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North Metro LandscapesRetaining Wall Construction Specialists

Do I need a retaining wall? Is your yard sloped? Does it contain unsightly hills or dips?

If you answered yes to either of those questions, you need to consider installing a retaining wall. Commonly used in residential landscaping, retaining walls serve a variety of purposes around the yard. Their most basic job is to prevent the earth on steep slopes from moving downhill or collapsing. We are in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains so we see this all the time.

Why Choose North Metro Landscapes?

The top three things that set us apart:

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Experience and Expertise

We have a proven track record of successfully designing and installing retaining walls. We understand the complexities of different wall types, soil conditions, and local regulations.

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Warranty and Guarantee

First and foremost, your retaining wall builder should ensure that the layer of base material below the first course (or row of blocks) is perfectly level. If the blocks are set on an uneven surface, it will result in an unstable, lopsided wall.

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Clear Communication

From detailed project proposals and accurate estimates to addressing your questions and concerns promptly, we know the importance of communication to the overall success of the project.

Our Retaining Wall Projects

Stone Steps and Semi Custom Modular Wall
Pool Landscaping
Privacy Wooden Fence
Multi Tier Walls
Grey Belgard Retaining Wall
Flagstone Pool Deck 4 - Bluestone Treads
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The Best Sod For Your Landscape

Benefits of Retaining Walls

Here are the top 10 reasons we build retaining walls:

Erosion Control

Retaining walls help prevent soil erosion by holding back or stabilizing the soil on sloped or hilly terrain. This is especially important in areas with heavy rainfall or steep topography.

Slope Stabilization

They can be used to stabilize steep slopes and prevent landslides or slippage, which can be a safety hazard and protect property.

Improved Land Use

Retaining walls allow you to create level or terraced areas on sloped land, making it easier to use the space for gardening, landscaping, or building structures like patios, driveways, or walkways.

Flood Prevention

In flood-prone areas, retaining walls can be used to divert or control water flow, reducing the risk of flooding and damage to the property.

Enhanced Aesthetics

Retaining walls can add an attractive and decorative element to the landscape design, incorporating various materials like stone, brick, wood, or concrete.

Garden Beds

Retaining walls can be used to create raised garden beds, allowing for better soil drainage and improved access to sunlight, which can be beneficial for plant growth.

Boundary and Privacy

Retaining walls can serve as property boundaries and offer privacy by creating physical barriers between your property and adjacent properties or public areas.

Structural Support

Retaining walls can provide structural support to buildings and other structures, particularly on properties with significant grade changes.

Parking and Access

Retaining walls can be used to create parking areas or access ramps on sloped properties, increasing convenience for both you and visitors.

Drainage Control

Retaining walls can incorporate drainage systems to manage excess water and prevent damage to the property’s foundation.

What Type of Retaining Wall
Do I Need?

We take into considerations several factors like the height of the wall, soil characteristics, site conditions, and aesthetic preferences. Here are common types of retaining walls we build:

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Gravity Retaining Wall

These walls rely on their own weight and mass to resist soil pressure. They are suitable for low to moderate-height walls and are typically constructed using concrete blocks, stone, or concrete.

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Cantilever Retaining Wall

Cantilever walls have a T or L shape in cross-section, with one side connected to the retained soil and the other side extending outward. They use a lever arm to resist the pressure of the soil behind them and are often made of reinforced concrete.

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Counterfort Retaining Wall

Like cantilever walls, counterfort walls have a T-shaped cross-section, but include vertical columns (counterforts) on the soil side enhancing stability for taller structures.

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Buttress Retaining Wall

Similar to counterfort walls, but with diagonal braces (buttresses) on the retained soil side, this design is suitable for even taller retaining walls and provides added strength.

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Sheet Pile Retaining Wall

These are made of interlocking steel, vinyl, or wood sheets driven into the ground to form a continuous barrier. They are often used in waterfront or marine applications where space is limited.

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Anchored Retaining Wall

These use cables or tendons to anchor the wall to the ground behind it, providing additional lateral support. This type is ideal for situations where high wall heights or limited space make other wall types less practical.

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Gabion Retaining Wall

Constructed using wire mesh containers filled with rocks or other materials. They are suitable for both retaining and erosion control applications and have a natural appearance.

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Modular Block Retaining Wall

Built using precast concrete or interlocking concrete blocks, they offer ease of installation and can be used for various wall heights. They often have textured faces for an aesthetic appeal.

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Timber Retaining Wall

Constructed using pressure-treated wood, they are a popular choice for smaller, decorative walls (not suitable for very tall or load-bearing structures).

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Segmental Retaining Wall (SRW)

Made of precast concrete blocks that interlock to create a stable wall, they are commonly used for residential and commercial landscaping due to their versatility and ease of construction.

How to Build a
Retaining Wall

Retaining walls may look simple, but they require a significant amount of planning and knowledge to engineer a strong and long-lasting structure. For this reason, it’s always best to enlist a professional retaining wall builder who will give thought to not just the outer appearance of your wall but the structural and installation components as well.

Here are the most important features of a well-built retaining wall:

1. Level Surface

First and foremost, your retaining wall builder should ensure that the layer of base material below the first course (or row of blocks) is perfectly level. If the blocks are set on an uneven surface, it will result in an unstable, lopsided wall.

2. Solid Foundation

The strength of your wall depends on establishing a solid foundation. In order to do so, the first course, or couple courses, should be laid below ground. A good rule of thumb is to bury roughly 10% of the height of the entire wall.

3. Stepped Back Materials

Well-designed retaining walls use gravity to their advantage. To avoid being pushed outward by the pressure of the soil, the concrete blocks, stones, rocks, or whatever material you choose should be ‘stepped back’ so that it leans into the soil instead of being perfectly vertical.

3 Common Retaining Wall Mistakes

Unfortunately, retaining walls are one of the most commonly mishandled projects. Either people try to DIY the retaining wall or they sacrifice quality for cost when hiring a construction/landscape team.

Be aware of the three most common retaining wall installation mistakes:

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Poor Engineering

In order for retaining walls to do their job, there are many considerations in the design process and the planning stage can take a significant amount of time. However, we are professionals who handle these types of projects every day so we can efficiently and effectively get your retaining wall up (and keep it up!).

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Lack of Drainage

Walls that don’t have a proper drainage system installed to reroute groundwater have a high chance of failure. Considering drainage throughout the building process will prevent erosion, protect your wall, and ensure the longevity of the build.

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Inadequate Installation

You can probably drive around today and spot retaining walls that are tilting, bulging, cracking, or even collapsing. Hiring a contractor who knows the best construction techniques for each material type from concrete to stone will help you avoid these unattractive flaws.

Trust the Experts

Experienced Retaining Wall Builders

The best way to ensure you receive a quality retaining wall is to choose a quality contractor.

Committed to solid results and dependable service, our professionals will be a trusted partner throughout the retaining wall installation process. Experience the North Metro Landscapes difference. Dive into a world where aesthetics meets functionality.

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6470 East Johns Crossing, Ste 160
Johns Creek, GA 30097

6470 East Johns Crossing, Ste 160
Johns Creek, GA 30097

(678) 238-2367

Mon - Fri: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Sat - Sun: Variable Hours
Closed on Major Holidays

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