Retaining Walls & Concrete Masonry

Why Retaining Walls Matter

Retaining walls do more than just look good. They hold back soil, prevent erosion, create level planting beds or entertaining spaces, and protect your property from water damage. A well-built retaining wall can turn a sloped, unusable yard into functional outdoor living space while managing drainage and preventing soil movement.

Here in Bridgeport, CT, many properties have slopes that need management. Heavy rain can wash away soil, undermine foundations, and create muddy messes. Retaining walls control these problems while adding visual interest and value to your property. They work particularly well for terraced gardens, raised patios, and preventing erosion on hillside lots.

At SureChoice Bridgeport Concrete, we build retaining walls and masonry structures designed to last. We understand soil pressure, drainage requirements, and proper construction techniques for walls that stay straight and stable for decades. Whether you need a small garden wall or a larger structural retaining system, we deliver professional results.

Retaining Wall Options

We build several types of retaining walls depending on your needs, budget, and site conditions:

• •Poured Concrete Walls: Solid, monolithic walls ideal for taller applications and heavy-duty soil retention. Very durable and low maintenance.
• •Concrete Block Walls: Built with concrete masonry units (CMUs), these walls are cost-effective and versatile for various heights and configurations.
• •Segmental Retaining Walls: Interlocking concrete blocks that create attractive walls with natural stone appearance. Popular for residential landscaping.
• •Brick or Stone Veneer: Concrete block walls finished with brick or natural stone facing for a more upscale appearance.
• •Gravity Walls: Shorter walls (typically under 3-4 feet) that rely on their weight to resist soil pressure without reinforcement.

The right choice depends on wall height, soil conditions, aesthetic preferences, and budget. We will help you select the best option for your specific situation.

Building Retaining Walls That Last

A retaining wall is only as good as its foundation and drainage. Here is how we build walls that stand up to soil pressure and weather:

Foundation: We excavate and prepare a level base, typically using compacted gravel. The foundation must extend below the frost line for taller walls to prevent frost heave. Proper foundation preparation prevents settling and wall failure.

Drainage: Water pressure behind a retaining wall can cause failure. We install drainage systems including perforated pipes, gravel backfill, and weep holes to let water escape. Proper drainage is absolutely critical for long-term wall stability.

Construction: We build the wall level and plumb, using proper techniques for the wall type. Poured walls need reinforcement and forms. Block walls require proper mortar joints and vertical rebar. Segmental walls need correct setback and pinning.

Backfill: We backfill carefully with free-draining gravel directly behind the wall, then use native soil farther back. Proper compaction prevents settling while maintaining drainage.

Where Retaining Walls Work

Retaining walls solve practical problems while enhancing your property. Common applications include creating level areas for patios or gardens on sloped lots, preventing erosion along driveways, supporting elevated driveways, and managing water runoff.

They also work well for terraced landscaping where multiple shorter walls create several level planting beds, privacy screening along property lines, and decorative features that add dimension and character to flat yards.

Walls over 4 feet tall typically require engineering and permits. We handle the necessary paperwork and ensure your wall meets all local requirements. For walls that also serve as part of a structure or foundation, additional structural considerations apply.