Retaining Walls & Concrete Masonry

Why You Need Retaining Walls

Retaining walls do important work. They hold back soil on slopes and hills. They prevent erosion and landslides. They create level areas on sloped properties so you can build patios, gardens, or driveways where you otherwise could not. And they protect your foundation from soil pressure and water damage.

If your property has significant slope, you probably need retaining walls to make the space usable and protect your home. Signs you need a retaining wall include soil sliding down slopes, water running toward your foundation, or unusable hillside areas you want to convert to flat space.

At SCM Sumter Concrete, we specialize in building concrete and masonry retaining walls that solve these problems permanently. Since 2024, we have been helping homeowners in Sumter create functional, attractive outdoor spaces on challenging lots. We understand the engineering principles that make retaining walls work, and we build structures that will last for decades.

Benefits of Retaining Walls

• Prevents soil erosion and slope failure
• Creates usable level space on sloped properties
• Protects foundations from soil and water pressure
• Improves drainage and water management
• Adds property value and visual appeal
• Allows terraced landscaping and gardens
• Provides permanent, low-maintenance solution

Whether you need a small garden wall or a large structural retaining wall, we have the expertise to design and build it correctly. A properly built retaining wall transforms problem areas into valuable outdoor space.

Types of Retaining Walls

We build several types of retaining walls depending on the height needed, the load they must support, and your aesthetic preferences. Each type has specific applications where it works best.

Concrete block retaining walls are the most common type we install. These use specially designed interlocking concrete blocks that stack to create strong, attractive walls. They work well for walls up to 4 or 5 feet high and offer many styles and colors. Installation is relatively straightforward, making them cost-effective for most residential applications.

Poured concrete retaining walls provide maximum strength for taller walls or heavy loads. We build forms, install reinforcement, and pour solid concrete walls that can handle significant pressure. These work well when you need walls over 5 feet tall or when building codes require engineered solutions.

Concrete masonry walls use standard concrete blocks with a stucco or stone veneer finish. This gives you structural strength with a more decorative appearance. We often use this approach for walls around entryways or near the front of homes where appearance matters most.

Natural stone veneer walls combine the strength of concrete with the beauty of natural stone. We build a concrete or block wall and face it with real stone for a high-end look. This costs more but creates stunning results that significantly enhance curb appeal.

Wall Applications

• Terraced yards and tiered landscaping
• Driveway and parking area retaining walls
• Foundation protection and basement walls
• Garden walls and raised planting beds
• Erosion control on slopes and hillsides
• Property line walls and fencing alternatives
• Pool area grade changes and surrounds

During your consultation, we will assess your site and recommend the right type of wall for your needs, budget, and aesthetic goals. We consider factors like wall height, soil conditions, drainage, and appearance to design the best solution.

Engineering and Drainage

A retaining wall is not just stacked blocks or poured concrete. It is an engineered structure that must resist significant forces. Soil exerts constant pressure trying to push the wall over. Water increases this pressure dramatically. A poorly designed or built wall will fail, sometimes catastrophically.

Proper design starts with understanding your soil type, the height of the wall, and what the wall must support. For walls over a certain height or in critical applications, we work with structural engineers who calculate the required strength and provide detailed plans. We follow these plans precisely to ensure safety and longevity.

The foundation is critical. We excavate below the frost line and create a level, compacted base. For taller walls, we may need to install concrete footings that extend deep into stable soil. This foundation prevents the wall from sliding or tipping forward over time.

Drainage is equally important. Water trapped behind a retaining wall creates enormous pressure that can cause failure. We install drainage systems including gravel backfill, perforated drain pipes, and weep holes that let water escape. This keeps pressure manageable and prevents water damage to the wall and surrounding soil.

We also use proper backfill techniques. The soil behind the wall must be compacted in layers to prevent settling. We use free-draining gravel near the wall and ensure water can flow down to the drain pipe rather than soaking into clay soils where it would freeze and cause problems.

These engineering considerations are why retaining wall work should be done by professionals who understand the principles involved. We have the knowledge and experience to build walls that perform safely and reliably for decades.

Installation Process

Building a retaining wall is a multi-step process that requires careful attention to detail. We start by marking out the wall location and excavating for the foundation. This often means moving significant amounts of soil and creating a level trench at the proper depth.

Next, we install the foundation. For block walls, this usually means a compacted gravel base. For poured walls, we build and pour concrete footings. The foundation must be perfectly level and at the correct depth to support the wall properly.

Then we build the wall itself. For block walls, we carefully stack and level each course, ensuring blocks interlock properly and the wall stays plumb as it rises. For poured walls, we build forms, install reinforcement, and pour in stages if needed for tall walls.

As we build, we install drainage components. Drain pipes go in at the base. We add gravel backfill behind the wall as we go up. We create weep holes or drainage spaces to let water escape. Proper drainage installation happens during construction, not after.

Finally, we backfill behind the wall with the right materials compacted properly. We cap the wall if needed and clean up the site. For walls that need it, we can add decorative finishes like stucco or stone veneer.

The timeline for retaining wall projects varies widely depending on size and complexity. Small garden walls might take 2 to 3 days. Large structural walls can take a week or more. We will give you a specific schedule when we quote your project.

Masonry Work Beyond Walls

Our masonry skills extend beyond retaining walls. We build various concrete and block structures for residential and commercial properties. Outdoor kitchens and fire pits are popular projects. We construct the concrete or block structures that support countertops, grills, and pizza ovens. We build fire pit surrounds and chimney structures.

We also build privacy walls, screen walls, and decorative landscape walls that are not retaining anything but serve to define spaces, provide privacy, or add architectural interest to your property. These can be plain block with stucco, faced with stone, or left with an exposed block finish depending on your style.

For commercial properties, we build dumpster enclosures, equipment screening walls, and property perimeter walls. These structures must meet specific codes and withstand weather and abuse while looking professional.

Column and pillar construction is another specialty. We build decorative columns for entries, mailbox surrounds, and gate posts. These add elegance and can tie into walls or stand alone.

Additional Masonry Services

• Outdoor kitchen and fire pit structures
• Privacy and decorative walls
• Garden walls and raised planting beds
• Columns, pillars, and entry features
• Commercial enclosures and screening walls
• Masonry repairs and restoration
• Stone and brick veneer installation

If you have a masonry project in mind, give us a call at (803) 883-0376. We will discuss your vision and provide a quote for bringing it to life with quality concrete and masonry work.

Frequently Asked Questions