Retaining Wall Design & Installation

Why Retaining Walls Are Essential for Sloped Properties

If your property has any slope or grade change, you understand the challenges that come with it. Soil erosion washes away your yard with every heavy rain. Uneven terrain makes mowing difficult or impossible. Water runoff flows toward your foundation, threatening your home's structural integrity.

A properly designed retaining wall solves all these problems while adding beauty and value to your Fargo, ND property. These structures hold back soil, create level areas, control water drainage, and define outdoor spaces. Whether you need a small garden wall or a major structural installation, the right retaining wall transforms how you use your property.

Many homeowners put off building a retaining wall because they think it is just a landscaping feature. But retaining walls are functional structures that protect your property investment. They prevent costly erosion damage, reduce maintenance headaches, and can even increase your usable outdoor living space.

We have designed and built retaining walls throughout the Fargo area for over a decade. We understand local soil conditions, drainage patterns, and frost depth requirements. This local knowledge makes a real difference in creating retaining walls that last for generations.

Types of Retaining Walls We Build

Choosing the Right Material for Your Project

Not all retaining walls are created equal. The right choice depends on your specific situation, including the height needed, soil conditions, drainage requirements, and your aesthetic preferences. Here are the most popular options we install:

• Natural stone retaining walls: Timeless beauty using fieldstone, limestone, or granite. Perfect for traditional homes and natural landscapes.
• Concrete block retaining walls: Engineered blocks designed specifically for retaining wall construction. Strong, versatile, and cost-effective.
• Brick retaining walls: Classic appearance that complements brick homes. Ideal for shorter walls and garden borders.
• Segmental concrete walls: Interlocking units that create a modern look. Available in various colors and textures.
• Boulder retaining walls: Large natural boulders stacked or placed for a rugged, natural appearance.

Each material has advantages depending on your needs. During our consultation, we walk your property and discuss which options work best for your situation. We consider factors like wall height, soil type, water table, and how the wall will integrate with your existing landscape.

We also specialize in brick repair and restoration for existing retaining walls that need attention. If your current wall is failing, we can assess whether repair or replacement makes more sense.

The Importance of Proper Design and Installation

Why Experience Matters for Retaining Walls

A retaining wall is a structural element that fights against thousands of pounds of soil pressure. Poor design or installation leads to catastrophic failure. We have repaired many walls built by inexperienced contractors who did not understand the engineering principles involved.

Proper retaining wall construction starts with a solid foundation. In our climate, that means excavating below the frost line and creating a compacted gravel base. Skipping this step leads to heaving, settling, and eventual collapse. We never cut corners on foundation prep.

Drainage is equally critical. Water pressure behind a retaining wall can cause it to bow, crack, or tip over. We install drainage systems including perforated pipe, gravel backfill, and weep holes to relieve hydrostatic pressure. Proper drainage is what separates walls that last from walls that fail.

For walls over four feet tall, engineering is required by code. We work with licensed engineers to ensure your wall meets all structural requirements and building codes. This is not optional. It protects your safety and your property value.

Our installation follows best practices developed over decades of masonry work. We set each course level and plumb. We use proper backfill materials and compaction techniques. We tie tiers together on tall walls. These details make the difference between a retaining wall that lasts 50 years and one that fails in five. We also provide tuckpointing and repointing services to maintain masonry retaining walls as they age.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the questions homeowners and property owners ask most often about retaining wall design and installation in the Fargo area.