMU) block walls are built with hollow concrete blocks, reinforced with rebar and filled with grout. They are versatile, strong, and can be finished with stucco, stone veneer, or paint.
- Segmental retaining walls use interlocking concrete blocks that stack without mortar. Great for walls under four feet that need a clean, finished look with no extra coating needed.
- Gravity walls rely on their own mass to hold back soil. These are typically made from large concrete blocks or poured sections and work well for short to medium walls.
- Seating walls and decorative walls that double as landscape features and outdoor seating. These are shorter walls, usually 18 to 24 inches, that define spaces and add usable seating around patios and fire pits.
Retaining walls pair perfectly with our concrete patio installation service. A terraced yard with a retaining wall and a patio on the flat area above or below creates a beautiful, functional outdoor living space.
Why Drainage Is the Key to a Wall That Lasts
The number one reason retaining walls fail is water. When rain soaks into the soil behind a wall, it creates hydrostatic pressure that pushes against the wall from behind. If there is no way for that water to escape, even a strong wall will eventually lean, crack, or collapse. We see failed retaining walls all the time in North Augusta, and almost every single one has the same problem: no drainage.
Every retaining wall we build includes a proper drainage system. We install a perforated drain pipe at the base of the wall, surrounded by gravel, to collect and redirect water away from the structure. Behind the wall, we place a layer of drainage gravel that lets water flow down to the pipe instead of building up pressure against the concrete.
We also install weep holes in the face of the wall for taller structures, giving water an additional path to escape. The footing itself is built on compacted gravel so moisture does not pool underneath and weaken the base. These details take extra time and materials, but they are what separate a wall that lasts 50 years from one that fails in five.
If you have an existing retaining wall that is leaning or cracking, we offer concrete repair and replacement to fix or rebuild it. Visit our home page for the full list of concrete services we provide across North Augusta, SC.
Common Questions About Retaining Walls
How tall can a retaining wall be without a permit?
In most areas around North Augusta and Aiken County, retaining walls under four feet measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall do not require a building permit. Walls over four feet typically need a permit and may require engineered drawings. We are familiar with local requirements and can help you navigate the permitting process if your wall needs one. We always build to code regardless of whether a permit is required.
How long does it take to build a retaining wall?
Small garden walls and seating walls can be completed in one to two days. Larger structural walls that require footings, drainage systems, and backfill typically take three to seven days depending on the length and height. Poured concrete walls need additional time for forming and curing. We provide a clear timeline during the estimate so you know what to expect. Weather can sometimes cause short delays, but we always communicate any schedule changes promptly.
Can a retaining wall add value to my property?
Absolutely. A well-built retaining wall solves drainage and erosion issues while creating usable flat space on a sloped lot. It also improves curb appeal and shows buyers that the property has been professionally maintained. Terraced yards with retaining walls are attractive features in the real estate market because they expand the usable outdoor area. The investment typically pays for itself in both property value and reduced erosion damage over time.
Ready to Build a Retaining Wall That Lasts?
Call today for a free site visit and estimate. We will assess your slope and recommend the best solution.
(803) 991-5033