Retaining Walls & Concrete Masonry

If your property has slopes, uneven terrain, or drainage problems, a retaining wall might be exactly what you need. Retaining walls hold back soil, prevent erosion, manage water runoff, and create usable flat spaces on sloped lots. They are both functional and attractive when built properly.

A poorly built retaining wall can fail catastrophically. It might crack, lean, or even collapse if the design is wrong or the construction is sloppy. That is why retaining walls should be built by professionals who understand soil pressure, drainage, reinforcement, and structural requirements.

We specialize in concrete retaining walls and masonry work throughout Owensboro and the surrounding areas. Whether you need a small garden wall or a large structural wall to support a driveway or building, we have the knowledge and equipment to build it right. We understand local soil conditions, frost depth, and drainage requirements. We build walls that last.

We build several types of retaining walls and masonry structures:

• Poured concrete retaining walls: Strong, durable walls built from reinforced concrete, ideal for larger projects
• Concrete block walls: Modular walls built from concrete blocks, faster to install and cost-effective
• Segmental retaining walls: Interlocking block systems that provide flexibility and attractive finishes
• Garden and landscape walls: Shorter decorative walls that define spaces and add visual interest
• Structural support walls: Heavy-duty walls designed to support driveways, buildings, or other loads
• Erosion control walls: Walls built to prevent soil erosion on slopes and hillsides

The type of wall you need depends on the height, soil conditions, drainage requirements, and what the wall will support. We evaluate your site and recommend the best solution for your situation. Some projects require engineered designs, especially for taller walls or heavy loads. We work with engineers when needed to ensure the wall is designed correctly.

Retaining walls fail when they are not built to handle the forces acting on them. Soil behind a wall exerts tremendous pressure, especially when it gets wet. Without proper design and construction, walls crack, lean, or collapse. Here is what we do to build walls that last:

Deep Footing

Every retaining wall needs a solid footing below the frost line. We excavate deep enough to place the footing on stable soil. The footing distributes the wall's weight and provides a stable base. Skimp on the footing, and the wall will fail.

Proper Drainage

Water is the enemy of retaining walls. If water builds up behind the wall, the pressure increases dramatically and can cause failure. We install drainage systems behind the wall to relieve water pressure. This includes gravel backfill and perforated drain pipes that carry water away.

Reinforcement

Concrete and masonry are strong in compression but weak in tension. That is why we use steel reinforcement to handle tensile forces. Rebar is placed vertically and horizontally according to the design. For taller walls, we may use tie-backs or geogrids for additional support.

Proper Backfill

The material we place behind the wall matters. We use free-draining gravel near the wall and compact backfill soil properly. This reduces pressure on the wall and improves drainage. We do not just push dirt against the wall and hope for the best.

Quality Materials

We use high-quality concrete, proper reinforcement, and durable masonry materials. Cutting corners on materials leads to premature failure. We source materials from reputable suppliers and follow specifications.

Building a retaining wall starts with understanding your goals and evaluating the site. Here is how we approach each project:

Site Evaluation

We visit your property to see the terrain, measure elevations, and evaluate soil conditions. We look at drainage patterns, existing structures, and access for equipment. This helps us understand what type of wall you need and identify any challenges.

Design and Engineering

For small walls, we can often use standard design guidelines. For taller walls or unusual conditions, we recommend having an engineer design the wall. We work with structural engineers who specialize in retaining walls and site work.

Permits and Approvals

Many retaining walls require building permits, especially if they are over a certain height or support a structure. We can help you navigate the permit process and coordinate with building inspectors.

Construction

We excavate for the footing, pour the footing, build the wall, install drainage systems, and backfill properly. Each step is done carefully to ensure the wall performs as designed. We work efficiently but never rush critical steps.

In addition to retaining walls, we handle other concrete masonry work including foundation walls, decorative block walls, garden walls, and structural repairs. If your project involves concrete or masonry, we can help.

We also offer full-service concrete services including driveways, patios, foundations, and flatwork. One call gets you a crew that can handle all your concrete and masonry needs.

DependaCrew Owensboro Concrete is locally owned and operated. We live and work in this community. When you hire us, you get experienced professionals who take pride in their work and stand behind it. We want your retaining wall to last for decades, and we build it that way.