Retaining Walls

Engineered concrete retaining systems and barrier walls that outlast North Texas seasons and project demands.

Our engineered concrete retaining wall services provide reliable, long-lasting solutions for grade changes, erosion control, and site terracing across commercial and industrial properties in Denton and North Texas. We design and construct gravity walls, cantilever walls, and anchored wall systems that manage significant elevation changes while controlling soil pressure and water management. Every retaining wall project begins with proper engineering analysis considering wall height, soil conditions, surcharge loads, and drainage requirements specific to Denton County's expansive clay soils. Our retaining walls serve diverse applications from parking lot terracing and loading dock walls to commercial landscaping features and building site grade separations. We understand that retaining wall performance depends equally on structural design and proper drainage—poorly drained walls fail regardless of structural strength. Our comprehensive approach includes geotechnical evaluation, structural engineering coordination, drainage system design, waterproofing, and construction execution that ensures long-term stability. Whether supporting building foundations, creating usable space on sloped sites, controlling erosion along waterways, or managing drainage patterns, our retaining walls deliver engineered reliability. We work with structural engineers to provide sealed calculations and drawings for permit approval, coordinate with civil engineers for site grading integration, and execute construction with experienced crews who understand critical details like backfill compaction, weep hole placement, and waterproofing application. From 4-foot landscape walls to 20-foot structural walls, we deliver retaining wall solutions engineered for Denton's soil conditions and built to last decades.

Applications

Parking Lot Terracing
Loading Dock Retaining Walls
Commercial Landscaping
Erosion Control
Building Site Grade Changes
Drainage Management

Project Timeline

Typical timeline for 100 linear feet of retaining wall at 8 feet height (4-6 weeks total): Week 1: Geotechnical investigation, engineering design, permit submittal. Weeks 2-3: Permit review and approval, mobilization, site preparation. Week 4: Excavation, footing installation, footing inspection and concrete pour. Week 5: Wall formwork, reinforcement installation, wall inspection, concrete placement, waterproofing. Week 6: Drainage system installation, backfilling with compaction testing, final grading, final inspection. Taller or more complex walls may require 8-10 weeks. Simple short walls may complete in 3-4 weeks.

Technical Specifications

Engineering: Licensed PE design required for walls over 4 feet
Reinforcement: Per structural engineer specifications
Drainage: Weep holes, gravel blanket, perforated drain pipe mandatory
Footing: Sized per soil bearing capacity and wall height, minimum 18-24 inches below grade
Concrete: 4,000-5,000 PSI for structural elements
Waterproofing: Applied to soil-contact wall face
Backfill: Select structural fill, compacted to 95% Standard Proctor
Inspections: Footing, reinforcement, drainage system, final

Denton Area Considerations

Denton County's expansive clay soils present unique challenges for retaining wall design and construction, requiring careful attention to soil moisture control and drainage. These high-plasticity clay soils can generate lateral pressures significantly exceeding typical soil pressures when saturated, making robust drainage systems absolutely essential—not optional. Most retaining wall failures in North Texas result from inadequate drainage rather than structural deficiency. Geotechnical investigation is critical for proper wall design; assumptions about soil conditions often lead to under-designed walls. The City of Denton requires engineered designs for walls over 4 feet, with sealed plans and multiple inspections throughout construction. Building department review focuses on structural adequacy, proper drainage provisions, and safety considerations. Minimal freeze-thaw exposure in North Texas is favorable, but seasonal moisture variations from alternating wet and dry periods create cyclic loading conditions that must be considered in design. Proper waterproofing prevents moisture intrusion through concrete while drainage systems control soil moisture and lateral pressure. Access to Texas One-Call (811) before excavation is mandatory to identify underground utilities common in developed areas. Lead time for engineering and permitting (4-8 weeks) must be factored into project schedules. Ready availability of qualified geotechnical and structural engineers familiar with local soil conditions supports efficient project delivery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Featured Projects

Distribution Center - Parking Lot Terracing

Designed and constructed 280 linear feet of terraced retaining walls ranging from 6 to 12 feet in height to create expanded parking area on sloped site adjacent to new distribution center. Project required structural engineering analysis, coordination with civil engineer for site grading integration, multi-level wall system with proper drainage between levels, accommodation of heavy vehicle loads from truck traffic, and accelerated schedule to support facility opening.

Results:

Completed wall system in 7 weeks including engineering and permitting. Cantilever wall design with comprehensive drainage system handled challenging site conditions and expansive clay soils. Walls created additional 18,000 SF of usable parking area supporting 65 truck parking spaces. All inspections passed without corrections. Wall system has performed excellently through two years of Texas weather cycles with zero signs of distress, cracking, or drainage issues. Project delivered on budget and enabled facility opening on schedule.

Loading Dock Retaining Wall - Industrial Facility

Constructed 120-foot retaining wall up to 10 feet tall to support new loading dock area and accommodate 8-foot grade change across site. Wall supports loading dock structure and must resist impact loads from dock bumpers and heavy truck traffic. Required robust engineering, heavy reinforcement, special waterproofing, and coordination with building foundation contractor. Tight site access required careful logistics planning.

Results:

Delivered engineered wall system on 5-week schedule despite access challenges. Wall incorporated #7 rebar at 12-inch spacing, 12-inch thick wall section, and enhanced drainage system with redundant weep holes. Applied premium waterproofing membrane on building-facing side to protect structures. Loading dock operational for two years with zero wall movement or structural issues. Wall successfully resists dock impact loads and supports intended surcharge from loading operations. Client praised quality of construction and ability to complete in restricted site conditions.

Why Choose Us for Retaining Walls?

20+ Years Experience

Proven expertise in commercial concrete construction

Licensed & Insured

Fully licensed, bonded, and insured for your protection

On-Time Delivery

Projects completed on schedule and within budget

Quality Guarantee

Premium materials and expert craftsmanship guaranteed

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Free consultation and quote for your commercial concrete project.

Business Hours:
Mon-Fri: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sat: 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Service Areas

We provide retaining walls services throughout Denton and surrounding areas:

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