"Hired 3D masonry to build a retaining wall around my newly installed inground pool. Dennis came out, measured, and went over the project with me in great detail, his pricing was extremely fair, and gave me a tentative start date. He kept his start date, showed up first thing in the morning, and did exactly what we had discussed. The workmanship was incredible. Looking forward to having them build the rest of my backyard patio and much more."
"I can only reiterate the other 180 positive five star reviews prior to mine. It was a pleasure working with Alex and his crew! His work exceeded our expectations. They were so polite, easy to work with, extremely professional and knowledgeable. They were here for about a week and left the worksite clean each day when finished. We hired him to replace two walkways, build a gorgeous firepit, construct two rock walls and install Belgium block around a garden. Alex was a great communicator and offered great ideas for our projects. The photos should speak for themselves."
"Hired Design and Build to install some belgian blocks as an edging for my driveway, specifically to help direct water run off, and eliminate a problem I was having. The two young men arrived on time, and did an excellent job figuring out what would be the best way to solve the problem. They carefully cut the edge of the driveway, dug out a trench, placed mortar, installed the blocks, and cemented in place. They also addressed other possible issues contributing to run off. They took their time and did a beautiful job aesthetically, and cleaned up everything in a very meticulous manner. I have not been having problems with run off since, and am very pleased with the work done. I would also mention that the workers were very well mannered and hard working, and the price was very fair."
"Leonard and his crew were extremely efficient and hard working. They did a great job at building a back yard patio and stone wall. I was very pleased. They were timely and cleaned up the area nicely. I would recommend them and have them do more work if needed."
"Received a prompt and very reasonable quote. They installed a new concrete walkway, did a prompt and excellent job and would highly recommend this company to others. Plan on using them again for future projects."
"Jimmy?s Masonry has done a tremendous job for my family over many years. They recently completed our patio and a retaining wall, and the quality of work was excellent. Professional, efficient, and very fairly priced. Highly recommend!"
"Cela masonry is top notch! They have done my front walkway and now a rear patio, both of which we are extremely pleased. The team does amazing work, is professional, timely & reasonable in every way."
At Beni & Son Construction LLC , we pride our company on reliability, great communication, integrity, and quality work. We are experts in our trade and will do our best to keep you as educated as we can on your particular task or project. We look forward to earning your business!
"Great family business!! They did an extensive pool wall repair and full deck replacement. We were very happy with their work and would recommend them to our friends. My wife and I would definitely use them again!"
Retaining Wall Installers questions, answered by experts
Poured concrete is often the cheapest material for a retaining wall, costing around $6 to $8 per square foot. Other budget-friendly options include vinyl and landscaping timbers, which range from $10 to $15 per square foot; landscaping timbers are particularly well-suited for DIY projects. Untreated timber and railroad ties are a step up in price, starting at $15 to $25 per square foot. Natural stones can also be a cost-effective choice if you can source them from your own property, but they can be expensive to purchase. High-end materials like steel are typically the most expensive but offer superior durability and aesthetics.
The lifespan of a retaining wall varies based on its material, installation quality, maintenance, and local climate, with an average range of 20 to 100 years. Retaining walls made from durable materials like concrete, stone, and brick generally last a minimum of 50 years. Concrete walls typically last between 50 and 100 years, while brick can last for over a century in ideal conditions. Timber retaining walls can last from 20 to 40 years, depending on the wood quality, and pressure-treated wood walls average around 30 years. It is important to note that a retaining wall can fail prematurely if it was poorly constructed, for example, with inefficient footings or without necessary rebar reinforcements.
Failure to compact the soil during construction is the most common cause of leaning retaining walls. In addition, poor drainage can lead to excessive water pressure behind a retaining wall, pushing against it until it begins to move forward away from the soil it is holding back.
Most railroad tie retaining walls have a life span of 20 to 30 years, though you may need to replace your wall sooner if it’s repeatedly exposed to heavy rain, runoff, and excess moisture. Railroad ties are typically treated with creosote, which makes them much more durable than untreated wood. Though they last longer, they don’t last forever. For the most longevity, make sure your retaining wall has a sturdy base and steel reinforcements. You should also install drainage to direct water away from the wall.
Generally, a railroad tie retaining wall consisting of a single line of ties should be between 3 and 4 feet tall—and the height often tops out at around 6 feet. You can go taller, but you may need additional footings and reinforcements, including a second layer of railroad ties to support the added weight of the soil it’s holding back.
The Middletown, CT homeowners’ guide to retaining wall installation services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Retaining wall repair cost can vary widely based on the age and condition of the wall being restored. Learn why finding the right pro is important for getting the job done.
While it’s possible to DIY build a retaining wall, several pros have advanced knowledge of hardscaping and building. Learn who to hire to build a retaining wall.
There is no one-size-fits-all retaining wall for your yard. In fact, the options are endless. Check out 20 retaining wall ideas to upgrade your hardscape.
