Retaining Walls
Engineered concrete and block retaining walls that manage slopes, prevent erosion, and create usable outdoor spaces.
Making Life Better In Greater Phoenix & East Valley
Retaining walls are critical structural elements for Arizona properties with slopes, grade changes, or erosion concerns. They hold back earth, create level terraces for landscaping and outdoor living, direct water drainage, and prevent soil from encroaching on structures and walkways. At Runyon Construction Group, we design and build concrete and block retaining walls for residential properties throughout Greater Phoenix, the East Valley, and Maricopa and Pinal counties.
Arizona’s desert terrain often includes natural slopes and grade changes that require retaining walls for both practical and aesthetic reasons. Many Valley neighborhoods, particularly in areas like the Superstition Mountain foothills, North Scottsdale, Fountain Hills, and parts of Gilbert and Queen Creek, feature lots with significant elevation changes that demand professional wall construction.
We build retaining walls using several methods depending on the height, purpose, and site conditions. Poured concrete retaining walls offer maximum strength and are the preferred choice for walls over four feet tall or those bearing significant loads. Concrete masonry unit (CMU) block walls are versatile and cost-effective for a wide range of heights and applications. Segmental retaining wall blocks provide an attractive, modular option for shorter walls and landscape terracing.
Engineering is a critical component of retaining wall construction. Walls over four feet in height typically require structural engineering plans in Maricopa and Pinal counties. Even shorter walls benefit from proper engineering to ensure adequate footing depth, wall thickness, reinforcement, and drainage. We work with licensed structural engineers and can coordinate engineering services as part of your project.
Drainage is perhaps the single most important factor in retaining wall longevity. Hydrostatic pressure from water-saturated soil is the leading cause of retaining wall failure. Every wall we build includes a proper drainage system with perforated pipe, filter fabric, and granular backfill that channels water away from behind the wall. We also install weep holes and surface drainage systems as needed.
Our retaining wall construction process includes excavation, footing installation, wall construction, waterproofing, backfill and compaction, drainage installation, and cap and finish work. We use concrete-filled CMU blocks with vertical rebar grouted into the footing for maximum strength, and we apply waterproof coatings to the back face of walls to protect against moisture penetration.
Decorative options include split-face block, stucco finishes, stone veneer, and cap blocks in a variety of colors and textures. We match finishes to your home’s exterior and landscape design for a cohesive look.
We have built retaining walls ranging from two-foot landscape borders to twelve-foot structural walls throughout the Valley. Contact Runyon Construction Group today for a free estimate on your retaining wall project.
Our Work
Concrete Work Services Include:
Poured Concrete Retaining Walls
Poured concrete walls offer maximum strength for retaining applications. We form and pour solid concrete walls with steel reinforcement, proper footings, and integrated drainage systems. These walls are ideal for heights over four feet and situations requiring maximum structural capacity.
Block Retaining Walls
Concrete masonry unit (CMU) block walls are a versatile and cost-effective choice for retaining walls. We build with concrete-filled, rebar-reinforced blocks on engineered footings, then finish with stucco, split-face block, or stone veneer to match your home's exterior.
Terraced & Tiered Walls
For steep slopes, terraced walls create multiple level areas for landscaping and outdoor use. We design tiered wall systems with proper setbacks, drainage, and structural connections that transform unusable hillsides into attractive, functional outdoor spaces.
Drainage & Waterproofing Systems
Every retaining wall we build includes a complete drainage system with perforated pipe, gravel backfill, and filter fabric to prevent hydrostatic pressure buildup. We also apply waterproof coatings to the back face of walls to protect against moisture damage.
Decorative Wall Finishes
Retaining walls do not have to be plain. We offer split-face block, stucco coatings, stone veneer, decorative cap blocks, and integrated planters that turn structural walls into attractive landscape features that complement your home and outdoor living areas.
Erosion Control Solutions
Beyond traditional retaining walls, we provide erosion control solutions including rip-rap, concrete swales, French drains, and slope stabilization that protect your property from water damage during Arizona's intense monsoon storms.
Frequently Asked Questions
In most Maricopa and Pinal County jurisdictions, retaining walls over 4 feet in height require engineered plans and building permits. We recommend engineering for any wall over 3 feet for safety and longevity.
Retaining wall costs range from $20-$50+ per square face foot depending on height, material, and site conditions. A typical 3-foot-tall, 20-foot-long wall runs $2,500-$5,000. Taller engineered walls cost more. We provide free estimates.
The most common cause is inadequate drainage behind the wall, which creates hydrostatic pressure that pushes the wall outward. Poor footing design, insufficient reinforcement, and expansive soils are also contributing factors.
Yes, always. Every retaining wall we build includes a drainage system with perforated pipe, gravel backfill, and filter fabric to prevent water pressure buildup behind the wall.
Absolutely. We regularly add retaining walls to existing properties to create usable flat areas, manage erosion, or improve landscaping. We assess the site, design the wall, and handle all construction.