Retaining Wall Design & Installation

Retaining walls hold back soil on sloped properties. Without them, gravity pulls soil downhill, causing erosion, drainage problems, and unstable ground. A properly built retaining wall stops erosion, creates level yard space, prevents water damage to foundations, and adds structure to your landscape design. Many Manchester properties need retaining walls to make yards usable and protect buildings from water and soil movement.

Beyond function, retaining walls improve your property appearance and value. They transform unusable slopes into terraced gardens, level patios, or flat lawn areas. Quality masonry walls built with natural stone or quality materials become attractive landscape features that last for generations. The investment pays off in usable space, prevented damage, and enhanced curb appeal.

New Hampshire building codes regulate retaining wall construction for good reason. Walls over certain heights require engineered designs and permits. Improper construction leads to wall failure, property damage, and safety hazards. Our team understands local requirements and builds walls that meet code, perform reliably, and look great. We handle everything from initial design consultation through final inspection, making the process straightforward for you.

Every retaining wall project starts with understanding your property, soil conditions, drainage patterns, and goals. Good design prevents problems and ensures your wall performs as intended for decades.

Site Assessment

We evaluate slope angle, soil type, drainage patterns, and existing conditions. Clay soil requires different approaches than sandy soil. Poor drainage behind walls causes failure, so we design proper water management into every project. We identify underground utilities, property lines, and any factors that affect design and construction. This thorough assessment prevents surprises and ensures proper planning.

Height and Setback Requirements

Wall height determines design requirements and whether engineering is needed. Walls over four feet typically need professional engineering and building permits in Manchester. Setback from property lines and other structures affects design. We handle permit applications and work with engineers when needed to ensure your wall meets all codes and regulations.

Material Selection

Different materials suit different applications and budgets. Natural stone creates beautiful, permanent walls that age gracefully. Manufactured block systems offer design flexibility and often cost less. Poured concrete provides maximum strength for challenging conditions. We recommend materials appropriate for your wall height, soil conditions, aesthetic preferences, and budget. Our masonry expertise ensures quality construction regardless of material choice.

• Natural stone for timeless beauty and maximum durability
• Manufactured block systems in various colors and textures
• Brick for traditional appearance matching home exterior
• Boulder walls for naturalistic erosion control
• Terraced systems for steep slopes needing multiple walls
• Curved designs following landscape contours

Quality retaining wall construction requires proper foundation work, drainage systems, and building techniques. Here is how we build walls that perform reliably for decades.

Foundation and Base Preparation

Every wall starts with solid foundation work. We excavate to proper depth, accounting for frost depth and soil conditions. Compacted gravel base provides stable footing and facilitates drainage. The foundation must be level and properly sized for the wall height and soil pressure. Cutting corners on foundation work guarantees future problems. We do it right from the start.

Drainage Systems

Water pressure behind walls causes most failures. We install drainage systems that channel water away before pressure builds up. This typically includes gravel backfill, perforated drain pipes, and proper grading. Drainage outlets direct water safely away from the wall and surrounding structures. Good drainage is not optional for lasting performance. Our experience with water management in masonry ensures your wall handles moisture correctly.

Wall Construction

We build walls course by course, ensuring proper setback for stability. Natural stone walls require skilled fitting and placement for strength and appearance. Block walls follow manufacturer specifications for reinforcement and adhesive. Each course gets checked for level and alignment. Proper backfill happens in stages, with compaction at intervals to prevent settling. Cap stones or coping finish the top, preventing water infiltration and providing a finished appearance.

Final Grading and Landscaping

After wall completion, we grade areas properly to direct water away from the structure. This includes shaping slopes above and below the wall for drainage. We coordinate with landscaping work if you are adding plantings or other features. The goal is an integrated system where wall, drainage, and landscaping all work together. We leave your property clean and ready for use or further landscaping work.