How much does a retaining wall cost?

Retaining walls in Benton typically cost $25 to $50 per square foot of wall face for standard concrete block construction. A basic 3-foot high, 20-foot long wall (60 square feet) runs $1,500 to $3,000. Taller walls, difficult site access, poor soil conditions, or decorative finishes increase costs. Engineered walls for significant height differences or slopes may need professional design and permitting, which adds to the total investment. We provide detailed estimates based on your specific site conditions.

Do I need a permit for a retaining wall?

It depends on the wall height and location. In Benton, walls over 3 to 4 feet tall typically require building permits and may need engineering approval. Walls near property lines might need setback approval. Walls that affect drainage on neighboring properties require careful planning and possibly easements. We're familiar with local requirements and can guide you through the permitting process. For permitted projects, we provide the documentation inspectors need and coordinate inspections at required stages.

How long do concrete retaining walls last?

A properly built concrete retaining wall lasts 50 to 100 years. The key is proper drainage behind the wall to prevent water pressure buildup, adequate footing depth below the frost line, and appropriate reinforcement for the wall height. We install drainage systems behind every retaining wall to direct water away safely. With solid construction practices and good drainage, your retaining wall will outlast alternative materials like timber, which rots, or unreinforced block walls that can shift over time.

Retaining Walls & Concrete Masonry

Control erosion, level your yard, and add functional beauty with professional retaining walls and masonry work.

Professional retaining wall installation in Benton

Why Retaining Walls Matter for Your Property

If your property has slopes, uneven terrain, or drainage issues, a retaining wall might be the solution you need. These structures do more than just look good. They hold back soil, prevent erosion, create usable flat areas on sloped lots, and protect your foundation from water damage. Many Benton homes sit on lots with some elevation change, and retaining walls make these properties more functional and valuable.

We've built retaining walls throughout the area for homeowners dealing with sloped yards, eroding hillsides, and drainage problems. A well-designed wall can turn a steep, unusable slope into terraced garden beds or level space for a patio. It can stop soil from washing into your driveway or foundation. And when done right, it becomes an attractive landscape feature that adds character to your property.

Not all retaining walls are the same. The right type depends on how much height you need to retain, what the soil conditions are like, and what look you want. Some walls are purely functional, while others serve as focal points in your landscape design. We'll help you figure out what your property needs and recommend solutions that work both structurally and aesthetically.

Types of Retaining Walls and Masonry Work

We build several types of retaining structures, each with its own advantages. Here's what we offer:

Retaining Wall Options

•Concrete block walls: Built with interlocking concrete blocks designed specifically for retaining. These are strong, relatively quick to install, and come in various colors and textures. Good for walls up to 4 to 6 feet high.
•Poured concrete walls: The strongest option for tall walls or heavy loads. We build forms, install reinforcement, and pour solid concrete walls that can handle significant pressure. Best for walls over 4 feet or commercial applications.
•Natural stone walls: For a traditional, high-end look, we work with natural stone to create walls that blend beautifully with landscaping. More labor-intensive but stunning when done well.
•Decorative concrete block: Textured and colored blocks that look like natural stone but cost less and install faster. Great for visible walls where appearance matters.
•Concrete masonry features: Beyond walls, we build concrete planters, seating walls, fire pit surrounds, outdoor kitchen elements, and other masonry features that complement your landscape.

The right choice depends on your wall's height, the load it needs to support, your budget, and the look you want. During our site visit, we'll evaluate your slope, soil type, and drainage situation. Some properties need engineered solutions with deeper footings and additional drainage. Others can use simpler systems. We'll recommend what actually works for your specific situation.

How We Build Retaining Walls That Last

A retaining wall is only as good as what's behind it and below it. Poor installation leads to walls that lean, crack, or fail completely. Here's how we do it right:

Site evaluation and planning: We assess your slope, check soil conditions, and identify any drainage issues. If your wall will be over 3 to 4 feet tall or retain significant load, we may recommend having an engineer review the plans. This ensures the wall is properly designed for your specific conditions.

Excavation and base preparation: We dig down to stable soil and create a level, compacted base of crushed stone. The base is critical because it prevents settling and provides drainage. For taller walls, we go deeper and may add additional reinforcement.

Drainage installation: Water pressure behind a retaining wall is what causes most failures. We install drainage systems including perforated pipe, gravel backfill, and sometimes drainage fabric to channel water away from the wall. Proper drainage is not optional on retaining walls.

Wall construction: We build the wall using proper techniques for your chosen material. This includes setting the first course correctly, maintaining proper batter (backward lean), installing geogrid reinforcement if needed, and ensuring each course is level and properly secured.

Backfilling and finishing: Once the wall is up, we carefully backfill behind it with proper drainage material, compact it in layers, and finish the top. The area in front of the wall is graded to direct surface water away from the structure.

Most residential retaining walls take 3 to 7 days to complete depending on length and height. Larger or more complex walls may take longer. We'll give you a realistic timeline during the estimate phase so you can plan accordingly.

Common Questions About Retaining Walls

Retaining wall costs vary widely based on height, length, materials, and site conditions. Basic concrete block walls typically cost $20 to $35 per square foot of wall face. That includes excavation, base prep, materials, labor, and drainage. Taller walls, difficult access, poor soil conditions, or decorative materials increase the price. A typical 3-foot tall, 20-foot long wall (60 square feet) runs about $1,200 to $2,100. We provide detailed estimates that break down all costs so you understand what you're paying for.

In Benton, walls over 3 to 4 feet typically require permits and engineering approval. Even shorter walls may need permits depending on location and what they're retaining. If the wall is near a property line or affects drainage on neighboring properties, additional approvals may be needed. We're familiar with local requirements and can guide you through the permit process. Getting proper permits protects you legally and ensures the wall is built to code. It's always better to check before you build than deal with problems later.

A properly built retaining wall can last 30 to 50 years or more. The key factors are proper design for the load, adequate drainage behind the wall, and correct installation on a solid base. Walls that fail usually do so because of poor drainage or inadequate foundation, not because the materials wore out. Concrete block and poured concrete walls are extremely durable when built correctly. Natural stone walls can last even longer. We build our walls to last, using proven techniques and proper drainage systems that prevent the most common causes of failure.

Need a Retaining Wall Solution?

Call CLP Benton Concrete for a free site evaluation. We'll assess your property, discuss your options, and provide an honest estimate for your retaining wall project.

(501) 381-3996